Mark 4:10
And when he was alone, those around him with the twelve asked him about the parables.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
This verse highlights that beyond the core group of the twelve, there were other attentive followers whom Jesus considered close enough to explain his teachings to privately. It shows Jesus fostering deeper understanding not just with his inner circle, but also with a broader, yet still committed, group.
After Jesus taught a large crowd using parables from a boat, he and his closest followers, including the Twelve Apostles and others, sought privacy. It was in this intimate setting that the disciples, seeing the confusion the parables caused the multitude, specifically asked Jesus for an explanation of his teaching method. This moment sets up Jesus' explanation of why he taught in parables, distinguishing between those who were ready to understand and those who were not.
Why did Jesus teach in parables, and why did only some get to ask about them?
Mark highlights a distinct moment: when Jesus was alone, his closest followers, including the Twelve, approached Him with questions about the parables. This wasn't a public Q&A; it was a private moment of deeper inquiry.
A Privileged Circle
Were Jesus' parables meant to confuse or clarify? This verse hints at a dual purpose.
The use of parables wasn't accidental. While they invited deeper thought from those willing to learn, they also served to veil truth from others.
The Twofold Effect
Understand the original words
parabolē · Greek Noun
A short, simple story used to illustrate a moral or spiritual lesson. Jesus used them to reveal the mysteries of the Kingdom of God to those with receptive hearts while concealing them from those who were spiritually hardened or antagonistic.
dōdeka · Greek Noun/Number
The inner group of Jesus' disciples chosen for special training and leadership. They represent the faithful remnant who are given deeper insight into the mysteries of the Kingdom.
c. 27-28 AD
Jesus Begins Public Ministry
Jesus commences his public ministry in Galilee, gathering a growing following of disciples and a large crowd of curious onlookers. His teachings, initially direct, begin to incorporate parables.
c. 28 AD— this verse
Jesus Teaches the Multitude
Jesus teaches a great multitude by the Sea of Galilee, using parables extensively. This method is employed to both reveal spiritual truths to those receptive and to obscure them from those resistant.
c. 28 AD
Disciples Seek Private Explanation
After Jesus withdraws to teach his inner circle, the disciples (including the Twelve and other close followers) ask for a private explanation of the parables, recognizing their need for deeper understanding.
c. 28-30 AD
Growing Opposition and Teaching Ministry
As Jesus's ministry progresses, opposition from religious leaders intensifies. His use of parables serves as both a teaching tool for his followers and a strategic way to engage and sometimes confound his detractors.
This passage directly parallels Mark 4:10, showing the disciples asking Jesus about the meaning of his parables after he taught the crowds.
Luke 8:9Luke's account also describes the disciples inquiring about the parables, highlighting their desire for deeper understanding compared to the crowds.
Isaiah 6:9-10Jesus quotes this Old Testament passage to explain why he teaches in parables, indicating a divine purpose for both revelation and concealment of truth.
1 Corinthians 2:14This verse speaks to the natural person's inability to understand spiritual things, mirroring the idea that not everyone perceives the meaning of Jesus' parables.
expositorsMark 4:10: "And when he was alone, they that were about him with the twelve asked of him the parable."
elete_me Mark 4:10-13 Chapter 4CHAPTER 4:1-2, 10-13 (Mark 4:1-2; Mark 4:10-13)THE PARABLES "And again He began to teach by the sea side. And there is gathered unto Him a very great multitude, so that He entered into a boat, and sat in the sea; and all the multitude were by the sea on the land. And He taught them many things in parables, and said unto them in His teaching. . . . "And when He wa…
gillMark 4:10: "And when he was alone, they that were about him with the twelve asked of him the parable."
And when he was alone,.... After the multitude was dismissed, and he either remained in the ship, or left it, and retired to some private place, it may be to Simon's house in Capernaum. The Syriac, Persic, and Ethiopic versions read, "when they were alone"; meaning as follows, they that were about him with the twelve; that is, such disciples of his, who, besides the twelve, constantly attended…
This verse highlights that beyond the core group of the twelve, there were other attentive followers whom Jesus considered close enough to explain his teachings to privately. It shows Jesus fostering deeper understanding not just with his inner circle, but also with a broader, yet still committed, group.
After Jesus taught a large crowd using parables from a boat, he and his closest followers, including the Twelve Apostles and others, sought privacy. It was in this intimate setting that the disciples, seeing the confusion the parables caused the multitude, specifically asked Jesus for an explanation of his teaching method. This moment sets up Jesus' explanation of why he taught in parables, distinguishing between those who were ready to understand and those who were not.
After Jesus taught a large crowd using parables from a boat, he and his closest followers, including the Twelve Apostles and others, sought privacy. It was in this intimate setting that the disciples, seeing the confusion the parables caused the multitude, specifically asked Jesus for an explanation of his teaching method. This moment sets up Jesus' explanation of why he taught in parables, distinguishing between those who were ready to understand and those who were not.
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Ask a follow-up
Ask Sola things like:
Live chat about Mark 4:10 is available in the Sola app.
"And when he was alone, those around him with the twelve asked him about the parables." — This verse highlights that beyond the core group of the twelve, there were other attentive followers whom Jesus considered close enough to explain his teachings to privately. It shows Jesus fostering…
