Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Luke 8:9

"And his disciples asked him what this parable might be." — Luke 8:9 (ASV)

Here in Luke the disciples’ question refers only to this parable, not to Jesus’ larger ministry (cf. Matthew 13:10; Mark 4:10). Jesus refers to the “secrets” of the kingdom (the only time this word is used in the teachings of Jesus). Elsewhere in the NT “secret” (mysterion; GK 3696) refers to the purpose and plan of God, which he works out phase by phase in human history and through the church. The issues of the problem of evil, suffering, and the delay of vindication will be resolved when God finally reveals his “secret.” The “mystery or “secret” is only revealed by God’s sovereign grace to his people.

Regarding “others” (those outside the kingdom), Jesus quotes from Isa 6:9 and utters a teaching in accord with the consistent principle in Scripture that those who fail to respond to a saving word from God will find that they are not only under judgment for rejecting what they have heard, but that they are unable to understand further truth (cf. Jn 3:17-19; 9:39–41; Acts 28:26– 27; Romans 9:17–18). For such, the very parable that reveals truth to some hides it from them.

While “so that” (v.10) may be understood as indicating result, it more normally indicates purpose (see comment on Mk 4:12).