Mark Chapter 4 · Verse 13
And he said unto them, Know ye not this parable? and how then will ye know all parables?
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 14
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
λέγει
he said
G3004
λέγει
he said
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
2 of 14
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 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
οἴδατε
Know ye
G1492
οἴδατε
Know ye
Strong's:
G1492
Word #:
5 of 14
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
παραβολὰς
parable
G3850
παραβολὰς
parable
Strong's:
G3850
Word #:
7 of 14
a similitude ("parable"), i.e., (symbolic) fictitious narrative (of common life conveying a moral), apothegm or adage
ταύτην
G3778
ταύτην
Strong's:
G3778
Word #:
8 of 14
the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
9 of 14
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
πῶς
how then
G4459
πῶς
how then
Strong's:
G4459
Word #:
10 of 14
an interrogative particle of manner; in what way? (sometimes the question is indirect, how?); also as exclamation, how much!
τὰς
G3588
τὰς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Historical Context
Jewish rabbis taught basic principles before advancing to complex applications. The Sower parable functions as hermeneutical foundation—it teaches how to receive kingdom teaching, making it prerequisite for understanding subsequent parables. This pedagogical progression—foundational to advanced—characterized ancient education. Early church employed similar method: catechumens learned basic doctrines before advancing to deeper mysteries. The disciples' struggle encourages believers that understanding Scripture requires persistent study and Holy Spirit illumination.
Questions for Reflection
- How does grasping foundational biblical truths enable understanding of more complex doctrines?
- What 'basic' biblical teachings do you need to master before advancing to more complex theology?
- How does Jesus' patience with slow-learning disciples encourage you in spiritual growth?
Analysis & Commentary
Jesus asks: 'Know ye not this parable? and how then will ye know all parables?' This mild rebuke expresses surprise at disciples' incomprehension. The Sower parable is foundational—if they don't understand this basic teaching, how will they grasp more complex truths? The verb 'know' (οἴδατε/γνώσεσθε) appears twice with different nuances: οἴδατε (intuitive knowledge) and γνώσεσθε (acquired understanding). Jesus implies the Sower parable provides hermeneutical key for understanding other parables. This parable about hearing and receiving God's word unlocks others. Reformed theology emphasizes Scripture interprets Scripture—foundational passages illumine others.