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Mark 4

And he began again to teach by the sea side: and there was gathered unto him a great multitude, so that he entered into a ship, and sat in the sea; and the whole multitude was by the sea on the land.

And he taught them many things by parables, and said unto them in his doctrine,

Hearken; Behold, there went out a sower to sow:

And it came to pass, as he sowed, some fell by the way side, and the fowls of the air came and devoured it up.

And some fell on stony ground, where it had not much earth; and immediately it sprang up, because it had no depth of earth:

But when the sun was up, it was scorched; and because it had no root, it withered away.

And some fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up, and choked it, and it yielded no fruit.

And other fell on good ground, and did yield fruit that sprang up and increased; and brought forth, some thirty, and some sixty, and some an hundred.

And he said unto them, He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.

And when he was alone, they that were about him with the twelve asked of him the parable.

And he said unto them, 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:

That seeing they may see, and not perceive; and hearing they may hear, and not understand; lest at any time they should be converted, and their sins should be forgiven them.

And he said unto them, Know ye not this parable? and how then will ye know all parables?

The sower soweth the word.

And these are they by the way side, where the word is sown; but when they have heard, Satan cometh immediately, and taketh away the word that was sown in their hearts.

And these are they likewise which are sown on stony ground; who, when they have heard the word, immediately receive it with gladness;

And have no root in themselves, and so endure but for a time: afterward, when affliction or persecution ariseth for the word's sake, immediately they are offended.

And these are they which are sown among thorns; such as hear the word,

And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful.

And these are they which are sown on good ground; such as hear the word, and receive it, and bring forth fruit, some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some an hundred.

And he said unto them, Is a candle brought to be put under a bushel, or under a bed? and not to be set on a candlestick?

For there is nothing hid, which shall not be manifested; neither was any thing kept secret, but that it should come abroad.

If any man have ears to hear, let him hear.

And he said unto them, Take heed what ye hear: with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you: and unto you that hear shall more be given.

For he that hath, to him shall be given: and he that hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he hath.

And he said, So is the kingdom of God, as if a man should cast seed into the ground;

And should sleep, and rise night and day, and the seed should spring and grow up, he knoweth not how.

For the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself; first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear.

But when the fruit is brought forth, immediately he putteth in the sickle, because the harvest is come.

And he said, Whereunto shall we liken the kingdom of God? or with what comparison shall we compare it?

It is like a grain of mustard seed, which, when it is sown in the earth, is less than all the seeds that be in the earth:

But when it is sown, it groweth up, and becometh greater than all herbs, and shooteth out great branches; so that the fowls of the air may lodge under the shadow of it.

And with many such parables spake he the word unto them, as they were able to hear it.

But without a parable spake he not unto them: and when they were alone, he expounded all things to his disciples.

And the same day, when the even was come, he saith unto them, Let us pass over unto the other side.

And when they had sent away the multitude, they took him even as he was in the ship. And there were also with him other little ships.

And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full.

And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish?

And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.

And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith?

And they feared exceedingly, and said one to another, What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?

What does Mark 4:21 mean?

Explanation

The verse [And he said unto them, Is a candle brought to be put under a bushel, or under a bed? and not to be set on a candlestick?] from the Gospel of Mark 4:21 presents a rhetorical question meant to highlight the purpose and function of light.

In a literal sense, this verse is discussing the practical use of a light source, like a candle.

One would not light a candle only to cover it or hide it away, thus negating its illuminating purpose.

Symbolically, this verse has a deeper meaning, suggesting that the teachings and truths of Jesus should not be hidden but rather shared with others.

The light represents the gospel and divine truths that Jesus imparts to his followers, and the candlestick is the platform from which this light should be broadcast to give light to all.

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Historical Context

This passage is set in the context of Jesus' ministry in the Galilee region, at a time when he was often speaking to crowds in parables.

The cultural backdrop of this analogy would have been readily understood by his audience, who lived in a time before electric lighting.

"Bushel" translates from the Greek "modios," a container typically used for measuring grain, which would also serve as a common household item.

A candle, at the time, would have been a small clay lamp filled with oil.

Given the social and economic conditions, it would be impractical to waste the light of a lamp by hiding it, emphasizing the absurdity of not using the light of the gospel to its full potential.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, this verse conveys the notion that the message of Jesus is not to be kept secret but shared openly.

In a broader Christian context, this could be interpreted as a directive for Christians to evangelize and bear witness to their faith.

Catholic interpretation may see this as underlining the mission of the Church to spread the teachings of Christ.

Protestant viewpoints may focus on the individual's responsibility to share their personal testimony and the gospel.

In both cases, the idea of a "candle" or "light" as a symbol of truth and knowledge is central to interpreting this scripture.

Practical Applications

In practical terms, this verse encourages individuals to openly live out and share their faith.

This could manifest in behaviors such as speaking about one's beliefs, engaging in charitable works that reflect Christian teachings, or simply demonstrating kindness and integrity in everyday actions.

It challenges believers to not conceal their faith for fear of judgment or persecution but to be a beacon of hope and guidance for others.

Cross-References

Matthew 5:15: "Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house."
Luke 11:33: "No man, when he hath lighted a candle, putteth it in a secret place, neither under a bushel, but on a candlestick, that they which come in may see the light."
Luke 8:16: "No man, when he hath lighted a candle, covereth it with a vessel, or putteth it under a bed; but setteth it on a candlestick, that they which enter in may see the light."

Language Study

Key words in the original Greek text of Mark 4:21 include:

"Candle" (lampas): Refers to a torch or a lamp that burns oil; symbolizes light and understanding.
"Bushel" (modios): A measure of capacity for dry goods.

Here, it serves to show the impracticality of covering a light source.

"Bed" (kline): A place of rest or sleep; implying that light has no purpose where it cannot be seen or utilized.
"Candlestick" (luchnia): A lampstand or candle holder; the appropriate place for a light source to fulfill its function.

Analyzing these key terms emphasizes that each element of Jesus' analogy has a specific, intentional meaning related to the proper use and purpose of spiritual light.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In many ancient cultures, light is a pervasive symbol of truth, knowledge, and divinity.

In the context of Jewish traditions, light was also associated with the presence of God, as seen in the menorah in the Temple.

Comparison with other religious interpretations might involve the Hindu festival of Diwali, where light symbolizes the victory of good over evil.

Similar themes are found in the Zoroastrian celebration of light conquering darkness and the illumination of knowledge in Buddhist teachings.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific point of view, light is essential for visibility and life, making this ancient metaphor still relevant in modern times.

The concept that something crucial and beneficial should not be hidden aligns with our understanding of light’s necessity for human survival and progress.

Scientifically, light reveals the reality of the universe, allowing people to see and understand their surroundings, paralleling the spiritual notion of truth illuminating moral and ethical understanding.

commentaries

Expert commentary on Mark 4:21 often elaborates on its metaphorical significance.

William Barclay notes that the saying teaches that truth is meant to be seen and that Christians should never fear the consequences of making God's truth known.

John Calvin interprets the candle as the doctrine of salvation, which should enlighten all aspects of life.

Matthew Henry comments on the absurdity of hiding a light, insisting that the design of Christianity is to reveal, not conceal.

These interpretations uniformly see the verse as an exhortation to share and live out the teachings of Jesus openly and honestly.

Mark 4

Mark 4

What does Mark 4:21 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Mark Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

commentaries

Want more context?

What does Mark 4:21 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Mark Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

commentaries

Want more context?