Mark 4:33

33 And with many such parables he spoke the word unto them as they were able to hear it.

Mark 4:33 Meaning and Commentary

Mark 4:33

And with many such parables
As those of the tares, of the leaven in three measures of meal, of the treasure hid in the field, the pearl of great price, the net cast into the sea, and of the Scribe instructed unto the kingdom of God; which though not related at length here, are by the Evangelist Matthew, in ( Matthew 13:24-30 Matthew 13:33 Matthew 13:44-50 Matthew 13:52 ) together with others elsewhere:

spake he the word unto them;
preached the Gospel to the multitude,

as they were able to hear it:
meaning either that he condescended to their weakness, accommodated himself to their capacities, and made use of the plainest similes; and took his comparison from things in nature, the most known and obvious, that what he intended might more easily be understood; or rather, he spoke the word to them in parables, as they were able to hear, without understanding them; and in such a manner, on purpose that they might not understand; for had he more clearly expressed the things relating to himself, as the Messiah, and to the Gospel dispensation, so as that they could have took in his meaning, such were their pride, their wickedness, and the rancour of their minds, that they would have at once rose up, and attempted to have destroyed him.

Mark 4:33 In-Context

31 It is like a grain of mustard seed, which, when it is sown in the earth, is less than all the seeds that are in the earth;

32 but when it is sown, it grows up and becomes greater than all herbs and shoots out great branches, so that the fowls of the air may lodge under the shadow of it.

33 And with many such parables he spoke the word unto them as they were able to hear it.

34 But without a parable he did not speak unto them; and when they were alone, he expounded all things to his disciples.

35 And that same day, when evening was come, he said unto them, Let us pass over unto the other side.