Mark 4:31-34

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Mark 4:21-34

The lessons which our Saviour designs to teach us here by parables and figurative expressions are these:? I. That those who are good ought to consider the obligations they are under to do good; that is, as in the parable before, to bring forth fruit. God expects a grateful return of his gifts to us, and a useful improvement of his gifts in us; for (Mark 4:21), Isa. a candle brought to be put under a bushel, or under a bed? No, but that it may be set on a candlestick. The apostles were... read more

William Barclay

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - Mark 4:30-32

4:30-32 He said: "How shall we find something with which to compare the Kingdom of God, or what picture will we use to represent it? It is like a grain of mustard seed, which, when it is sown upon the ground, is the least of all the seeds upon the earth. But, when it is sown, it springs up and it becomes greater than all the herbs; and it sends out great branches so that the birds of the heaven can find a lodging under its shade." There are in this parable two pictures which every Jew... read more

William Barclay

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - Mark 4:33-34

4:33-34 It was with many such parables that he kept speaking the word to them, suiting his instruction to their ability to hear it. It was his custom not to speak to them without a parable; and when they were by themselves, he unfolded the meaning of everything to his own disciples. Here we have a short but perfect definition of both the wise teacher and the wise learner. Jesus suited his instruction to the ability of those who were listening to him. That is the first essential in wise... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Mark 4:31

It is like a grain of mustard seed ,.... That is, the kingdom of God spoken of in the preceding verse, is like unto a grain of mustard seed; by which is meant, either the Gospel, or the Gospel church state, or the grace of God in the hearts of his people, and it may include them all: the Gospel is so called, because it treats of the two latter; but more especially, because it brings life and immortality to light, or points to the kingdom of heaven, directs the way unto it, and shows what... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Mark 4:32

But when it is sown, it groweth up ,.... So the Gospel, when it was preached, it spread notwithstanding all the opposition made against it by, the Jews and Gentiles: there was no stopping it; though the Jewish sanhedrim charged the apostles to speak no more in the name of Jesus, they regarded them not; though Herod stretched forth his hands against the church, and killed one apostle, and put another in prison, yet "the word of God grew and multiplied", Acts 12:1 , and Gospel churches when... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Mark 4:33

And with many such parables ,.... As those of the tares, of the leaven in three measures of meal, of the treasure hid in the field, the pearl of great price, the net cast into the sea, and of the Scribe instructed unto the kingdom of God; which though not related at length here, are by the Evangelist Matthew, in Matthew 13:24 together with others elsewhere: spake he the word unto them ; preached the Gospel to the multitude, as they were able to hear it : meaning either that he... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Mark 4:34

But without a parable spake he not unto them ,.... For the above reason, as well as for the accomplishment of Scripture; See Gill on Matthew 13:34 , Matthew 13:35 . And when they were alone, he expounded all things to his disciples : after they returned with him from the sea side, to the house in Capernaum, where he usually was when there; see Matthew 13:36 . The multitude being dismissed, he unfolded and explained all these parables to his disciples, and led them into a large... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Mark 4:31

A grain of mustard seed - See on Matthew 13:31 , Matthew 13:32 ; (note). read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Mark 4:33

With many such parables - Πολλαις , many, is omitted by L, sixteen others; the Syriac, both the Persic, one Arabic, Coptic, Armenian, Ethiopic, and two of the Itala. Mill approves of the omission, and Griesbach leaves it doubtful. It is probably an interpolation: the text reads better without it. As they were able to hear - Ακουειν , or to understand always suiting his teaching to the capacities of his hearers. I have always found that preacher most useful, who could adapt his phrase... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Mark 4:34

He expounded all things to his disciples - That they might be capable of instructing others. Outside hearers, those who do not come into close fellowship with the true disciples of Christ, have seldom more than a superficial knowledge of Divine things. In the fellowship of the saints, where Jesus the teacher is always to be found, every thing is made plain, - for the secret of the Lord is with them who fear him. read more

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