Mark 4:11 Meaning and Explanation
“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:”
King James Version (KJV)
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Read Full Chapter →Jesus tells His followers that the mystery of the kingdom of God is given to them, while those outside receive everything in parables.
What Does Mark 4:11 Mean?
Jesus answers the circle around Him. To you, He says, it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom; to those outside, all comes wrapped in story. The word given matters: the knowledge is a gift, not an achievement, and it is received exactly where they are standing, close to Jesus, asking.
A mystery in Scripture is not a puzzle for the clever but a secret God Himself unveils. The secret here is the kingdom arriving in Jesus, hidden like seed in soil. Parables guard that secret from the casual while opening it to the seeking; the same story that entertains one hearer transforms another. The difference between outside and inside is, in this scene, the width of a question: those who came near and asked received.
Mark 4:11 in the Original Language
mysterion (μυστήριον), 'mystery' -- not a riddle to be solved but a hidden truth that God Himself makes known.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mark 4:11
What does Mark 4:11 mean?
Jesus tells His followers that the mystery of the kingdom of God is given to them, while those outside receive everything in parables.