Mark 4:10
New International Version
When he was alone, the Twelve and the others around him asked him about the parables.

New Living Translation
Later, when Jesus was alone with the twelve disciples and with the others who were gathered around, they asked him what the parables meant.

English Standard Version
And when he was alone, those around him with the twelve asked him about the parables.

Berean Standard Bible
As soon as Jesus was alone with the Twelve and those around Him, they asked Him about the parable.

Berean Literal Bible
And when He was alone, those around Him with the Twelve began asking Him about the parable.

King James Bible
And when he was alone, they that were about him with the twelve asked of him the parable.

New King James Version
But when He was alone, those around Him with the twelve asked Him about the parable.

New American Standard Bible
As soon as He was alone, His followers, along with the twelve disciples, began asking Him about the parables.

NASB 1995
As soon as He was alone, His followers, along with the twelve, began asking Him about the parables.

NASB 1977
And as soon as He was alone, His followers, along with the twelve, began asking Him about the parables.

Legacy Standard Bible
And when He was alone, His followers, along with the twelve, began asking Him about the parables.

Amplified Bible
As soon as He was alone, those who were around Him, together with the twelve [disciples], began asking Him about [the interpretation of] the parables.

Christian Standard Bible
When he was alone, those around him with the Twelve asked him about the parables.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
When He was alone with the Twelve, those who were around Him asked Him about the parables.

American Standard Version
And when he was alone, they that were about him with the twelve asked of him the parables.

Contemporary English Version
When Jesus was alone with the twelve apostles and some others, they asked him about these stories.

English Revised Version
And when he was alone, they that were about him with the twelve asked of him the parables.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
When he was alone with his followers and the twelve apostles, they asked him about the stories.

Good News Translation
When Jesus was alone, some of those who had heard him came to him with the twelve disciples and asked him to explain the parables.

International Standard Version
When he was alone with the Twelve and those around him, they began to ask him about the parables.

Majority Standard Bible
As soon as Jesus was alone with the Twelve and those around Him, they asked Him about the parable.

NET Bible
When he was alone, those around him with the twelve asked him about the parables.

New Heart English Bible
And when he was alone, those who were around him with the twelve asked him about the parables.

Webster's Bible Translation
And when he was alone, they that were about him, with the twelve, asked of him the parable.

Weymouth New Testament
When He was alone, the Twelve and the others who were about Him requested Him to explain His figurative language.

World English Bible
When he was alone, those who were around him with the twelve asked him about the parables.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And when He was alone, those around Him, with the Twelve, asked Him of the allegory,

Berean Literal Bible
And when He was alone, those around Him with the Twelve began asking Him about the parable.

Young's Literal Translation
And when he was alone, those about him, with the twelve, did ask him of the simile,

Smith's Literal Translation
And when he was alone, they about him with the twelve asked him of the parable.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And when he was alone, the twelve that were with him asked him the parable.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And when he was alone, the twelve, who were with him, questioned him about the parable.

New American Bible
And when he was alone, those present along with the Twelve questioned him about the parables.

New Revised Standard Version
When he was alone, those who were around him along with the twelve asked him about the parables.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
When they were alone by themselves, those who were with him together with the twelve asked him about that parable.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
But when they were by themselves, those twelve who were with him inquired of him about that parable.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
And when he was alone, those who were about him, with the twelve, asked him the meaning of the parable.

Godbey New Testament
And when they were alone, and those around Him along with the twelve asked Him the parable.

Haweis New Testament
But when they were alone, those who were about him with the twelve, asked him the meaning of the parable.

Mace New Testament
And when he was in private, the twelve, and some of his disciples asked him the meaning of the parable.

Weymouth New Testament
When He was alone, the Twelve and the others who were about Him requested Him to explain His figurative language.

Worrell New Testament
And, when He was alone, those who were about Him with the twelve asked Him as to the parables.

