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Mark 4:13

New Testament Gospel ASV (1901)

What does Mark 4:13 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “And he saith unto them, Know ye not this parable? and how shall ye know all the parables?” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

And he saith unto them, Know ye not this parable? and how shall ye know all the parables?
Mark 4:13 — American Standard Version

Context — Mark 4

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
10And when he was alone, they that were about him with the twelve asked of him the parables.
11And he said unto them, Unto you is given the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all things are done in parables:
12that seeing they may see, and not perceive; and hearing they may hear, and not understand; lest haply they should turn again, and it should be forgiven them.
13And he saith unto them, Know ye not this parable? and how shall ye know all the parables?
14The sower soweth the word.
15And these are they by the way side, where the word is sown; and when they have heard, straightway cometh Satan, and taketh away the word which hath been sown in them.
16And these in like manner are they that are sown upon the rocky [places], who, when they have heard the word, straightway receive it with joy;
← Mark 4:12Mark 4:14 →
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“And he saith unto them, know ye not this parable? etc..] So easy to be understood, taken from things common, and which fall under every one's observation: and how then will you know all parables? if not this single one, and which is so plain, how will ye be able to understand the numerous parables hereafter to be related, and which will be much more difficult?”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“See the notes at Matthew 13:10-17. On Mark 4:12, see the notes at John 12:39-40. When he was alone - That is, separate from the multitude. When he withdrew from the multitude a few followed him for the purpose of more instruction. Mark 4:13 Know ye not this parable? - This which is so plain and obvious. How then will ye know all parables? - Those which are more difficult and obscure. As they were themselves to be “teachers,” it was important that they should be acquainted with the whole system of religion - of much more importance for them at that time than for the mass of the people. return to 'Top of Page'”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“Know ye not this parable? - Which is as it were the foundation of all those that I shall speak hereafter; and is so easy to be understood? Mark 4:19”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“4:13 If Jesus’ hearers could not understand the parable, they might lack the grace of citizenship in Christ’s Kingdom. However, even the insiders required Jesus’ explanation.”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“Know: Mar 7:17, Mar 7:18; Mat 13:51, Mat 13:52, Mat 15:15-17, Mat 16:8, Mat 16:9; Luk 24:25; Co1 3:1, Co1 3:2; Heb 5:11-14; Rev 3:19 Mark 4:14”
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Related study paths

Read Mark 4 in contextBrowse Greek word studiesOpen this verse in the study reader

Sources and verification