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This Chapter Verse Commentaries:
NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: Mar_4:21-25
21And He was saying to them, "A lamp is not brought to be put under a basket, is it, or under a bed? Is it not brought to be put on the lampstand? 22For nothing is hidden, except to be revealed; nor has anything been secret, but that it would come to light. 23If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear." 24And He was saying to them, "Take care what you listen to. By your standard of measure it will be measured to you; and more will be given you besides. 25For whoever has, to him more shall be given; and whoever does not have, even what he has shall be taken away from him."
Mar_4:21 "lamp" The first two questions of Mar_4:21 grammatically expect a "no" answer. Light is meant to illuminate. Belief is meant to bear fruit. This paragraph explains why many did not understand Jesus' parables. The parables are meant to illumine, but human's evil hearts and motives, not God, block the light. God wants to communicate (cf. Mar_4:22).
Jesus, in light of the immediate context, must be speaking of the future proclamation of the full gospel after His resurrection and ascension. The recurring Messianic Secret of Mark, the concealing of truth caused by the use of parables, and the lack of understanding on the part of the inner circle of disciples demands this be seen in a future context (i.e., post-Pentecost).
▣ "basket" This was a container holding about a peck or two gallons of dry measure. This term is a Latinism, probably confirming that Mark's Gospel was written for Romans.
▣ "a bed" Literally this is "pallet." This was used not only for sleeping (cf. Mar_7:30), but for a cushion while eating in a reclining position.
▣ "lampstand" This could refer to several different ways by which lights were positioned so as to give off the most illumination: (1) an out-cropping in the wall; (2) a hanger on the wall; or (3) some type of pedestal.
Mar_4:23 "if" This is a first class conditional sentence. Jesus is assuming that some (eventually) will understand His person, mission, and promises.
Mar_4:24-25 This states a spiritual principle. The gospel message is scattered abroad; the key to growth is the type of soil on which it falls. Mankind's openness to spiritual truth is crucial. This not only refers to initial response but continuing response. A shallow, emotional response will be rejected.
Mar_4:24 "'Take care what you listen to'" This refers to the personal acceptance or rejection of Jesus. The rabbis believed that the mind was a plowed garden ready for seed. What we let our eyes see and ears hear (cf. Mar_4:9; Mar_4:23) takes root. We become what we dwell on, focus on, make priority!
▣ "'by your standard of measure it will be measured to you'" This verse has nothing to do with financial giving, but with spiritual discernment. This truth is also expressed in Mat_5:7; Mat_6:14-15; Mat_18:21-35; Mar_11:25; Luk_6:36-37; Jas_2:13; Jas_5:9. This is not a works righteousness, but the truth that how one acts reveals his heart. Believers have a new heart and a new family.
Mar_4:25 When it comes to the gospel, it continues to give and give to those who have responded, but to those who reject it, it leaves nothing! Jesus is using a paradoxical proverb (cf. Mar_4:22; Mar_4:25; Mar_6:4; Mar_8:35; Mar_10:43-44). This was typical of near eastern teachers.
This passage employs a PASSIVE construction, which is probably a circumlocution for God. God is the unexpressed agent of the action.