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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Mark 4:12 so that, 'they may be ever seeing but never perceiving, and ever hearing but never understanding; otherwise they might turn and be forgiven.'"</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/mark/4-12.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/20/41_Mrk_04_12.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Mark 4:12 - The Purpose of Jesus' Parables" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="so that, 'they may be ever seeing but never perceiving, and ever hearing but never understanding; otherwise they might turn and be forgiven.'" /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script> <script src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/biblehub.js' type='text/javascript'></script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/mark/4-12.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/mark/4-12.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/mark/">Mark</a> > <a href="/mark/4.htm">Chapter 4</a> > Verse 12</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad1.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/mark/4-11.htm" title="Mark 4:11">◄</a> Mark 4:12 <a href="/mark/4-13.htm" title="Mark 4:13">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Study Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Crossref </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comment </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/mark/4.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/mark/4.htm">New International Version</a> so that, &#8220&#8217they may be ever seeing but never perceiving, and ever hearing but never understanding; otherwise they might turn and be forgiven!&#8217&#8221 <a href="/nlt/mark/4.htm">New Living Translation</a> so that the Scriptures might be fulfilled: ‘When they see what I do, they will learn nothing. When they hear what I say, they will not understand. Otherwise, they will turn to me and be forgiven.’” <a href="/esv/mark/4.htm">English Standard Version</a> so that “‘they may indeed see but not perceive, and may indeed hear but not understand, lest they should turn and be forgiven.’” <a href="/bsb/mark/4.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> so that, ‘they may be ever seeing but never perceiving, and ever hearing but never understanding; otherwise they might turn and be forgiven.’ ” <a href="/blb/mark/4.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> so that, 'Seeing, they might see and not perceive; and hearing, they might hear and not understand; lest ever they should turn, and they should be forgiven.'" <a href="/kjv/mark/4.htm">King James Bible</a> 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. <a href="/nkjv/mark/4.htm">New King James Version</a> so that ‘Seeing they may see and not perceive, And hearing they may hear and not understand; Lest they should turn, And their sins be forgiven them.’ ” <a href="/nasb_/mark/4.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> so that WHILE SEEING THEY MAY SEE, AND NOT PERCEIVE, AND WHILE HEARING, THEY MAY HEAR, AND NOT UNDERSTAND, OTHERWISE THEY MIGHT RETURN AND IT WOULD BE FORGIVEN THEM.” <a href="/nasb/mark/4.htm">NASB 1995</a> so that WHILE SEEING, THEY MAY SEE AND NOT PERCEIVE, AND WHILE HEARING, THEY MAY HEAR AND NOT UNDERSTAND, OTHERWISE THEY MIGHT RETURN AND BE FORGIVEN.&#8221 <a href="/nasb77/mark/4.htm">NASB 1977 </a> in order that WHILE SEEING, THEY MAY SEE AND NOT PERCEIVE; AND WHILE HEARING, THEY MAY HEAR AND NOT UNDERSTAND LEST THEY RETURN AND BE FORGIVEN.” <a href="/lsb/mark/4.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> so that WHILE SEEING, THEY MAY SEE AND NOT PERCEIVE, AND WHILE HEARING, THEY MAY HEAR AND NOT UNDERSTAND, LEST THEY RETURN AND BE FORGIVEN.” <a href="/amp/mark/4.htm">Amplified Bible</a> so that THEY WILL CONTINUALLY LOOK BUT NOT SEE, AND THEY WILL CONTINUALLY HEAR BUT NOT UNDERSTAND, OTHERWISE THEY MIGHT TURN [from their rejection of the truth] AND BE FORGIVEN.” <a href="/csb/mark/4.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> so that they may indeed look, and yet not perceive; they may indeed listen, and yet not understand; otherwise, they might turn back and be forgiven. ” <a href="/hcsb/mark/4.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> so that they may look and look, yet not perceive; they may listen and listen, yet not understand; otherwise, they might turn back— and be forgiven.&#8221 <a href="/asv/mark/4.htm">American Standard Version</a> that seeing they may see, and not perceive; and hearing they may hear, and not understand; lest haply they should turn again, and it should be forgiven them. <a href="/cev/mark/4.