Mark 4:33

33 With many such parables Jesus spoke the word to them, to the extent that they could understand.

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 mustard seed, which is the smallest of all seeds sown upon the earth.

32 But after it is planted, it grows to be the largest of all garden plants and puts forth great branches, so that the birds of the air nest in its shade.”

33 With many such parables Jesus spoke the word to them, to the extent that they could understand.

34 He did not tell them anything without using a parable. But privately He explained everything to His own disciples.

35 When that evening came, He said to His disciples, “Let us cross to the other side.”