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:
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 21
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἔλεγεν
he said
G3004
ἔλεγεν
he said
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
2 of 21
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
αὐτοῖς
unto them
G846
αὐτοῖς
unto them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
3 of 21
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
δέδοται
it is given
G1325
δέδοται
it is given
Strong's:
G1325
Word #:
5 of 21
to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)
γνῶναι
to know
G1097
γνῶναι
to know
Strong's:
G1097
Word #:
6 of 21
to "know" (absolutely) in a great variety of applications and with many implications (as follow, with others not thus clearly expressed)
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
μυστήριον
the mystery
G3466
μυστήριον
the mystery
Strong's:
G3466
Word #:
8 of 21
a secret or "mystery" (through the idea of silence imposed by initiation into religious rites)
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
βασιλείας
of the kingdom
G932
βασιλείας
of the kingdom
Strong's:
G932
Word #:
10 of 21
properly, royalty, i.e., (abstractly) rule, or (concretely) a realm (literally or figuratively)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεοῦ·
of God
G2316
θεοῦ·
of God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
12 of 21
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
ἐκείνοις
unto them
G1565
ἐκείνοις
unto them
Strong's:
G1565
Word #:
13 of 21
that one (or (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed
τοῖς
G3588
τοῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
15 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἔξω
that are without
G1854
ἔξω
that are without
Strong's:
G1854
Word #:
16 of 21
out(-side) (of doors), literally or figuratively
παραβολαῖς
parables
G3850
παραβολαῖς
parables
Strong's:
G3850
Word #:
18 of 21
a similitude ("parable"), i.e., (symbolic) fictitious narrative (of common life conveying a moral), apothegm or adage
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
19 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Matthew 11:25At 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 8:10And 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.Colossians 4:5Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time.1 John 5:20And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.1 Thessalonians 4:12That ye may walk honestly toward them that are without, and that ye may have lack of nothing.Ephesians 1:9Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself:1 Timothy 3:7Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.Matthew 13:16But blessed are your eyes, for they see: and your ears, for they hear.Matthew 16:17And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Bar-jona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.2 Corinthians 4:6For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
Historical Context
Mystery in Scripture refers to truth previously hidden now revealed (Ephesians 3:3-9 Colossians 1:26-27). Kingdom mystery is that God rule comes through suffering Messiah not conquering warrior. Parables were common rabbinical teaching method. Jesus use unique parables both reveal to disciples and conceal from crowds. Fulfilled Isaiah 6:9-10 hear but not understand. Judicial hardening as consequence of prior rejection. Those who reject light receive darkness. Early church understood dual purpose of parables. Gospel proclaimed to all but only elect respond with faith. Calvin emphasized reprobation as parallel to election. God passes over some in His mercy toward elect. Arminians struggle with these verses emphasizing human free will.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Jesus explanation that parables simultaneously reveal and conceal demonstrate divine sovereignty in who understands gospel?
- What does giving mystery to disciples but not outsiders teach about election and God discriminating grace?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
He said unto them Unto you it is given to know mystery of kingdom of God but unto them that are without all things are done in parables. He said legei Jesus explains parable purpose. Unto you humin disciples chosen ones. It is given dedotai divine passive God gives. Know gnōnai understand perceive. Mystery mystērion hidden truth now revealed. Kingdom of God basileia tou theou God sovereign rule. But de contrast. Them that are without tois exō those outside disciple circle. All things panta hapanta all teaching. Are done ginetai occurs happens. In parables en parabolais comparison figures riddles. Insiders receive explanation outsiders remain in darkness. Grace discriminates enlightens chosen ones. God reveals truth selectively not universally. Parables simultaneously reveal and conceal. Reformed theology sees this as election God chooses to reveal truth to some while hardening others. Divine sovereignty in salvation.