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> The reason is, "These people will look and look, but never see. They will listen and listen, but never understand. If they did, they would turn to God and be forgiven." <a href="/erv/mark/4.htm">English Revised Version</a> that seeing they may see, and not perceive; and hearing they may hear, and not understand; lest haply they should turn again, and it should be forgiven them. <a href="/gwt/mark/4.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> 'They see clearly but don't perceive. They hear clearly but don't understand. They never return to me and are never forgiven.'" <a href="/gnt/mark/4.htm">Good News Translation</a> so that, 'They may look and look, yet not see; they may listen and listen, yet not understand. For if they did, they would turn to God, and he would forgive them.'" <a href="/isv/mark/4.htm">International Standard Version</a> so that 'they may see clearly but not perceive, and they may hear clearly but not understand, otherwise they might turn around and be forgiven.'" <a href="/msb/mark/4.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> so that, ‘they may be ever seeing but never perceiving, and ever hearing but never understanding; otherwise they might turn and be forgiven their sins.’” <a href="/net/mark/4.htm">NET Bible</a> so that although they look they may look but not see, and although they hear they may hear but not understand, so they may not repent and be forgiven." <a href="/nheb/mark/4.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> that 'seeing they may see, and not perceive; and hearing they may hear, and not understand; lest perhaps they should turn and be forgiven.'" <a href="/wbt/mark/4.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> 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. <a href="/wey/mark/4.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> that "'They may look and look but not see, and listen and listen but not understand, lest perchance they should return and be pardoned.'" <a href="/web/mark/4.htm">World English Bible</a> that ‘seeing they may see and not perceive, and hearing they may hear and not understand, lest perhaps they should turn again, and their sins should be forgiven them.’” <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/mark/4.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> that seeing they may see and not perceive, and hearing they may hear and not understand, lest they may turn, and the sins may be forgiven them.” <a href="/blb/mark/4.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> so that, 'Seeing, they might see and not perceive; and hearing, they might hear and not understand; lest ever they should turn, and they should be forgiven.'" <a href="/ylt/mark/4.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> that seeing they may see and not perceive, and hearing they may hear and not understand, lest they may turn, and the sins may be forgiven them.' <a href="/slt/mark/4.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> That seeing they might see, and not know; and hearing they might hear, and not understand; lest they turn back, and their sins be remitted to them.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/mark/4.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> 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. <a href="/cpdv/mark/4.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> ‘so that, seeing, they may see, and not perceive; and hearing, they may hear, and not understand; lest at any time they may be converted, and their sins would be forgiven them.’ ” <a href="/nabre/mark/4.htm">New American Bible</a> so that ‘they may look and see but not perceive, and hear and listen but not understand, in order that they may not be converted and be forgiven.’ ” <a href="/nrsvce/mark/4.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> in order that ‘they may indeed look, but not perceive, and may indeed listen, but not understand; so that they may not turn again and be forgiven.’”<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/mark/4.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> For seeing they see, and yet do not perceive; and hearing they hear, and yet do not understand; if they return, their sins would be forgiven. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/mark/4.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> “So that seeing they shall see and not see, and hearing they shall hear and they shall not understand, unless perhaps they shall be converted and their sins shall be forgiven them.”<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/mark/4.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> that they may surely see, and not perceive; and that they may surely hear, and not understand; lest they should turn to me, and their sins should be forgiven them. <a href="/godbey/mark/4.