Mark 4:13

And he said unto them, Know ye not this parable? and how then will ye know all parables?

And {G2532} he said {G3004} unto them {G846}, Know ye {G1492} not {G3756} this {G5026} parable {G3850}? and {G2532} how then {G4459} will ye know {G1097} all {G3956} parables {G3850}?

Then Yeshua said to them, "Don't you understand this parable? How will you be able to understand any parable?

Then Jesus said to them, “Do you not understand this parable? Then how will you understand any of the parables?

And he saith unto them, Know ye not this parable? and how shall ye know all the parables?

Mark 4:13 captures a pivotal moment in Jesus's teaching, revealing His expectation for His disciples' understanding of spiritual truth. Following the telling of the Parable of the Sower, the disciples privately asked Him about the parables. Jesus's response here is both a gentle rebuke and a profound challenge regarding their spiritual comprehension.

Context

This verse immediately precedes Jesus's detailed explanation of the Parable of the Sower to His disciples. The disciples, who were part of Jesus's inner circle, had approached Him to inquire about the meaning of His parabolic teachings (Mark 4:10). Jesus's question implies that the Parable of the Sower was not merely one among many, but a foundational parable, essential for understanding all others. It speaks to the various ways people receive, or fail to receive, the Word of God.

Key Themes

  • Spiritual Discernment: Jesus highlights the critical need for spiritual insight. Understanding parables is not just about intellectual grasp but about a heart ready to receive and apply truth.
  • Foundational Truths: The Parable of the Sower is presented as a master key. If one cannot comprehend how the Word is sown and received, it becomes difficult to understand other spiritual principles that build upon this foundation. It illustrates the different "soils" of the human heart (see Mark 4:14-20).
  • Discipleship and Learning: Jesus's question underscores the journey of discipleship. True followers are expected to grow in their understanding and application of His teachings.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "Know ye not this parable?" reflects Jesus's mild astonishment or disappointment. The Greek phrase ouk oidate ten parabolen tauten literally means "do you not know this parable?" The implication is that this particular parable should have been relatively straightforward, or at least its core concept accessible, given their privileged position as disciples. It serves as a benchmark for their spiritual receptivity.

Practical Application

Mark 4:13 serves as a timeless reminder for believers today. If we struggle with the basic principles of how God's Word takes root in our lives, our ability to grasp deeper spiritual truths will be hindered. It encourages us to:

  • Diligently Study the Word: Not just passively hear, but actively seek to understand and internalize foundational biblical teachings.
  • Examine Our Hearts: Like the different soils, our hearts must be prepared to receive the Word, free from distractions, shallow commitment, or the cares of the world (compare Luke 8:11-15).
  • Seek Deeper Understanding: Don't be content with superficial knowledge. Ask God for wisdom and insight to comprehend His truth, just as the disciples eventually sought clarity.
This verse emphasizes that spiritual understanding is progressive, beginning with a firm grasp of fundamental truths.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Revelation 3:19

    As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.

  • Matthew 16:8

    [Which] when Jesus perceived, he said unto them, O ye of little faith, why reason ye among yourselves, because ye have brought no bread?

  • Matthew 16:9

    Do ye not yet understand, neither remember the five loaves of the five thousand, and how many baskets ye took up?

  • Matthew 13:51

    Jesus saith unto them, Have ye understood all these things? They say unto him, Yea, Lord.

  • Matthew 13:52

    Then said he unto them, Therefore every scribe [which is] instructed unto the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man [that is] an householder, which bringeth forth out of his treasure [things] new and old.

  • Luke 24:25

    Then he said unto them, O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken:

  • Mark 7:17

    And when he was entered into the house from the people, his disciples asked him concerning the parable.

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