Why Jesus Used Parables

10 When he was alone, those around him with the Twelve(A) asked him about the parables.(B) 11 He answered them, “The secret(C) of the kingdom of God(D) has been given to you, but to those outside,(E) everything comes in parables 12 so that

they may indeed look,
and yet not perceive;
they may indeed listen,
and yet not understand;(F)
otherwise, they might turn back
and be forgiven.”[a][b] (G)

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Footnotes

  1. 4:12 Other mss read and their sins be forgiven them
  2. 4:12 Is 6:9–10

Jesus explains his parable

10 When they were alone, the people around Jesus, along with the Twelve, asked him about the parables. 11 He said to them, “The secret of God’s kingdom has been given to you, but to those who are outside everything comes in parables. 12 This is so that they can look and see but have no insight, and they can hear but not understand. Otherwise, they might turn their lives around and be forgiven.

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