Mark 4:10-12

The Purpose of the Parables

10 And e when he was alone, those around him with the twelve asked him about the parables. 11 And he said to them, f "To you has been given g the secret of the kingdom of God, but for h those outside everything is in parables,

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

  1. Cross References
    Mark 4:34
    He did not speak to them without a parable, but privately to his own disciples he explained everything.
  2. Cross References
    Matthew 19:11
    But he said to them, "Not everyone can receive ...
    Colossians 1:27
    To them God chose to make known how great among...
    1 Corinthians 2:6 - 10
    Yet among the mature we do impart wisdom, altho...
    1 John 2:20
    But you have been anointed by the Holy One, and...
    1 John 2:27
    But the anointing that you received from him ab...
    Matthew 11:25
    At that time Jesus declared, "I thank you, Fath...
  3. Cross References
    Romans 16:25
    Now to him who is able to strengthen you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery that was kept secret for long ages
  4. Cross References
    1 Corinthians 5:12 - 13
    For what have I to do with judging outsiders? Is it not those inside the church whom you are to judge?
    Colossians 4:5
    Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time.
    1 Thessalonians 4:12
    So that you may walk properly before outsiders and be dependent on no one.
    1 Timothy 3:7
    Moreover, he must be well thought of by outsiders, so that he may not fall into disgrace, into a snare of the devil.
  5. Cross References
    Isaiah 6:9 - 10
    And he said, "Go, and say to this people: "'Keep on hearing, but do not understand; keep on seeing, but do not perceive.
  6. Cross References
    Deuteronomy 29:4
    But to this day the Lord has not given you a he...
    Jeremiah 5:21
    Hear this, O foolish and senseless people, who ...
    Ezekiel 12:2
    Son of man, you dwell in the midst of a rebelli...
    Romans 11:8
    As it is written, "God gave them a spirit of st...
    2 Corinthians 3:14
    But their minds were hardened. For to this day,...
    2 Corinthians 4:4
    In their case the god of this world has blinded...
    Isaiah 42:19 - 20
    Who is blind but my servant, or deaf as my mess...
  7. Cross References
    Luke 22:32
    But I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.
English Standard Version (ESV) The Holy Bible, English Standard Version Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers.