Mark 4:12

12 ¹so that "they ²may indeed see but not perceive, and may indeed hear but not understand, lest they ³should turn and be forgiven."

Mark 4:12 Meaning and Commentary

Mark 4:12

That seeing they may see
Which the end and reason of his speaking to them in parables. The passage referred to is in ( Isaiah 6:9 Isaiah 6:10 ) . (See Gill on Matthew 13:14). (See Gill on Matthew 13:15).

Mark 4:12 In-Context

10 And when he was alone, those around him with the twelve asked him about the parables.

11 And he said to them, "To you has been given the secret of the kingdom of God, but for those outside everything is in parables,

12 so that "they may indeed see but not perceive, and may indeed hear but not understand, lest they should turn and be forgiven."

13 And he said to them, "Do you not understand this parable? How then will you understand all the parables?

14 The sower sows the word.

Cross References

• 1. Isaiah 6:9, 10
• 2. Deuteronomy 29:4; Jeremiah 5:21; Ezekiel 12:2; Romans 11:8; 2 Corinthians 3:14; 2 Corinthians 4:4; [Isaiah 42:19, 20]
• 3. See Luke 22:32