Mark 4:11

And he said unto them, Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all [these] things are done in parables:

And {G2532} he said {G3004} unto them {G846}, Unto you {G5213} it is given {G1325} to know {G1097} the mystery {G3466} of the kingdom {G932} of God {G2316}: but {G1161} unto them {G1565} that are without {G1854}, all these things {G3956} are done {G1096} in {G1722} parables {G3850}:

He answered them, "To you the secret of the Kingdom of God has been given; but to those outside, everything is in parables,

He replied, “The mystery of the kingdom of God has been given to you, but to those on the outside everything is expressed in parables,

And he said unto them, Unto you is given the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all things are done in parables:

Commentary

Commentary on Mark 4:11 (KJV)

Mark 4:11 is a pivotal verse in Jesus' teaching ministry, explaining the purpose behind His use of parables. It comes immediately after Jesus tells the Parable of the Sower and His disciples inquire why He speaks in such a manner.

Context

In this passage, Jesus has just finished teaching a large crowd by the sea, using the well-known Parable of the Sower. When He is alone with His disciples and other close followers, they ask Him about the parables. This verse is Jesus' direct answer, delineating a distinction between those who are granted insight into spiritual truths and those who are not. It highlights a key aspect of Jesus' teaching method: parables served not only to illustrate but also, paradoxically, to conceal truth from those whose hearts were unresponsive, while revealing it to those who were truly seeking.

Key Themes

  • Divine Revelation and Concealment: This verse underscores that understanding spiritual truth is a divine gift. "Unto you it is given" signifies that God actively reveals His plans and purposes to those He chooses, typically those who have committed themselves to following Him. Conversely, for "them that are without," the same truths are presented in a way that remains obscure, precisely because their hearts are not prepared to receive them.
  • The Mystery of the Kingdom of God: The "kingdom of God" is central to Jesus' message, referring to God's sovereign rule and the sphere of His redemptive activity. It is called a "mystery" (Greek: mystērion) not because it is inherently unknowable, but because it was previously hidden in God's eternal plan and is now being progressively revealed through Jesus' ministry. This revelation is given to those who are "within" – the disciples and receptive believers.
  • The Purpose of Parables: Jesus' parables were not merely simple stories to make complex ideas accessible. As explained here and further in Mark 4:12, they also served as a divine filter. For those with receptive hearts, the parables illuminated truth, drawing them deeper into understanding the nature of the Kingdom of God. For those "without," they functioned as riddles, preventing understanding because their hearts were hardened or unwilling to believe.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek term for "mystery" is mystērion. In the Bible, especially in the New Testament, a mystērion is not something that is impossible to understand, but rather a truth that was previously hidden but is now being revealed by God, particularly through Christ and His work. It speaks to God's unfolding plan. "Them that are without" translates the Greek phrase tois exō, literally meaning "those outside," signifying those outside the immediate circle of discipleship or outside the spiritual understanding that comes through faith and a receptive heart.

Practical Application

This verse challenges us to reflect on our own spiritual posture. Are we "within" – eagerly seeking to understand God's Word with a receptive heart, humble enough to be taught by Him? Or are we "without" – perhaps hearing the truth but failing to grasp its profound significance due to indifference, pride, or a hardened heart? Understanding the "mystery of the kingdom of God" is a gift, inviting us to draw near to Christ and allow His truth to transform us. It encourages a deeper engagement with Scripture and a reliance on the Holy Spirit for true spiritual discernment, recognizing that genuine understanding comes from God's gracious revelation.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Matthew 11:25 (9 votes)

    ¶ At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes.

  • Luke 8:10 (8 votes)

    And he said, Unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God: but to others in parables; that seeing they might not see, and hearing they might not understand.

  • James 1:16 (6 votes)

    Do not err, my beloved brethren.

  • James 1:18 (6 votes)

    Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.

  • Colossians 4:5 (6 votes)

    ¶ Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time.

  • 1 Corinthians 5:12 (6 votes)

    For what have I to do to judge them also that are without? do not ye judge them that are within?

  • 1 Corinthians 5:13 (6 votes)

    But them that are without God judgeth. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person.