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> <FR>in order that seeing they may see, and not know; and hearing they may hear, and not understand; lest they may turn, and their sins may he forgiven unto them.<Fr> <a href="/haweis/mark/4.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> That seeing they may see, yet not perceive; and hearing may hear, yet not understand; lest at any time they should be converted, and their sins be forgiven them. <a href="/mace/mark/4.htm">Mace New Testament</a> tho' they see, they will not perceive, and tho' they hear they will not understand: as if they were afraid of parting with their vices, in order to be pardoned. <a href="/wey/mark/4.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> that "'They may look and look but not see, and listen and listen but not understand, lest perchance they should return and be pardoned.'" <a href="/worrell/mark/4.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> <FR>that, seeing, they may see, and not perceive; and, hearing, they may hear, and not understand; lest haply they should turn, and be forgiven."<Fr> <a href="/worsley/mark/4.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> <FR>that <Fr>in<FR> seeing they may see and not perceive, and <Fr>in<FR> hearing they may hear and not understand, least they should be converted, and <Fr>their<FR> sins be forgiven them.<Fr> <a href="/parallel/mark/4-12.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/DmwDTC71zvQ?start=960" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/mark/4.htm">The Purpose of Jesus' Parables</a> …11He replied, “The mystery of the kingdom of God has been given to you, but to those on the outside everything is expressed in parables, 12<a href="/greek/2443.htm" title="2443: hina (Conj) -- In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that.">so that, </a> <a href="/greek/991.htm" title="991: Blepontes (V-PPA-NMP) -- (primarily physical), I look, see, perceive, discern. A primary verb; to look at.">‘</a> <a href="/greek/991.htm" title="991: blepōsin (V-PSA-3P) -- (primarily physical), I look, see, perceive, discern. A primary verb; to look at.">they may be ever seeing</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">but</a> <a href="/greek/3361.htm" title="3361: mē (Adv) -- Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether.">never</a> <a href="/greek/3708.htm" title="3708: idōsin (V-ASA-3P) -- Properly, to stare at, i.e. to discern clearly; by extension, to attend to; by Hebraism, to experience; passively, to appear.">perceiving,</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: Kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/191.htm" title="191: akouontes (V-PPA-NMP) -- To hear, listen, comprehend by hearing; pass: is heard, reported. A primary verb; to hear."></a> <a href="/greek/191.htm" title="191: akouōsin (V-PSA-3P) -- To hear, listen, comprehend by hearing; pass: is heard, reported. A primary verb; to hear.">ever hearing</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">but</a> <a href="/greek/3361.htm" title="3361: mē (Adv) -- Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether.">never</a> <a href="/greek/4920.htm" title="4920: syniōsin (V-PSA-3P) -- To consider, understand, perceive. From sun and hiemi; to put together, i.e. to comprehend; by implication, to act piously.">understanding;</a> <a href="/greek/3361.htm" title="3361: Mē (Adv) -- Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether.">otherwise</a> <a href="/greek/4219.htm" title="4219: pote (Conj) -- When, at what time. From the base of pou and te; interrogative adverb, at what time."></a> <a href="/greek/1994.htm" title="1994: epistrepsōsin (V-ASA-3P) -- From epi and strepho; to revert.">they might turn</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: Kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/863.htm" title="863: aphethē (V-ASP-3S) -- From apo and hiemi; to send forth, in various applications.">be forgiven.’”</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autois (PPro-DM3P) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons."></a> 13Then Jesus said to them, “Do you not understand this parable? Then how will you understand any of the parables?…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/isaiah/6-9.htm">Isaiah 6:9-10</a> And He replied: “Go and tell this people, ‘Be ever hearing, but never understanding; be ever seeing, but never perceiving.’ / Make the hearts of this people calloused; deafen their ears and close their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts, and turn and be healed.” <a href="/matthew/13-14.htm">Matthew 13:14-15</a> In them the prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled: ‘You will be ever hearing but never understanding; you will be ever seeing but never perceiving. / For this people’s heart has grown callous; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts, and turn, and I would heal them.’ <a href="/luke/8-10.htm">Luke 8:10</a> He replied, “The knowledge of the mysteries of the kingdom of God has been given to you, but to others I speak in parables, so that, ‘though seeing, they may not see; though hearing, they may not understand.’ <a href="/john/12-39.htm">John 12:39-40</a> For this reason they were unable to believe. For again, Isaiah says: / “He has blinded their eyes and hardened their hearts, so that they cannot see with their eyes, and understand with their hearts, and turn, and I would heal them.” <a href="/acts/28-26.htm">Acts 28:26-27</a> ‘Go to this people and say, “You will be ever hearing but never understanding; you will be ever seeing but never perceiving.” / For this people’s heart has grown callous; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts, and turn, and I would heal them.’ <a href="/romans/11-8.htm">Romans 11:8</a> as it is written: “God gave them a spirit of stupor, eyes that could not see, and ears that could not hear, to this very day.” <a href="/2_corinthians/3-14.htm">2 Corinthians 3:14-15</a> But their minds were closed. For to this day the same veil remains at the reading of the old covenant. It has not been lifted, because only in Christ can it be removed. / And even to this day when Moses is read, a veil covers their hearts. <a href="/deuteronomy/29-4.htm">Deuteronomy 29:4</a> Yet to this day the LORD has not given you a mind to understand, eyes to see, or ears to hear. <a href="/jeremiah/5-21.htm">Jeremiah 5:21</a> “Hear this, O foolish and senseless people, who have eyes but do not see, who have ears but do not hear. <a href="/ezekiel/12-2.htm">Ezekiel 12:2</a> “Son of man, you are living in a rebellious house. They have eyes to see but do not see, and ears to hear but do not hear, for they are a rebellious house. <a href="/psalms/69-23.htm">Psalm 69:23</a> May their eyes be darkened so they cannot see, and their backs be bent forever. <a href="/isaiah/29-10.htm">Isaiah 29:10</a> For the LORD has poured out on you a spirit of deep sleep. He has shut your eyes, O prophets; He has covered your heads, O seers. <a href="/isaiah/44-18.htm">Isaiah 44:18</a> They do not comprehend or discern, for He has shut their eyes so they cannot see and closed their minds so they cannot understand. <a href="/matthew/11-25.htm">Matthew 11:25</a> At that time Jesus declared, “I praise You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because You have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. <a href="/john/9-39.htm">John 9:39-41</a> Then Jesus declared, “For judgment I have come into this world, so that the blind may see and those who see may become blind.” / Some of the Pharisees who were with Him heard this, and they asked Him, “Are we blind too?” / “If you were blind,” Jesus replied, “you would not be guilty of sin. But since you claim you can see, your guilt remains.”</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>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.That seeing.<a href="/deuteronomy/29-4.htm">Deuteronomy 29:4</a> Yet the LORD hath not given you an heart to perceive, and eyes to see, and ears to hear, unto this day.<a href="/isaiah/6-9.htm">Isaiah 6:9,10</a> And he said, Go, and tell this people, Hear ye indeed, but understand not; and see ye indeed, but perceive not… <a href="/isaiah/44-18.htm">Isaiah 44:18</a> They have not known nor understood: for he hath shut their eyes, that they cannot see; and their hearts, that they cannot understand.be converted.<a href="/jeremiah/31-18.htm">Jeremiah 31:18-20</a> I have surely heard Ephraim bemoaning himself thus; Thou hast chastised me, and I was chastised, as a bullock unaccustomed to the yoke: turn thou me, and I shall be turned; for thou art the LORD my God… <a href="/ezekiel/18-27.htm">Ezekiel 18:27-32</a> Again, when the wicked man turneth away from his wickedness that he hath committed, and doeth that which is lawful and right, he shall save his soul alive… <a href="/acts/3-19.htm">Acts 3:19</a> Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord;<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/matthew/27-55.htm">Beholding</a> <a href="/matthew/24-25.htm">Clear</a> <a href="/matthew/18-3.htm">Converted</a> <a href="/matthew/28-10.htm">Fear</a> <a href="/mark/3-29.htm">Forgiven</a> <a href="/mark/3-29.htm">Forgiveness</a> <a href="/matthew/13-29.htm">Haply</a> <a href="/mark/4-9.htm">Hear</a> <a href="/mark/3-21.htm">Hearing</a> <a href="/mark/3-27.htm">Indeed</a> <a href="/mark/2-22.htm">Otherwise</a> <a href="/mark/3-28.htm">Pardoned</a> <a href="/matthew/16-11.htm">Perceive</a> <a href="/mark/2-8.htm">Perceiving</a> <a href="/isaiah/40-19.htm">Perchance</a> <a href="/matthew/27-64.htm">Perhaps</a> <a