Albert Barnes Commentary Mark 4
Albert Barnes Commentary
Mark 4
Albert Barnes Commentary
Mark 4
"And when he was alone, they that were about him with the twelve asked of him the parables. And he said unto them, Unto you is given the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all things are done in parables: that seeing they may see, and not perceive; and hearing they may hear, and not understand; lest haply they should turn again, and it should be forgiven them." — Mark 4:10-12 (ASV)
When he was alone. That is, he was separate from the multitude. When he withdrew from the multitude, a few followed him for the purpose of further instruction.
"And he saith unto them, Know ye not this parable? and how shall ye know all the parables?" — Mark 4:13 (ASV)
Know ye not this parable? This parable, which is so plain and obvious.
How then will ye know all parables? Those which are more difficult and obscure. Since they themselves were to be teachers, it was important that they should understand the whole system of religion—a matter of much more importance for them at that time than for most people.
"And he said unto them, Is the lamp brought to be put under the bushel, or under the bed, [and] not to be put on the stand?" — Mark 4:21 (ASV)
Is a candle brought, etc. A candle is not lit up to be put immediately under a measure, or a bed, where it can give no light. Its design is to give light. So my preaching by parables is not designed to obscure the truth, but to throw light on it. You should understand those parables; and, understanding them, should impart the truth to others also, as a candle throws its beams upon a dark world.
Bushel. In the original, a measure for grain, containing about twelve quarts.
Bed. A couch, either to sleep on at night, or to recline on at their meals. Probably the latter is here meant, and is equivalent to our saying, a candle is not brought to be put under the table, but on it. See Barnes on Matthew 23:6.
"For there is nothing hid, save that it should be manifested; neither was [anything] made secret, but that it should come to light." — Mark 4:22 (ASV)
There is nothing hid, etc. See Barnes "Matthew 10:26".
"And he said unto them, Take heed what ye hear: with what measure ye mete it shall be measured unto you; and more shall be given unto you." — Mark 4:24 (ASV)
Take heed what you hear. Or, consider well what you hear. Make good use of it.
With what measure you measure, etc. You will be treated according to the use you make of your opportunities of learning. If you consider it well, and make good use of what you hear, you will be well rewarded. If not, your reward will be small. This is a proverbial expression. (See Barnes on Matthew 7:1-2).
Mete. Measure. With what measure you measure.
Unto you that hear. To you who are attentive, and who make good use of what you hear.
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