Mar 4:21-25 | RWP | e4.org | Not to be put on the stand? ( ουχ ινα επ την λυχνιαν τεθηι; ). First aorist passive subjunctive of τιθημ with ινα (purpose). The lamp in the one-room house was a familiar object along with the bushel, the bed, the lampstand. Note article with each. Μητ in the Greek expects the answer no. It is a curious instance of early textual corruption that both Aleph and B, the two oldest and best documents, have υπο την λυχνιαν (under the lampstand) instead of επ την λυχνιαν , making shipwreck of the sense. Westcott and Hort actually put it in the margin but that is sheer slavery to Aleph and B. Some of the crisp sayings were repeated by Jesus on other occasions as shown in Matthew and Luke. To put the lamp under the bushel ( μοδιον ) would put it out besides giving no light. So as to the bed or table-couch ( κλινην ) if it was raised above the floor and liable to be set on fire.

‏ Mark 4:21-25

Not to be put on the stand? ( ουχ ινα επ την λυχνιαν τεθηι; ). First aorist passive subjunctive of τιθημ with ινα (purpose). The lamp in the one-room house was a familiar object along with the bushel, the bed, the lampstand. Note article with each. Μητ in the Greek expects the answer no. It is a curious instance of early textual corruption that both Aleph and B, the two oldest and best documents, have υπο την λυχνιαν (under the lampstand) instead of επ την λυχνιαν, making shipwreck of the sense. Westcott and Hort actually put it in the margin but that is sheer slavery to Aleph and B. Some of the crisp sayings were repeated by Jesus on other occasions as shown in Matthew and Luke. To put the lamp under the bushel ( μοδιον ) would put it out besides giving no light. So as to the bed or table-couch ( κλινην ) if it was raised above the floor and liable to be set on fire.

Save that it should be manifested ( εαν μη ινα φανερωθη ). Note εαν μη and ινα. Lu 8:17 has it

that shall not be made manifest ( ο ου φανερον γενησετα ). Here in Mark it is stated that the temporary concealment is for final manifestation and a means to that end. Those who are charged with the secret at this time are given the set responsibility of proclaiming it on the housetops after Ascension (Swete). The hidden ( κρυπτον ) and the

secret ( αποκρυφον ) are to be revealed in due time.

Repeats verse 9 with conditional form instead of a relative clause. Perhaps some inattention was noted.

What ye hear ( τ ακουετε ). Lu 8:18 has it "how ye hear" ( πως ακουετε ) . Both are important. Some things should not be heard at all for they besmirch the mind and heart. What is worth hearing should be heard rightly and heeded.

With what measure ( εν ω μετρω ). See already in the Sermon on the Mount (Mt 7:2; Lu 6:38).

Even that which he hath ( κα ο εχε ). Lu 8:18 has

even that which he thinketh that he hath or seemeth to have ( κα ο δοκε εχειν ). It is possible that εχε here has the notion of acquiring. The man who does not acquire soon loses what he thinks that he has. This is one of the paradoxes of Jesus that repay thought and practice.