Bible Commentary

Mark 4:21-34

Matthew Henry on Mark 4:21-34

Matthew Henry Concise Commentary · Matthew Henry · CC0 1.0 Universal

These declarations were intended to call the attention of the disciples to the word of Christ. By his thus instructing them, they were made able to instruct others; as candles are lighted, not to be covered, but to be placed on a candlestick, that they may give light to a room.

This parable of the good seed, shows the manner in which the kingdom of God makes progress in the world. Let but the word of Christ have the place it ought to have in a soul, and it will show itself in a good conversation.

It grows gradually: first the blade; then the ear; after that the full corn in the ear. When it is sprung up, it will go forward. The work of grace in the soul is, at first, but the day of small things; yet it has mighty products even now, while it is in its growth; but what will there be when it is perfected in heaven!

Recommended reading

More for Mark 4:21-34

Continue with other commentaries and DiscipleDeck content connected to this verse, chapter, or topic.

Other commentaries

The Pulpit Commentary on Mark 4:1-25Mark 4:1-25 · The Pulpit CommentaryThe duty of faithfully hearing the Word. He who taught by every act of his life, and who had already given many most important lessons with his lips, now, after the interruptions just recorded, "began to teach" more for…The Pulpit Commentary on Mark 4:1-41Mark 4:1-41 · The Pulpit CommentaryEXPOSITIONThe Gradual Advance of the GospelMark 4:21-34 · Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole BibleTHE GRADUAL ADVANCE OF THE GOSPEL. 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…The Pulpit Commentary on Mark 4:21Mark 4:21 · The Pulpit CommentaryIs a candle brought to be put under a bushel, etc.? The Greek is ὁ λύχνος, and is better rendered the lamp. The figure is recorded by St. Matthew (Matthew 5:15) as used by our Lord in his sermon on the mount. It is ev…The Pulpit Commentary on Mark 4:21-25Mark 4:21-25 · The Pulpit CommentaryThe use of the spirit. I. THE FACULTIES OF THE HUMAN SPIRIT COMPARED TO LIGHT. We may take any division of them we please: intellectual, emotional, volitional; head, heart, hand;—the comparison holds good. 1. Light is c…The Pulpit Commentary on Mark 4:21-25Mark 4:21-25 · The Pulpit CommentaryParallel passage: Luke 8:16-18.— Light and illumination. I. TEMPORARY OBSCURATION. The heathens in their mysteries had esoteric doctrines only made known to the initiated, and not designed to be revealed at any time to…
commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Mark 4:1-41EXPOSITIONJoseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Mark 4:1-25The duty of faithfully hearing the Word. He who taught by every act of his life, and who had already given many most important lessons with his lips, now, after the interruptions just recorded, "began to teach" more for…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Gradual Advance of the GospelTHE GRADUAL ADVANCE OF THE GOSPEL. 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…Matthew HenrycommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Mark 4:21-25The use of the spirit. I. THE FACULTIES OF THE HUMAN SPIRIT COMPARED TO LIGHT. We may take any division of them we please: intellectual, emotional, volitional; head, heart, hand;—the comparison holds good. 1. Light is c…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Mark 4:21Is a candle brought to be put under a bushel, etc.? The Greek is ὁ λύχνος, and is better rendered the lamp. The figure is recorded by St. Matthew (Matthew 5:15) as used by our Lord in his sermon on the mount. It is ev…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Mark 4:21-25Parallel passage: Luke 8:16-18.— Light and illumination. I. TEMPORARY OBSCURATION. The heathens in their mysteries had esoteric doctrines only made known to the initiated, and not designed to be revealed at any time to…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Mark 4:22For there is nothing hid which shall not be manifested. The Greek of the latter part of this sentence, according to the best authorities, runs thus: ἐὰν μὴ ἵνα φανερωθῇ; so the true rendering of the words is, the…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Mark 4:24Take heed what ye hear. Attend, that is, to these words which ye hear from me, that ye may understand them, and commit them to memory, and so be able to communicate them effectually to others. Let none of my words escap…Joseph S. Exell and contributors