href="/matthew/13-19.htm">Sense</a> <a href="/mark/3-28.htm">Sins</a> <a href="/mark/3-31.htm">Time</a> <a href="/matthew/24-18.htm">Turn</a> <a href="/mark/2-10.htm">Turned</a> <a href="/matthew/24-43.htm">Understand</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/mark/5-22.htm">Beholding</a> <a href="/mark/4-13.htm">Clear</a> <a href="/luke/22-32.htm">Converted</a> <a href="/mark/4-40.htm">Fear</a> <a href="/luke/5-20.htm">Forgiven</a> <a href="/mark/11-25.htm">Forgiveness</a> <a href="/mark/11-13.htm">Haply</a> <a href="/mark/4-15.htm">Hear</a> <a href="/mark/4-18.htm">Hearing</a> <a href="/mark/7-9.htm">Indeed</a> <a href="/mark/7-11.htm">Otherwise</a> <a href="/luke/6-37.htm">Pardoned</a> <a href="/mark/7-18.htm">Perceive</a> <a href="/mark/5-30.htm">Perceiving</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/3-5.htm">Perchance</a> <a href="/mark/11-13.htm">Perhaps</a> <a href="/mark/12-37.htm">Sense</a> <a href="/mark/7-21.htm">Sins</a> <a href="/mark/4-17.htm">Time</a> <a href="/mark/13-16.htm">Turn</a> <a href="/mark/5-30.htm">Turned</a> <a href="/mark/4-13.htm">Understand</a><div class="vheading2">Mark 4</div>1. <a href="/mark/4-1.htm">The parable of the sower,</a> 14. <a href="/mark/4-14.htm">and the meaning thereof.</a> 21. <a href="/mark/4-21.htm">We must communicate the light of our knowledge to others.</a> 26. <a href="/mark/4-26.htm">The parable of the seed growing secretly;</a> 30. <a href="/mark/4-30.htm">and of the mustard seed.</a> 35. <a href="/mark/4-35.htm">Jesus stills the storm on the sea.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <script type="text/javascript"> </script> <script type="text/javascript" src="//pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js"> </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading"><a href="/study/mark/4.htm">Berean Study Bible</a></div>so that This phrase introduces a purpose or result clause, indicating the reason behind Jesus' use of parables. In the Greek, "ἵνα" (hina) is often used to express purpose. Here, it suggests a divine intention behind the parables, which is to reveal truths to those open to receiving them while concealing them from those with hardened hearts. This dual purpose reflects God's sovereignty and the mystery of His kingdom.they may be ever seeing The Greek word for "seeing" is "βλέποντες" (blepontes), which implies a continuous action. This phrase suggests a persistent observation without comprehension. Historically, this reflects the spiritual state of many in Israel who witnessed Jesus' miracles and teachings yet failed to recognize Him as the Messiah. It serves as a warning against spiritual blindness and the importance of seeking true understanding.but never perceiving The term "perceiving" comes from the Greek "νοήσωσιν" (noēsōsin), meaning to understand or comprehend. This highlights the distinction between physical sight and spiritual insight. The historical context here is crucial, as many religious leaders of the time were knowledgeable in the Scriptures but lacked the spiritual discernment to perceive Jesus' true identity and mission.and ever hearing "Hearing" in Greek is "ἀκούοντες" (akouontes), again indicating a continuous action. This phrase underscores the idea of being exposed to the truth repeatedly. In the scriptural context, it reflects the experience of those who heard Jesus' teachings directly yet failed to grasp their significance. It serves as a reminder of the importance of not just hearing God's word but truly listening with an open heart.but never understanding The Greek word for "understanding" is "συνιῶσιν" (syniōsin), which involves putting together or comprehending. This phrase points to a lack of spiritual insight despite repeated exposure to the truth. Historically, it reflects the condition of many who, despite hearing Jesus' words, did not allow them to penetrate their hearts and transform their lives.otherwise they might turn The word "turn" is translated from the Greek "ἐπιστρέψωσιν" (epistrepsōsin), meaning to turn back or repent. This phrase suggests the potential for repentance and change if true understanding were achieved. It highlights the transformative power of God's word when it is truly received and understood, leading to a change of heart and direction.and be forgiven "Forgiven" comes from the Greek "ἀφεθῇ" (aphethē), meaning to let go or release. This phrase encapsulates the ultimate goal of Jesus' ministry: the forgiveness of sins and reconciliation with God. In the historical and scriptural context, it emphasizes the grace and mercy available through Christ, which is accessible to all who genuinely seek Him and turn from their sins.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/mark/4.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(12) That seeing they may see. . . .