Mark 4 34

Mark 4:34 kjv

But without a parable spake he not unto them: and when they were alone, he expounded all things to his disciples.

Mark 4:34 nkjv

But without a parable He did not speak to them. And when they were alone, He explained all things to His disciples.

Mark 4:34 niv

He did not say anything to them without using a parable. But when he was alone with his own disciples, he explained everything.

Mark 4:34 esv

He did not speak to them without a parable, but privately to his own disciples he explained everything.

Mark 4:34 nlt

In fact, in his public ministry he never taught without using parables; but afterward, when he was alone with his disciples, he explained everything to them.

Mark 4 verses

Mark 4 34 Meaning

Mark 4:34 describes Jesus's distinctive teaching approach: He consistently employed parables when addressing the general public. However, away from the crowds and in the privacy of their fellowship, He comprehensively clarified, interpreted, and expounded the deeper meaning of these parables, and indeed all spiritual truths related to the Kingdom of God, specifically to His disciples. This highlights a strategic method of revelation, where spiritual understanding was progressively granted based on an individual's closeness to Him and receptivity to His teachings.

Mark 4 34 Context

Mark 4 opens with Jesus delivering the Parable of the Sower to a large crowd by the sea. This sets the stage for a critical explanation immediately following in Mark 4:10-12, where His disciples inquire about the purpose of His parables. Jesus clarifies that while "the mystery of the kingdom of God has been given to you [disciples]," for those "outside, everything is in parables." This deliberate two-fold strategy of teaching serves to both reveal divine truth to receptive hearts and to conceal it from those who, despite hearing, remained spiritually hardened or indifferent. Mark 4:33 then summarizes that Jesus spoke to the crowds with many such parables "as they were able to hear it." Mark 4:34 directly follows this, articulating the complementary private method of instruction, demonstrating Jesus' commitment to nurturing a deeper understanding among His committed followers. This historical practice was not uncommon among Jewish rabbis who often taught in parables (mashalim), but Jesus' use elevated them to tools of divine revelation that distinguished genuine seekers from those resistant to spiritual truth.

Mark 4 34 Word analysis

• And (Καὶ - Kai): A common conjunction, here serving to link the previous statement about Jesus's public teaching method to this elaboration of His private practice.
• without a parable (χωρὶς παραβολῆς - choris parabolēs):
  • choris: Means "without," "apart from," or "separate from." It emphatically states that Jesus's public discourse with the general crowds always utilized parables.
  • parabolēs (from παραβολή - parabolē): Refers to a "parable," an earthly story with a heavenly meaning. It is a teaching tool that draws comparisons, designed to illustrate moral or spiritual lessons, and, in Jesus's case, also to reveal or conceal truth depending on the listener's spiritual state.
• spake he not (οὐκ ἐλάλει - ouk elalei):
  • ouk: A strong negative "not," signifying a consistent lack of deviation from this rule.
  • elalei (imperfect active indicative of λαλέω - laleō): "He was speaking," "he used to speak." The imperfect tense denotes continuous, habitual action, highlighting this was Jesus's consistent, ongoing practice with the crowds.
• unto them (αὐτοῖς - autois): Refers specifically to the "them" or the large general audience that Jesus was addressing publicly.
• and when they were alone (κατ' ἰδίαν - kat' idian):
  • kat' (preposition shortened from κατά - kata): Used in this idiom to mean "in accordance with" or "apart."
  • idian (from ἰδία - idia): "Private," "personal," "one's own." The phrase kat' idian specifically means "privately," "alone," or "by themselves." This marks a deliberate shift from the public setting to an intimate, secluded environment, exclusively with His inner circle.
• he expounded (ἐπέλυεν - epelyen): Imperfect active indicative of ἐπιλύω (epilyō): "To loose upon," "to unbind," "to explain thoroughly," "to solve," or "to interpret." This term suggests more than just a simple explanation; it implies a detailed, clear, and comprehensive unlocking of meaning, resolving any difficulties or obscurities in the previous teachings. The imperfect tense again implies continuous, habitual action.
• all things (πάντα - panta): "All," "everything." This indicates the comprehensive scope of His private teaching. It wasn't limited to merely clarifying the parables just told, but extended to a full, holistic revelation of the truths of the Kingdom of God and the mysteries related to it.
• to his disciples (τοῖς μαθηταῖς - tois mathētais): "The disciples," referring to those who had committed to following Jesus and learning from Him. This select group received privileged, in-depth instruction crucial for their future roles as apostles and teachers of the Gospel.

Words-Group by Words-Group analysis

• "And without a parable spake he not unto them": This phrase precisely defines Jesus' public teaching methodology. It means He always spoke to the general populace using parables. This was a deliberate choice to engage those with an open heart to seek further meaning, while allowing the deeper truths to remain veiled for those who were not genuinely receptive, thus testing their spiritual hunger.
• "and when they were alone, he expounded all things to his disciples": This highlights the contrasting, private dimension of Jesus' instruction. The phrase "when they were alone" signifies intimacy, exclusivity, and a unique relational dynamic between Jesus and His dedicated followers. "Expounded all things" shows His thorough, unreserved, and comprehensive teaching to His disciples, enabling them to grasp the full breadth and depth of Kingdom truths beyond simple parabolic imagery. This prepares them for profound spiritual understanding and future proclamation.

Mark 4 34 Bonus section

• The phrase "expounded all things" (ἐπέλυεν πάντα) implies that Jesus did not leave the disciples in any doubt about His teaching. It denotes His meticulous effort in ensuring they grasped every facet of the Kingdom message, signifying the completeness of their foundational training.
• This distinction in teaching methods reveals the sovereign will of God to progressively reveal spiritual truth, granting deeper insight to those He calls and prepares for greater responsibility, as seen in the disciples' future role in spreading the Gospel.
• The requirement for "alone" time underscores the importance of intentional, unhindered communion and focused study with the Master for profound spiritual growth and understanding, moving beyond superficial knowledge.
• This verse can be understood as Jesus modeling intensive theological education and mentorship for future leaders, emphasizing the importance of dedicated, private instruction alongside public proclamation.

Mark 4 34 Commentary

Mark 4:34 offers a profound insight into Jesus' pedagogical strategy and the nature of divine revelation. To the throngs, He intentionally spoke in parables, not merely as illustrative stories, but as veiled truths. This method served a dual purpose: it both invited genuine seekers to delve deeper and allowed those with hardened hearts to remain in their lack of understanding, fulfilling Old Testament prophecy about spiritual blindness (Isa 6:9-10). The very form of the parable required active engagement and inquiry. In contrast, His private sessions with the disciples were characterized by direct, explicit exposition. He "expounded all things," removing any ambiguity and unfolding the profound mysteries of the Kingdom that were concealed from the "outsiders." This comprehensive clarification of both the parables and the broader spiritual reality was a mark of His special training for those He intended to carry on His mission. It reveals that deeper understanding in the spiritual realm is often reserved for those who actively seek, draw near to Christ, and commit themselves to discipleship. This two-tiered teaching illustrates God's principle of giving more light to those who already respond to the light they have received.