Mark 4 33

Mark 4:33 kjv

And with many such parables spake he the word unto them, as they were able to hear it.

Mark 4:33 nkjv

And with many such parables He spoke the word to them as they were able to hear it.

Mark 4:33 niv

With many similar parables Jesus spoke the word to them, as much as they could understand.

Mark 4:33 esv

With many such parables he spoke the word to them, as they were able to hear it.

Mark 4:33 nlt

Jesus used many similar stories and illustrations to teach the people as much as they could understand.

Mark 4 verses

Mark 4 33 Meaning

Jesus consistently taught about the Kingdom of God using numerous parables. His method involved communicating profound spiritual truth in a way that His listeners, given their spiritual capacity and openness at the time, were able to grasp and respond to. This was a demonstration of divine wisdom in tailoring the divine message to human understanding.

Mark 4 33 Context

Mark chapter 4 presents Jesus primarily as a divine teacher, focusing heavily on His use of parables to convey truths about the Kingdom of God. The chapter begins with the foundational parable of the Sower, followed by its private explanation to the disciples, revealing why Jesus speaks in parables to the crowds (Mk 4:1-20). It then includes other parabolic teachings, such as the Lamp on a Stand, the Growing Seed, and the Mustard Seed (Mk 4:21-32), all illustrating different aspects of the Kingdom. Verse 33 acts as a concluding summary, describing Jesus' overarching method of teaching to the general public, indicating that parables were His characteristic approach, especially concerning the Kingdom. This sets the stage for the following section, where Jesus demonstrates His power over nature, shifting from teaching the Word to demonstrating His authority. Historically, parables were a recognized method of instruction in ancient Judaism, used by rabbis and prophets. Jesus, however, uniquely employed them to illuminate divine truth, often challenging traditional understanding and spiritual blindness.

Mark 4 33 Word analysis

• And (καί - kai): A conjunction that smoothly links this verse to the preceding narrative, summarizing Jesus' consistent teaching practice throughout the preceding section and beyond.
• with many (πολλας - pollas): Refers to the significant number or abundance of parables Jesus used. This highlights His extensive reliance on this teaching method. It indicates a systematic and rich repository of illustrative stories, not isolated incidents.
• such (τοιούτοις - toioutois): Specifies the type of parables – those resembling the examples just given in the chapter, which are earthly stories conveying heavenly truth about the Kingdom of God. It points to their figurative, comparative nature.
• parables (παραβολαις - parabolais): From the Greek parabolē, meaning "a placing alongside." It denotes a short, figurative story or analogy that draws a comparison, teaching a spiritual or moral lesson. Jesus masterfully employed parables as a vehicle to communicate complex divine truths in a relatable, yet often veiled, manner. They were tools for both revelation and concealment (Mk 4:10-12).
• He spoke (ελάλει - elalei): An imperfect tense verb indicating continuous, habitual action. Jesus wasn't occasionally speaking in parables; it was His consistent and preferred mode of public instruction, signaling an ongoing dialogue with the crowds.
• the word (τον λογον - ton logon): Refers to the divine message, the gospel concerning the Kingdom of God, which Jesus proclaimed. This "Word" is the embodiment of God's truth, often equated with Jesus Himself as the living Word (Jn 1:1, 14).
• to them (αυτοις - autois): Points to the general audience, the crowds distinct from His closer disciples, to whom deeper explanations were given (Mk 4:10). This audience required a particular approach to receive the "word."
• as (καθώς - kathos): An adverb meaning "according as" or "just as." It introduces the crucial condition or qualification of His teaching: the audience's capacity.
• they were able (ηδύναντο - ēdynanto): The imperfect tense of dynamai, meaning "to be able," "to have the power," or "to be capable." This signifies the limits of the audience's present spiritual capacity, receptivity, and readiness to understand or bear truth. It reflects Jesus' wisdom in discerning their level.
• to hear it (ακούειν - akouin): An infinitive meaning "to hear," which in this biblical context extends beyond mere auditory perception to encompass comprehension, spiritual understanding, inner reception, and potential obedience. The "ability to hear" is fundamentally about spiritual openness to God's truth.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "with many such parables He spoke": This phrase highlights Jesus' primary and continuous method of public communication. It underscores the pedagogical genius and compassionate wisdom of the Master Teacher. He wasn't abstract or dry but captivating and engaging, using stories drawn from everyday life to bridge spiritual concepts.
• "the word to them": This clarifies the content and recipients of His teaching. The "word" is not merely human philosophy but divine truth from God concerning His Kingdom. "To them" emphasizes that this approach was specifically for the masses, the general populace, whose understanding needed to be gradually cultivated, distinguishing them from the disciples who received deeper instruction.
• "as they were able to hear it": This crucial qualification reveals Jesus' incredible sensitivity and strategic wisdom. It signifies that He tailored His message to the spiritual, intellectual, and moral state of His audience. He did not overwhelm them with truths they were unready to comprehend or embrace. This "ability to hear" refers to their spiritual discernment and openness. Those with "ears to hear" (Mk 4:9) were able to look beyond the surface story and perceive the deeper meaning, preparing them for the Kingdom. It emphasizes progressive revelation and underscores God's patience and grace in disclosing truth in stages, acknowledging human limitations and readiness.

Mark 4 33 Bonus section

The teaching strategy implied by "as they were able to hear it" stands in stark contrast to the common rabbinic method of strict propositional teaching or endless debates about the law. Jesus' approach was organic, cultivating understanding rather than merely transmitting rote knowledge. This echoes the concept of spiritual growth—one does not immediately grasp all truth but matures in understanding over time, guided by the Holy Spirit (Jn 16:12-13). Furthermore, this pedagogical principle emphasizes human responsibility: while Jesus accommodated His teaching, the ultimate reception and spiritual benefit depended on the listener's spiritual receptivity, readiness, and desire to genuinely "hear" and embrace the word (Mk 4:20). It signifies that divine revelation is often progressive, and not all truth is revealed to all people at all times. This divine economy in revelation demonstrates both wisdom and sovereignty in how God interacts with humanity.

Mark 4 33 Commentary

Mark 4:33 provides a succinct yet profound summary of Jesus' method as a public teacher. Rather than delivering abstract theological discourse, Jesus predominantly used "many such parables" to proclaim "the word"—the good news of God's Kingdom. This method was not a limitation but a deliberate strategy. Parables functioned as a filter: they engaged the listeners through familiar imagery while simultaneously requiring spiritual insight to penetrate to the deeper truth. The critical phrase, "as they were able to hear it," illuminates Jesus' masterful pedagogy and divine compassion. He did not simply transmit information; He attuned His teaching to the spiritual capacity of His audience. This means He offered truth not in a way that fully exhausted it for all, but in a way that was accessible to their current level of receptivity. This prevented spiritual overwhelming and offered a means for gradual growth in understanding for those with receptive hearts, while hardening the hearts of those who remained unresponsive (as discussed in Mk 4:10-12). Thus, parables served to invite deeper inquiry from the receptive and acted as a judgment for the indifferent. Jesus, knowing human hearts, dispensed divine truth with perfect wisdom and patience, giving "milk" to those unready for "solid food."