Mark 4:33-34

G. LAST WORDS ON PARABLES 4:33-34

TEXT 4:33-34

And with many such parables spake he the word unto them, as they were able to hear it: and without a parable spake he not unto them: but privately to his own disciples he expounded all things.

THOUGHT QUESTIONS 4:33-34

198.

How many parables did Jesus use? Ans. The total number of parables is a matter of difference of opinion. Fahling, in his Harmony, lists 56: A. T. Robertson. 52. Trench. 30. (Earle).

199.

What is meant by the expression as they were able to hear?

200.

Is it indeed true that without a parable He spoke not unto them? Explain.

201.

At this time who were His own disciples?

COMMENT

At the conclusion of the record of the parables we have these concluding words of the writer Mark. No outline or analysis is needed here.

PARALLEL ACCOUNTSMatthew 13:34-35.

EXPLANATORY NOTES

Mark 4:33. And with many such parables spake he the word unto them, as they were able to hear (it.)

These are mere samples of the parables by which our Lord elucidated or disguised the doctrine of his kingdom to the different classes of his hearers in proportion to their previous knowledge and their present receptivity of such instruction. As they were able to hear, i.e. as some understand it, to hear intelligently or with patience. It may however have the stricter and more simple sense, as they had opportunity and leisure to attend on his instructions.

Mark 4:34. But without a parable spake he not unto them; and when they were alone, he expounded all things to his disciples.

This cannot mean that he never taught them in any other form, which would be contradicted by the whole course of the history, but only that whatever he did teach in parables he did not also teach in other forms, but, as the last clause more explicitly asserts, reserved the explanation for a private interview with his disciples. This closes Mark's account of our Lord's parables, including, as we have now seen, a full report of one with its author's own interpretation (Mark 4:1-20), an explanation of his purpose in employing this mode of instruction and direction to his followers how to profit by it (Mark 4:21-25); two additional parables, without a formal explanation (Mark 4:26-32); and a general statement of his practice in relation to this matter (Mark 4:33-34.) (J. A. Alexander)

FACT QUESTIONS 4:33-34

230.

Please explain: as they were able to hear.

231.

Please explain: without a parable He spake not unto them.