Mark Chapter 4 · Verse 10
And when he was alone, they that were about him with the twelve asked of him the parable.
Original Language Analysis
ἐγένετο
he was
G1096
ἐγένετο
he was
Strong's:
G1096
Word #:
3 of 14
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
καταμόνας,
alone
G2651
καταμόνας,
alone
Strong's:
G2651
Word #:
4 of 14
according to sole places, i.e., (adverbially) separately
αὐτὸν
of him
G846
αὐτὸν
of him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
6 of 14
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
περὶ
they that were about
G4012
περὶ
they that were about
Strong's:
G4012
Word #:
8 of 14
properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas
αὐτὸν
of him
G846
αὐτὸν
of him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
9 of 14
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
σὺν
him with
G4862
σὺν
him with
Strong's:
G4862
Word #:
10 of 14
with or together (but much closer than g3326 or g3844), i.e., by association, companionship, process, resemblance, possession, instrumentality, additi
τοῖς
G3588
τοῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern teachers often gave public addresses followed by private explanation to inner circle. This two-tier instruction—public parables, private interpretation—characterized rabbinical pedagogy. Jesus adopts and transforms this pattern. The disciples' question shows parables weren't immediately transparent even to followers. Private teaching sessions allowed Jesus to unfold kingdom mysteries progressively, preparing apostles for post-resurrection ministry. Early church maintained this pattern: public proclamation and private catechesis for deeper instruction.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the disciples' humble questioning model appropriate response to Scripture's difficult passages?
- What role does community inquiry play in growing biblical understanding?
- How can you pursue deeper understanding of God's word through persistent, humble questioning?
Analysis & Commentary
When alone, 'they that were about him with the twelve asked of him the parable.' This group includes the Twelve plus wider circle of disciples. Their question demonstrates humility—they admitted not understanding. Privacy allowed honest inquiry without public embarrassment. The phrase 'asked of him' (ἠρώτων, imperfect tense) indicates persistent, repeated questioning. True disciples seek understanding; they don't pretend to comprehend what confuses them. This verse introduces Jesus' private explanation to disciples (vv. 11-20), distinguishing insider instruction from public teaching. Jesus rewards seeking hearts with deeper revelation.