Worsley New Testament
And when He was apart from the multitude, those that were about Him with the twelve asked Him concerning the parable.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Purpose of Jesus' Parables
9Then Jesus said, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear.” 10As soon as Jesus was alone with the Twelve and those around Him, they asked Him about the parable. 11He replied, “The mystery of the kingdom of God has been given to you, but to those on the outside everything is expressed in parables,…

Cross References
Matthew 13:10-11
Then the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Why do You speak to the people in parables?” / He replied, “The knowledge of the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven has been given to you, but not to them.

Luke 8:9-10
Then His disciples asked Him what this parable meant. / He replied, “The knowledge of the mysteries of the kingdom of God has been given to you, but to others I speak in parables, so that, ‘though seeing, they may not see; though hearing, they may not understand.’

Isaiah 6:9-10
And He replied: “Go and tell this people, ‘Be ever hearing, but never understanding; be ever seeing, but never perceiving.’ / Make the hearts of this people calloused; deafen their ears and close their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts, and turn and be healed.”

Matthew 13:34-35
Jesus spoke all these things to the crowds in parables. He did not tell them anything without using a parable. / So was fulfilled what was spoken through the prophet: “I will open My mouth in parables; I will utter things hidden since the foundation of the world.”

John 16:25
I have spoken these things to you in figures of speech. An hour is coming when I will no longer speak to you this way, but will tell you plainly about the Father.

Romans 16:25-26
Now to Him who is able to strengthen you by my gospel and by the proclamation of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery concealed for ages past / but now revealed and made known through the writings of the prophets by the command of the eternal God, in order to lead all nations to the obedience that comes from faith—

1 Corinthians 2:7-10
No, we speak of the mysterious and hidden wisdom of God, which He destined for our glory before time began. / None of the rulers of this age understood it. For if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. / Rather, as it is written: “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no heart has imagined, what God has prepared for those who love Him.” ...

Colossians 1:26-27
the mystery that was hidden for ages and generations but is now revealed to His saints. / To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.

Ephesians 3:3-5
that is, the mystery made known to me by revelation, as I have already written briefly. / In reading this, then, you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ, / which was not made known to men in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to God’s holy apostles and prophets.

Psalm 78:2
I will open my mouth in parables; I will utter things hidden from the beginning,

Deuteronomy 29:4
Yet to this day the LORD has not given you a mind to understand, eyes to see, or ears to hear.

Jeremiah 5:21
“Hear this, O foolish and senseless people, who have eyes but do not see, who have ears but do not hear.

Ezekiel 12:2
“Son of man, you are living in a rebellious house. They have eyes to see but do not see, and ears to hear but do not hear, for they are a rebellious house.

Acts 28:26-27
‘Go to this people and say, “You will be ever hearing but never understanding; you will be ever seeing but never perceiving.” / For this people’s heart has grown callous; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts, and turn, and I would heal them.’

2 Corinthians 3:14-16
But their minds were closed. For to this day the same veil remains at the reading of the old covenant. It has not been lifted, because only in Christ can it be removed. / And even to this day when Moses is read, a veil covers their hearts. / But whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away.


Treasury of Scripture

And when he was alone, they that were about him with the twelve asked of him the parable.

Mark 4:34
But without a parable spake he not unto them: and when they were alone, he expounded all things to his disciples.

Mark 7:17
And when he was entered into the house from the people, his disciples asked him concerning the parable.

Proverbs 13:20
He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.

Jump to Previous
Alone Explain Figurative Followers Language Others Parable Parables Purpose Questions Requested Round Simile Soon Stories Twelve
Jump to Next
Alone Explain Figurative Followers Language Others Parable Parables Purpose Questions Requested Round Simile Soon Stories Twelve
Mark 4
1. The parable of the sower,
14. and the meaning thereof.
21. We must communicate the light of our knowledge to others.
26. The parable of the seed growing secretly;
30. and of the mustard seed.
35. Jesus stills the storm on the sea.














As soon as
This phrase indicates immediacy and eagerness. The disciples and those around Jesus were keen to understand His teachings. In the original Greek, the word used here suggests a sense of urgency and priority, highlighting the importance of seeking understanding in spiritual matters. This reflects the Christian principle of prioritizing the pursuit of divine wisdom and truth.

