Mark 4:11

An Understandable Version (2005 edition)

He said to them, “You disciples are being given an understanding of the secret of the kingdom of God, but to outsiders everything will be told in parables.

Cross References

Matthew 11:25

About that time Jesus said [in prayer], “I thank you, O, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things [i.e., the significance of Jesus’ words and works] from those who [thought they] were wise and intelligent and have [instead] revealed them to people who are child-like.

Matthew 13:16

But your eyes are fortunate for they [really] see, and so are your ears, for they [really] hear.

Matthew 16:17

Jesus replied, “Simon, son of Jonah, you are fortunate [indeed], for this [truth] was not revealed to you by human beings but [rather] by my Father who is in heaven.

Mark 3:23

And He called them to Him and began speaking to them in parables [i.e., brief stories to illustrate His teaching], saying, “How can Satan drive out Satan?

Mark 4:10

And when He was alone those people who gathered around Him, along with the twelve apostles, asked Him what the parables meant.

Mark 4:2

He taught the people many things using parables [to illustrate His lessons]. In His teaching He said to them,

Luke 8:10

And He said to them, “You [disciples] are being given an understanding of the secrets of the kingdom of God, but the rest of the people [are being told] in parables, so that [even though they appear to be] seeing, they will not [actually] see; and [even though they seem to] hear, they will not understand.

1 Corinthians 4:7

For who makes you different [from each other]? [i.e., with some being viewed as superior and others inferior] And what do you have that you did not receive [from God]? But if you received it [from Him], then why do you boast as though you did not [receive it as a gift]?

2 Corinthians 4:6

For God, who said [Gen. 1:3], “Light will shine out of darkness,” has [also] shone in our hearts to provide [us with] the light of the knowledge of God’s splendor [as it shines] on the face of Christ. [Note: This allusion to “splendor shining on Christ’s face” may be a continuation of the analogy used in 3:13].

Ephesians 1:9

in doing what He intended through Christ, to make known to us His secret plan, according to what pleased Him.

Colossians 4:5

Be wise in the way you live in front of outsiders [i.e., non-Christians], making the most of every opportunity.

1 Thessalonians 4:12

[Do these things] so that you will live in a proper way in front of outsiders [i.e., non-Christians], and not have [to depend on people for] any needs.

1 Timothy 3:7

He must also have a good reputation among outsiders [i.e., non-Christians], or else he could fall into reproach [i.e., from worldly people] and [therefore] into the devil’s trap.

1 John 5:20

And [in addition], we know that the Son of God has come [in a physical body, See 4:2] and has given us understanding, so that we can know the True One [i.e., God], and that we are in [fellowship with] the True One, even His Son Jesus Christ. This Son is the true God and eternal life.