--St. Mark characteristically gives the words of <a href="/isaiah/6-9.htm" title="And he said, Go, and tell this people, Hear you indeed, but understand not; and see you indeed, but perceive not.">Isaiah 6:9</a>, but not as a quotation, and perhaps in a less accurate form, and omits the addition in Matthew, "Blessed are your ears . . ." The form in this instance, at first sight, suggests the thought that our Lord's purpose was to produce the blindness and deafness of which He speaks. The real meaning of the words is, however, plain. This was to be the result of the wilful blindness of those who rejected Him; and the acceptance of a foreseen result was, in Hebrew forms of thought, expressed as the working out of an intention. (See Notes on <a href="/context/matthew/13-14.htm" title="And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Esaias, which said, By hearing you shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing you shall see, and shall not perceive:">Matthew 13:14-15</a>.) <a href="/commentaries/mark/4-12.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>so that, ἵνα (hina) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2443.htm">Strong's 2443: </a> In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that. ‘they may be ever seeing βλέπωσιν (blepōsin) Verb - Present Subjunctive Active - 3rd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_991.htm">Strong's 991: </a> (primarily physical), I look, see, perceive, discern. A primary verb; to look at. [but] καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. never μὴ (mē) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_3361.htm">Strong's 3361: </a> Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether. perceiving, ἴδωσιν (idōsin) Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 3rd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3708.htm">Strong's 3708: </a> Properly, to stare at, i.e. to discern clearly; by extension, to attend to; by Hebraism, to experience; passively, to appear. and Καὶ (Kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. ever hearing ἀκούωσιν (akouōsin) Verb - Present Subjunctive Active - 3rd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_191.htm">Strong's 191: </a> To hear, listen, comprehend by hearing; pass: is heard, reported. A primary verb; to hear. [but] καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. never μὴ (mē) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_3361.htm">Strong's 3361: </a> Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether. understanding; συνιῶσιν (syniōsin) Verb - Present Subjunctive Active - 3rd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4920.htm">Strong's 4920: </a> To consider, understand, perceive. From sun and hiemi; to put together, i.e. to comprehend; by implication, to act piously. otherwise Μή‿ (Mē) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_3361.htm">Strong's 3361: </a> Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether. they might turn ἐπιστρέψωσιν (epistrepsōsin) Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 3rd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1994.htm">Strong's 1994: </a> From epi and strepho; to revert. and Καὶ (Kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. be forgiven.’” ἀφεθῇ (aphethē) Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Passive - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_863.htm">Strong's 863: </a> From apo and hiemi; to send forth, in various applications. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/mark/4-12.htm">Mark 4:12 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/mark/4-12.htm">Mark 4:12 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/mark/4-12.htm">Mark 4:12 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/mark/4-12.htm">Mark 4:12 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/mark/4-12.htm">Mark 4:12 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/mark/4-12.htm">Mark 4:12 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/mark/4-12.htm">Mark 4:12 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/mark/4-12.htm">Mark 4:12 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/mark/4-12.htm">Mark 4:12 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/mark/4-12.htm">Mark 4:12 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/mark/4-12.htm">NT Gospels: Mark 4:12 That 'seeing they may see and not (Mar Mk Mr) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/mark/4-11.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Mark 4:11"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Mark 4:11" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/mark/4-13.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Mark 4:13"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Mark 4:13" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>