And when his disciples asked him what this parable meant,
English Standard Version (ESV)
Their question, "What might this parable be?" reveals more than just confusion; it hints at the disciples' surprise and perhaps even disappointment at Jesus' shift to teaching through parables, a method that seemed less direct and potentially discouraging compared to his usual straightforward speech. This wasn't just a simple query for meaning, but a grappling with a new, more somber dimension of Jesus' ministry.
And when his disciples asked him what this parable meant,
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus had just told the parable of the sower to a large crowd, but the disciples, realizing its deeper meaning was puzzling, asked him privately for an explanation. This question comes right after Jesus explains that while others might hear his parables and not understand, his disciples are given the privilege of understanding the mysteries of the kingdom of God.
Ever feel like Jesus is talking over your head? The disciples sure did. This parable marked a significant change in how Jesus taught, and it left them puzzled.
A New Way of Speaking
For the crowds, Jesus often spoke plainly. But here, he begins to use parables – stories with hidden meanings. This wasn't just a one-off; it was a shift.
The disciples didn't just walk away confused. They went to Jesus with their questions. This is key for anyone seeking truth.
From Confusion to Clarity
It's easy to be baffled by a difficult teaching and let it slide. But the disciples actively sought out Jesus. Their question, 'What might this parable be?', wasn't just a casual inquiry.
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Understand the original words
parabolē · Greek Noun
A simple story used by Jesus to veil or reveal spiritual truth. They act as a judgment on those with hard hearts who refuse to understand, while being an invitation to those who seek the truth.
The disciples' question shows a moment of transition where Jesus begins a new teaching method, moving from broad public address to private instruction for his inner circle, highlighting their unique journey of understanding.
Early 1st century AD
Jesus' Ministry Expands
Jesus' public ministry gains significant momentum, attracting large crowds from surrounding towns and regions. This growing popularity leads to a need for more direct and impactful teaching methods.
Early 1st century AD— this verse
Jesus Teaches the Multitude
Jesus addresses a vast crowd gathered by the Sea of Galilee, speaking a parable, likely from a boat to be heard more clearly.
Early 1st century AD
Disciples Seek Understanding
After the crowd disperses, Jesus' closest followers, including the Twelve, seek him out when he is alone, puzzled by his new parables. They specifically ask for the meaning of the parable of the sower.
Early 1st century AD
Jesus Explains the Parable
Jesus privately explains the meaning of the parable of the sower to his disciples, revealing the spiritual truths behind the imagery.
This passage directly addresses the disciples' confusion about Jesus' teaching method, highlighting their need to understand the deeper meaning behind His parables.
Mark 4:10Mark adds the detail that the disciples asked Jesus privately when they were alone, emphasizing their earnest desire to grasp the spiritual truths Jesus was revealing.
Luke 8:11This verse immediately follows the question, presenting Jesus' own explanation of the parable, which is the core of what the disciples sought to understand.
Isaiah 6:9-10Jesus alludes to this Old Testament passage, suggesting that His parables, while meant to reveal truth to the receptive, could also obscure it from those with hardened hearts.
gillLuke 8:9: "And his disciples asked him, saying, What might this parable be?"
And his disciples asked him,.... That is, as Mark says, "when he was alone"; after the multitude were departed, and they were by themselves, it may be in some house with other disciples: saying, what might this parable be? what is the sense and meaning of it? According to Matthew, they asked why he spake in parables to the people; and to such a question the following words are a proper answer.
pulpitLuke 8:9: "And his disciples asked him, saying, What might this parable be?"
Verse 9. - And his disciples asked him, saying, What might this parable be! This is the only parable St. Luke gives as spoken by our Lord in this place. St. Matthew - who gives the additional detail that on account of the pressure of the crowd on the lake-shore it was spoken from a boat moored close to the bank - relates seven parables here in sequence. It is probable that the Master spoke some of these at least on thi…
Their question, "What might this parable be?" reveals more than just confusion; it hints at the disciples' surprise and perhaps even disappointment at Jesus' shift to teaching through parables, a method that seemed less direct and potentially discouraging compared to his usual straightforward speech. This wasn't just a simple query for meaning, but a grappling with a new, more somber dimension of Jesus' ministry.
Jesus had just told the parable of the sower to a large crowd, but the disciples, realizing its deeper meaning was puzzling, asked him privately for an explanation. This question comes right after Jesus explains that while others might hear his parables and not understand, his disciples are given the privilege of understanding the mysteries of the kingdom of God.
Jesus had just told the parable of the sower to a large crowd, but the disciples, realizing its deeper meaning was puzzling, asked him privately for an explanation. This question comes right after Jesus explains that while others might hear his parables and not understand, his disciples are given the privilege of understanding the mysteries of the kingdom of God.
"And when his disciples asked him what this parable meant," — Their question, "What might this parable be?" reveals more than just confusion; it hints at the disciples' surprise and perhaps even disappointment at Jesus' shift to teaching through parables, a met…
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Last reviewed October 2026