Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Mark 4:11

"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:" — Mark 4:11 (ASV)

These verses are among the most difficult in the entire gospel. It is important to look carefully at the terminology. The word translated “secret” (v.11) is mysterion (GK 3696, occuring only here and in Mt 3:11; Lk 8:10 in the Gospels). Paul uses it frequently in his epistles (10:7; 17:5, 7). It does not mean something only for the initiated few; rather, it emphasizes God’s disclosure to humans of what was previously unknown. It is proclaimed to all, but only those who have faith really understand. Here in Mark the mystery is the disclosure that the kingdom of God has drawn near in the person of Jesus Christ.

This secret has been given to the disciples because they have responded in faith, but to those hardened by unbelief (cf. ch. 3), the entire significance of Jesus’ person and mission lies “in parables” (i.e., “riddles”).