Jesus
The central figure of the New Testament, Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, whose teachings form the foundation of Christian faith. In this context, Jesus is the authoritative teacher, and His role as the revealer of divine mysteries is emphasized. The name "Jesus" itself, derived from the Hebrew "Yeshua," means "The Lord is salvation," underscoring His mission to bring salvation to humanity.

was alone
This phrase suggests a setting of intimacy and exclusivity. Jesus often took time to be alone with His disciples to provide deeper insights into His teachings. The Greek word used here can imply a separation from the crowds, indicating that some truths are reserved for those who are truly committed to following Him. This highlights the value of personal, intimate relationship with Christ in the Christian walk.

with the Twelve
The Twelve refers to the twelve apostles, chosen by Jesus to be His closest followers and to carry on His mission. This group represents the foundation of the Church, and their presence here signifies the transmission of divine truth to those who would lead the early Christian community. The number twelve is significant in biblical numerology, often representing completeness and divine authority.

and those around Him
This phrase expands the audience beyond the Twelve, indicating that others who were committed to Jesus were also present. It suggests an inclusive community of believers who sought to understand and live out Jesus' teachings. This reflects the early Christian community's nature, which was open to all who earnestly sought the truth.

they asked Him
The act of asking signifies a desire for understanding and a recognition of Jesus' authority as a teacher. In the Greek, the verb used here implies a continuous action, suggesting that the disciples were persistent in their quest for knowledge. This persistence is a model for Christians, encouraging them to continually seek deeper understanding of God's Word.

about the parable
Parables were a primary teaching method used by Jesus, employing simple accounts to convey profound spiritual truths. The disciples' inquiry about the parable indicates their recognition of the depth and complexity of Jesus' teachings. Understanding parables requires spiritual insight, which Jesus provides to those who earnestly seek it. This underscores the importance of seeking divine revelation to comprehend the mysteries of the Kingdom of God.

(10) They that were about him.--In St. Matthew, simply, "the disciples." Here the presence of others besides the Twelve is directly asserted.

Verse 10. - When he was alone. These words do not appear in St. Matthew's account. He simply says that " the disciples came and said unto him." This must have been upon some other occasion. It could not have been when be was preaching from the boat; for St. Mark says, they that were about him with the twelve. He is the only evangelist who notices this. We must not forget that, besides the twelve, there were seventy other disciples. They asked of him the parables (τὰς παραβολάς), according to the best reading. The inquiry was a general one, although St. Mark here gives the explanation of one only.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
As soon as
Καὶ (Kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

[Jesus] was
ἐγένετο (egeneto)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Middle - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1096: A prolongation and middle voice form of a primary verb; to cause to be, i.e. to become, used with great latitude.

alone
μόνας (monas)
Adjective - Accusative Feminine Plural
Strong's 3441: Only, solitary, desolate. Probably from meno; remaining, i.e. Sole or single; by implication, mere.

[with] the
τοῖς (tois)
Article - Dative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

Twelve
δώδεκα (dōdeka)
Adjective - Dative Masculine Plural
Strong's 1427: Twelve; the usual way in which the Twelve apostles of Jesus are referred to. From duo and deka; two and ten, i.e. A dozen.

and
σὺν (syn)
Preposition
Strong's 4862: With. A primary preposition denoting union; with or together.

those
οἱ (hoi)
Article - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

around
περὶ (peri)
Preposition
Strong's 4012: From the base of peran; properly, through, i.e. Around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time.

Him,
αὐτὸν (auton)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

they asked
ἠρώτων (ērōtōn)
Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 2065: Apparently from ereo; to interrogate; by implication, to request.

Him
αὐτὸν (auton)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

[about] the
τὰς (tas)
Article - Accusative Feminine Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

parable.
παραβολάς (parabolas)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Plural
Strong's 3850: From paraballo; a similitude, i.e. fictitious narrative, apothegm or adage.


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