And he said unto them, Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all these things are done in parables:

MARK 4:11KJV
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Mark 4:11 (KJV)

What does Mark 4:11 mean?

Mark 4:11 means that Jesus told his close followers they were allowed to understand the hidden truth about God’s kingdom, while those outside his group would only hear these truths through stories or parables. This verse shows a difference between those who are “inside” with Jesus and those who are not, in terms of spiritual understanding.

In this scene, Jesus is speaking privately to his disciples after teaching a crowd using parables. He explains that the “mystery” of God’s kingdom is something given to them, not something they figured out themselves. The word “parables” refers to the stories Jesus used to teach, which could be puzzling unless someone was given insight. This sets up the idea that understanding Jesus’ message requires more than just hearing the words—it depends on being open and receptive to what God reveals.

The Greek behind Mark 4:11

  • “Mystery” (μυστήριον, mystērion): This Greek word means a hidden or secret truth, something not obvious or easily understood. In this context, it points to the deeper meaning of God’s kingdom that Jesus reveals only to his followers.
  • “Parables” (παραβολαῖς, parabolais): This word refers to stories or comparisons used to illustrate spiritual lessons. Here, it highlights that Jesus’ teachings to the crowds were not always straightforward, but required interpretation.
  • “Those who are without” (τοῖς ἔξω, tois exō): This phrase means people who are outside Jesus’ circle of disciples. It emphasizes the distinction between insiders, who receive direct teaching, and outsiders, who only hear the stories.

Why Mark 4:11 matters

  • Mark 4:11 clarifies that understanding Jesus’ teachings is not just about intelligence or effort, but about being given insight by God.
  • The verse helps explain why Jesus often spoke in parables—he was both revealing and concealing truth, depending on the listener’s openness.
  • This verse sets up the theme in Mark’s Gospel of “insiders” and “outsiders,” which shapes how readers understand the rest of Jesus’ interactions and teachings.

Where else these words appear

“mystery” Greek G3466 · used in 27 verses

  • Matthew 13:11 He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given.
  • 1 Corinthians 15:51 Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,
  • Colossians 2:2 That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ;

“parables” Greek G3850 · used in 48 verses

  • Matthew 13:3 And he spake many things unto them in parables, saying, Behold, a sower went forth to sow;
  • Matthew 24:32 Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh:
  • Luke 8:9 And his disciples asked him, saying, What might this parable be?

“without” Greek G1854 · used in 64 verses

  • Matthew 5:13 Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.
  • Luke 13:25 When once the master of the house is risen up, and hath shut to the door, and ye begin to stand without, and to knock at the door, saying, Lord, Lord, open unto us; and he shall answer and say unto you, I know you not whence ye are:
  • Acts 7:58 And cast him out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man's feet, whose name was Saul.