Mark 4:33

And with many such parables spake he the word unto them, as they were able to hear [it].

And {G2532} with many {G4183} such {G5108} parables {G3850} spake he {G2980} the word {G3056} unto them {G846}, as {G2531} they were able {G1410} to hear {G191} it.

With many parables like these he spoke the message to them, to the extent that they were capable of hearing it.

With many such parables Jesus spoke the word to them, to the extent that they could understand.

And with many such parables spake he the word unto them, as they were able to hear it;

Commentary

Mark 4:33 KJV succinctly describes Jesus' masterful teaching approach, revealing how He communicated profound spiritual truths to His audience. This verse highlights Jesus' consistent use of parables as a primary method for sharing the "word" of God, adapting His message to the spiritual capacity of those listening.

Context

This verse concludes a significant section in Mark's Gospel where Jesus has just taught several key parables to the crowds, including the widely known Parable of the Sower (Mark 4:1-9), the Parable of the Lamp (Mark 4:21-25), and the Parable of the Mustard Seed (Mark 4:30-32). Mark 4:33 serves as a summary statement, emphasizing that these were not isolated instances but characteristic of Jesus' public ministry. He spoke "the word" – the message of God's kingdom – in a way that people could grasp, often using relatable agricultural or everyday imagery to convey deep spiritual realities. This pedagogical approach reflects His divine wisdom in guiding His listeners towards understanding.

Key Themes

  • Divine Pedagogy: Jesus, as the ultimate teacher, employed a strategic method of instruction. Parables allowed Him to convey complex truths about the Kingdom of God in an accessible yet profound manner. His teaching style was intentional, designed to engage and challenge His audience.
  • Gradual Revelation: The phrase "as they were able to hear [it]" signifies that divine truth is often revealed progressively. Jesus didn't overwhelm His audience but met them where they were, providing spiritual food they could digest. This indicates a compassionate and wise approach to spiritual education.
  • The Nature of Parables: While seemingly simple, parables often functioned on multiple levels. For those with open hearts and spiritual hunger, they illuminated truth; for others, they might have obscured it, serving as a test of their willingness to genuinely seek understanding. This dual function is hinted at in Mark 4:11-12, where Jesus explains that only those "to you" (His disciples) are given the mystery of the kingdom.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "parable" is parabolē (παραβολή), which literally means "a placing alongside" or "a comparison." This highlights the essence of a parable: it places a familiar, earthly story alongside a spiritual truth to illustrate and explain it. The phrase "as they were able to hear" (Greek: kathōs ēdynamanto akouein - καθὼς ἠδύναντο ἀκούειν) emphasizes not just physical hearing, but the capacity for spiritual comprehension and reception. It points to the internal readiness and spiritual discernment required to truly grasp the message and the implications of the "word."

Significance and Application

Mark 4:33 offers valuable lessons for us today regarding understanding God's word. Firstly, it reminds us that God's communication is always purposeful and tailored. He desires for us to understand His "word," and He provides it in ways we can grasp, whether through scripture, prayer, or the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Secondly, it challenges us to cultivate a receptive heart and "ears to hear" (Mark 4:9). Our ability to comprehend spiritual truths is often tied to our willingness to listen, reflect, and apply what we learn. Just as Jesus gradually unfolded the mysteries of the kingdom, we are called to patiently seek deeper understanding and allow God's word to transform us progressively in our daily lives.

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 13:34

    All these things spake Jesus unto the multitude in parables; and without a parable spake he not unto them:

  • Matthew 13:35

    That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying, I will open my mouth in parables; I will utter things which have been kept secret from the foundation of the world.

  • John 16:12

    I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now.

  • Hebrews 5:11

    Of whom we have many things to say, and hard to be uttered, seeing ye are dull of hearing.

  • Hebrews 5:14

    But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, [even] those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.

  • 1 Corinthians 3:1

    ¶ And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, [even] as unto babes in Christ.

  • 1 Corinthians 3:2

    I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able [to bear it], neither yet now are ye able.
← Back