Mark 4:22

Authorized King James Version

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

Original Language Analysis

οὐ nothing G3756
οὐ nothing
Strong's: G3756
Word #: 1 of 17
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
γάρ For G1063
γάρ For
Strong's: G1063
Word #: 2 of 17
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
ἐστιν there is G2076
ἐστιν there is
Strong's: G2076
Word #: 3 of 17
he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are
τί G5100
τί
Strong's: G5100
Word #: 4 of 17
some or any person or object
κρυπτὸν hid G2927
κρυπτὸν hid
Strong's: G2927
Word #: 5 of 17
concealed, i.e., private
ὁ which G3739
ὁ which
Strong's: G3739
Word #: 6 of 17
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
ἐὰν G1437
ἐὰν
Strong's: G1437
Word #: 7 of 17
a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty
μὴ G3361
μὴ
Strong's: G3361
Word #: 8 of 17
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
φανερωθῇ be manifested G5319
φανερωθῇ be manifested
Strong's: G5319
Word #: 9 of 17
to render apparent (literally or figuratively)
οὐδὲ neither G3761
οὐδὲ neither
Strong's: G3761
Word #: 10 of 17
not however, i.e., neither, nor, not even
ἐγένετο any thing kept G1096
ἐγένετο any thing kept
Strong's: G1096
Word #: 11 of 17
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
ἀπόκρυφον secret G614
ἀπόκρυφον secret
Strong's: G614
Word #: 12 of 17
secret; by implication, treasured
ἀλλ' but G235
ἀλλ' but
Strong's: G235
Word #: 13 of 17
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
ἵνα that G2443
ἵνα that
Strong's: G2443
Word #: 14 of 17
in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)
εἰς abroad G1519
εἰς abroad
Strong's: G1519
Word #: 15 of 17
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
φανερόν G5318
φανερόν
Strong's: G5318
Word #: 16 of 17
shining, i.e., apparent (literally or figuratively); neuter (as adverb) publicly, externally
ἔλθῃ it should come G2064
ἔλθῃ it should come
Strong's: G2064
Word #: 17 of 17
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

Analysis & Commentary

Jesus declares universal principle: 'For there is nothing hid, which shall not be manifested; neither was any thing kept secret, but that it should come abroad.' All hidden things will eventually be revealed. This applies multiple ways:

  1. Kingdom mysteries now veiled will be unveiled
  2. Secret sins will be exposed in judgment
  3. Gospel truth, though rejected now, will be vindicated.

The double negative 'nothing...not' (οὐ...οὐ) emphasizes absoluteness. The purpose clause 'but that it should come abroad' (ἀλλ' ἵνα...ἔλθῃ εἰς φανερόν) indicates God intends revelation, not permanent concealment. Parables temporarily veil truth from hard hearts, but ultimate purpose is revelation.

Historical Context

This principle echoes throughout Scripture: God sees in secret and will reward openly (Matthew 6:4, 6, 18); nothing is covered that won't be revealed (Matthew 10:26; Luke 12:2); all will be manifest in judgment (Romans 2:16; 1 Corinthians 4:5; Hebrews 4:13). Jesus spoke this in context of parable teaching—mysteries veiled now will be unveiled. Early church trusted that persecuted truth would eventually triumph. Church history vindicates this: heresies eventually exposed, gospel truth prevails despite opposition, final judgment will reveal all secrets.

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