Mark 4:22

For there is nothing hid, which shall not be manifested; neither was any thing kept secret, but that it should come abroad.

For {G1063} there is {G2076} nothing {G3756} hid {G2927}{G5100}, which {G3739} shall {G5319} not {G3362} be manifested {G5319}; neither {G3761} was any thing kept {G1096} secret {G614}, but {G235} that {G2443} it should come {G2064} abroad {G1519}{G5318}.

Indeed, nothing is hidden, except to be disclosed; and nothing is covered up, except to come out into the open.

For there is nothing hidden that will not be disclosed, and nothing concealed that will not be brought to light.

For there is nothing hid, save that it should be manifested; neither was anything made secret, but that it should come to light.

Commentary

Mark 4:22 is a profound statement by Jesus, underscoring a foundational principle of divine revelation: that all hidden truths and secret matters will eventually be brought to light. This verse serves as a key interpretive lens for understanding Jesus' parables and the nature of His kingdom teachings.

Context

This verse immediately follows the Parable of the Lamp under a Bushel (Mark 4:21), where Jesus asks if a lamp is brought to be put under a basket or a bed, rather than on a stand. Mark 4:22 clarifies the purpose of His teaching: though some truths might seem obscure or hidden in parables, they are not meant to remain so indefinitely. Instead, they are revealed progressively to those who have "ears to hear" (Mark 4:23), ultimately for all to comprehend. This principle applies not only to spiritual truths but also to actions and motives, which will ultimately be exposed.

Key Themes

  • Divine Revelation: The primary message is that God's truth, once concealed or partially understood, will be fully unveiled. The Kingdom of God, initially presented in parables, will be openly manifested.
  • Ultimate Transparency: Nothing is truly hidden from God. All deeds, whether good or evil, and all intentions, will eventually be laid bare. This theme carries implications for both judgment and vindication.
  • Purpose of Teaching: Jesus did not teach in parables to hide truth permanently, but to prepare His disciples for deeper understanding, which would eventually be proclaimed openly to the world.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek words used reinforce the theme of revelation:

  • "Hid" (κρυπτόν - krypton): Refers to something concealed or secret.
  • "Manifested" (φανερωθήσεται - phanerōthēsetai): Means to make visible, evident, or clear; to bring to light.
  • "Kept secret" (ἀπόκρυφον - apokryphon): Similar to 'krypton', denoting something hidden away.
  • "Come abroad" (ἔλθῃ εἰς φανερόν - elthē eis phaneron): Literally "come into the light" or "come into the open." This phrase emphasizes the public and undeniable nature of the future revelation.

Practical Application

Mark 4:22 carries significant implications for believers today:

  • Embrace Truth: We are encouraged to seek and embrace God's truth, knowing that it will ultimately prevail and be made clear. The mysteries of God's kingdom are not meant to remain hidden indefinitely.
  • Live Authentically: This verse serves as a powerful reminder that all our actions and motives will one day be exposed before God. It calls us to live lives of integrity, transparency, and authenticity, knowing that nothing we do or think is truly secret.
  • Hope for Justice: For those who suffer injustice or whose good deeds go unnoticed, this verse offers hope that truth will ultimately surface, and justice will be served. Conversely, it serves as a warning for those who might try to conceal wrongdoing. This principle is also echoed in Luke 8:17, reinforcing its importance in Jesus' teachings.

Ultimately, Mark 4:22 assures us of God's design for clarity and revelation, both in spiritual understanding and in the ultimate accountability of all things.

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

  • Luke 8:17 (11 votes)

    For nothing is secret, that shall not be made manifest; neither [any thing] hid, that shall not be known and come abroad.

  • Ecclesiastes 12:14 (8 votes)

    For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether [it be] good, or whether [it be] evil.

  • 1 Corinthians 4:5 (7 votes)

    Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.

  • Psalms 78:2 (7 votes)

    I will open my mouth in a parable: I will utter dark sayings of old:

  • Psalms 78:4 (7 votes)

    We will not hide [them] from their children, shewing to the generation to come the praises of the LORD, and his strength, and his wonderful works that he hath done.

  • Acts 20:27 (7 votes)

    For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God.

  • Acts 4:20 (7 votes)

    For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.