Mar 4:11 Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all [these] things are done in parables:
Alternative: You are granted to know the secrets of the rule of God by reflection, but for those on the outside, everything becomes illustrations.

The knowledge that is given is not obvious. It is was, the term used for "to know" would be from "to see" (eido). This is the word meaning "to know" here means knowledge that comes from reflection.

Christ's says directly that his teachings are a mystery. The only place in the Gospel that he uses this particular word is in this parable. It appears in all three Synoptic Gospels (Mat 13:11, Mar 4:11, and Luk 8:10). Historically, the Greek word for mystery is attached to hidden religious rites and the implements of those rites. It is different from the word that means simply hidden information (krupsis).

What distinguishes this verse from similar ones is the use of the term for "outside." Christ uses this term consistently to mean where things are thrown away (Mat 5:13), a place where people are excluded (Luk 13:25). These outsiders just see the surface of things, the comparisons that are made.

This idea doesn't apply to just this parable or all the parables, but to all of Christ's words.

Understanding them, to whatever degree we understand them is a gift but it is a gift that we win only upon reflection.

"Given" is from didômi (didomi), which means "to give," "to grant," "to hand over," and "to describe." It is the word usually translated as "give" in the Gospels.

"To know," is from gignôskô (ginosko) which means "to learn to know," "to know by reflection or observation," and "to perceive."

"Mystery" is from mustêrion (musterion), which means "mystery," "secret doctrine," "secret rite," "mystical implements," "talisman," "magical item," and "secrets revealed by God."

"Kingdom" is from basileia (basileia), which means "kingdom," "dominion," "rule," "hereditary monarchy," "kingly office," (passive) "being ruled by a king," and "reign."

"Without" is from exô (exo), which means "out of a place," "outside," "external things," and "beyond a time."


"All" is from pas (pas), which means "all," "the whole," "every," "anyone," "all kinds," and "anything."

"Done" is from gignomai (ginomai), which means "to become," "to come into being," "to be produced," and "to be."

"Parables" is from parabolê (parabole), which means "comparison," "illustration," and "analogy."