King James Version

What Does Mark 4:22 Mean?

Mark 4:22 in the King James Version says “For there is nothing hid , which shall not be manifested; neither was any thing kept secret, but that it should come abr... — study this verse from Mark chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Mark 4:22 · KJV


Context

20

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.

21

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? bushel: the word in the original signifieth a less measure

22

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

23

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

24

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.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Jesus declares universal principle: 'For there is nothing hid, which shall not be manifested; neither was any thing kept secret, but that it should come abroad.' All hidden things will eventually be revealed. This applies multiple ways: (1) Kingdom mysteries now veiled will be unveiled, (2) Secret sins will be exposed in judgment, (3) Gospel truth, though rejected now, will be vindicated. The double negative 'nothing...not' (οὐ...οὐ) emphasizes absoluteness. The purpose clause 'but that it should come abroad' (ἀλλ' ἵνα...ἔλθῃ εἰς φανερόν) indicates God intends revelation, not permanent concealment. Parables temporarily veil truth from hard hearts, but ultimate purpose is revelation.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This principle echoes throughout Scripture: God sees in secret and will reward openly (Matthew 6:4, 6, 18); nothing is covered that won't be revealed (Matthew 10:26; Luke 12:2); all will be manifest in judgment (Romans 2:16; 1 Corinthians 4:5; Hebrews 4:13). Jesus spoke this in context of parable teaching—mysteries veiled now will be unveiled. Early church trusted that persecuted truth would eventually triumph. Church history vindicates this: heresies eventually exposed, gospel truth prevails despite opposition, final judgment will reveal all secrets.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does knowing all secrets will be revealed affect your private thoughts and actions?
  2. What hidden truths about Christ do you need to bring into the light through witness?
  3. How does this principle encourage faithfulness when truth is currently rejected or opposed?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 17 words
οὐ1 of 17

nothing

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

γάρ2 of 17

For

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

ἐστιν3 of 17

there is

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

τί4 of 17
G5100

some or any person or object

κρυπτὸν5 of 17

hid

G2927

concealed, i.e., private

6 of 17

which

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

ἐὰν7 of 17
G1437

a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty

μὴ8 of 17
G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

φανερωθῇ9 of 17

be manifested

G5319

to render apparent (literally or figuratively)

οὐδὲ10 of 17

neither

G3761

not however, i.e., neither, nor, not even

ἐγένετο11 of 17

any thing kept

G1096

to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)

ἀπόκρυφον12 of 17

secret

G614

secret; by implication, treasured

ἀλλ'13 of 17

but

G235

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

ἵνα14 of 17

that

G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

εἰς15 of 17

abroad

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

φανερόν16 of 17
G5318

shining, i.e., apparent (literally or figuratively); neuter (as adverb) publicly, externally

ἔλθῃ17 of 17

it should come

G2064

to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Mark. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Mark 4:22 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Mark 4:22 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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