For there is nothing hid, which shall not be manifested; neither was any thing kept secret, but that it should come abroad.

MARK 4:22KJV
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Mark 4:22 (KJV)

What does Mark 4:22 mean?

Mark 4:22 says that nothing hidden or secret will stay that way forever; everything concealed will eventually be revealed and brought out into the open. This verse teaches that hidden things—whether actions, motives, or truths—will ultimately come to light.

In Mark 4:22, Jesus is speaking to His disciples after telling the parable of the lamp under a basket. He is explaining that the purpose of His teachings, even if sometimes mysterious or hidden at first, is for them to be understood and made clear. The verse suggests that God’s truth is meant to be revealed, not kept secret, and that what is now unclear will one day be fully known.

The Greek behind Mark 4:22

  • ἐκρυπτόν (krupton, "hid"): This word means something concealed or hidden. In this context, it emphasizes that nothing truly stays concealed forever.
  • φανερωθῇ (phanerōthē, "manifested"): This word means to make visible or clear. The verse uses it to stress that hidden things are destined to be revealed.
  • ἀπόκρυφον (apokryphon, "secret"): This word refers to something kept secret or out of sight. Its use here highlights the idea that secrets are temporary and will eventually be exposed.
  • εἰς φανερόν (eis phaneron, "come abroad"): This phrase means to come into the open or be made public. It reinforces the idea that what is secret will be brought into the light.

Why Mark 4:22 matters

  • Mark 4:22 clears up the idea that Jesus’s teachings are meant to stay mysterious or hidden; instead, their purpose is to be understood and shared openly.
  • The verse connects to the surrounding passage by explaining why Jesus sometimes speaks in parables—what is hidden now is meant to be revealed in time.
  • This verse reminds readers that truth, even if not immediately obvious, will ultimately be made clear, encouraging patience and trust in God’s timing.

Where else these words appear

“secret” Greek G614 · used in 3 verses

  • Luke 8:17 For nothing is secret, that shall not be made manifest; neither any thing hid, that shall not be known and come abroad.
  • Colossians 2:3 In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

“hid” Greek G2927 · used in 16 verses

  • Matthew 6:4 That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly.
  • Luke 12:2 For there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; neither hid, that shall not be known.
  • Romans 2:29 But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God.

“abroad” Greek G5318 · used in 19 verses

  • Matthew 6:4 That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly.
  • Luke 8:17 For nothing is secret, that shall not be made manifest; neither any thing hid, that shall not be known and come abroad.
  • 1 Corinthians 11:19 For there must be also heresies among you, that they which are approved may be made manifest among you.

“shall” Greek G5319 · used in 43 verses

  • Mark 16:12 After that he appeared in another form unto two of them, as they walked, and went into the country.
  • 2 Corinthians 2:14 Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place.
  • Titus 1:3 But hath in due times manifested his word through preaching, which is committed unto me according to the commandment of God our Saviour;