ORIGINAL RESEARCH

 

The theological significance of the Isaiah citation in Mark 4:12

 

 

Peter Nagel

Department of New Testament Studies, University of the Free State, South Africa

Correspondence

 

 

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ABSTRACT

The well-known passage Mark 4:1-34 is no stranger to New Testament scientific scrutiny, not to even mention the hotly debated phrases in Mark 4:10-12. To avoid repetition, the aim with this article is to determine the extent of the impact the Isaiah 6:9-10 citation in Mark 4:12 might have had on the interpretation and understanding of Mark 4:1-34 and the Gospel as a whole. The theory is that the citation in Mark 4:12, especially within Mark 4:1-34, is foundational for understanding the Markan gospel as a 'parable'. Moreover, the redactional inclusion of the concept of 'the Twelve' will prove to be a vital contribution in understanding the Markan gospel as a 'parable'. Arguing this theory will include evaluating the parable theory in Mark 4:10-12, followed by determining the interpretative effect the explicit citation in Mark 4:12 had on Mark 4:10-12 and its larger literary context (Mk. 4:1-34). This will be followed by concluding remarks and suggestions.

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Introduction

Much has been written about the parables, especially those attested in Mark 4:1-34.¹ These include investigations into the so-called 'parable theory' (cf. Mk. 4:10-12 and Mk. 4:33-34). The theory to be argued in this article is that Mark 4:12 in the context of Mark 4:10-12 relating to the redactional concept of 'the Twelve' is fundamental for understanding the Markan gospel as parable.² To argue this theory, it would be necessary to show the conceptual impact the Isaiah 6:9, 10 in Mark 4:12 had on Mark 4:10-12 and subsequently, Mark 4:1-34. It will also be required to determine the significance of Mark 4:10-12 within the larger literary structure of Mark 4:1-34. Finally, one would have to show the importance of Mark 4:1-34 in terms of the Markan gospel. It will be argued in the first section that the citation in Mark 4:12 informs the theological significant concepts in Mark 4:10-12. In the second section I will show that Mark 4:10-12 as parable theory defines Mark 4:1-34 as a parable pericope. In conclusion I will give reasons and make suggestions why and to what extent Mark 4:12 informs and defines the theological character and nature of Mark's gospel. Declaring a few presuppositions should be in order:

1. Parables constitute the proclamation of God's kingdom as its primary concern.

2. The tension between the 'revealed' and 'concealed' mystery of God's kingdom is a central concept in the Markan gospel.

3. Mark 4:1-34 as parable context is a flagship among Markan parables.³

4. Mark 4:10, Mk 4:11 and Mk 4:12 respectively offer fundamental insight⁴ into the understanding of Mark 4:1-34 as parable.

5. The Isaiah 6:9, 10 citation in Mark 4:12 informs the theological significant concepts in Mark 4:10-11.⁵

6. The thematic and conceptual relationship between 'the Twelve' (Mk. 3:13, 14:4:10; 5:25; 6:7) and Mark 4:10-12 is key in understanding the Markan gospel as a parable.⁶

Crossan (1992:146) defines parables as 'an extended metaphor or simile frequently becoming a brief narrative, generally used in biblical times for dialectic purposes'. According to Snodgrass (1992), parables are best defined as

stories with two levels of meaning; the story level provides a mirror by which reality is perceived and understood. In effect, parables are imaginary gardens with real toads in them. (p. 591)

Newman (2000:909) adds that the this 'short fictitious stories that illustrate a moral attitude or religious principle' function on two levels: 'earthly story' and 'heavenly meaning'. If it is reasonable to define parables as short stories about something that is recognisable and identifiable, with the aim to communicate a 'divine' principle of sorts that is in turn not as obvious. And if it is sensible to understand the Markan gospel as a story about the teachings of Jesus about things that are at first glance familiar, but as soon as the subject familiarise itself, the realisation that things are not as it appears to be, but that there is more to it. Then it is plausible to consider and classify the Markan gospel as a parable. The latter notion is further supported by the following realistic observations:

1. The opening emphasis on the 'desert' ministry of John the Baptist as opposed to Jerusalem as the religious centre.

2. The 'others' recognising and understanding the divine identity of Jesus (e.g. Mk. 1:23-25).

3. The fact that Isaiah 6:9, 10 was used with the parable content of Mark 4:1-34, especially together with Mark 4:10-11.

4. The followers of Jesus not grasping the full extent of who Jesus really is.

 5. The nature of how the gospel ends in Mark 16:8.

The first pertinent question is how significant is the Isaiah 6:9, 10 citation in Mark 4:12. In an attempt to answer this question, Mark 4:12, within the conceptual context of Mark 4:10-12, will be investigated in depth.

 

Mark 4:12 and its significance for Mark 4:10-12 as Parable Theory⁷

Mark 4:10⁸

The central issue in Mark 4:10 is to whom οἱπερὶαὐτὸνσὺντοῖςδώδεκα refers⁹ and what is implied with τὰςπαραβολάς. Noteworthy is the fact that the events that follow occurred when they were alone (ἐγένετοκατὰμόνας). For this redactional composition to be effective, it was deemed necessary to change from a public to a more private setting. The question is, who precisely is this exclusive group of people? The redactor clearly regarded 'the Twelve' as forming part of this exclusive group, but are they the ones posing the question? Did 'those around him' that accompanied 'the Twelve' pose the question? Or did 'those around him' including 'the Twelve' raise the question? France (2002:186) argues that Mark used the term ὄχλος as denoting the larger group that followed Jesus, and that ὄχλος should be identified with οἱπερὶαὐτόν. Pesch (1976:237) views 'the Twelve' as indicating the Hauptvermittler in the Jesus tradition and that οἱπερὶαὐτόν are not to be identified with 'the Twelve' in Mark 4:10.¹⁰ The shift from a public (Mk. 4:3-8) to a private (Mk. 4:10) audience probably set the stage in the pre-Markan tradition for the interpretation in Mark 4:14-20.¹¹ The phrase 'those around Him with the Twelve' most likely began simply as 'those around Him' (οἰπερὶαὐτόν). Reformulated, the 'tradition' began with those in close proximity to Jesus asking about the parable were given the interpretation (Mk. 4:14-20).¹² Gnilka (1978:162) argues that Mark inserted δώδεκα¹³ into the text, while Marcus (2000:302) and Hultgren (2000:454) identify 'those around him' with the community of believers. Hultgren (2000:454), in addition, notes that the community of believers should be divided into two groups, those that followed Jesus in his earthly ministry, and those that followed him in the time of Mark.

France (2002:194-195) offers a 'simple' solution, and rightfully so: that οἱπερὶαὐτὸν refers to the people immediately surrounding Jesus (cf. Acts 13:13). They are the ones who are 'doing the will of God', and who enquire about the parables. From a semantic point of view, it is indeed possible to assume that any follower of Jesus at any given point could have been identified as οἱπερὶαὐτὸν posing a question. One could argue that the redactor intended to transform the question into a more theological loaded inquiry with the insertion of σὺντοῖςδώδεκα. The argument is that the redactor composed Mk 4:10-12, while drawing from pre-Markan material for the most part, especially Isaiah 6:9-10. The aim with the insertion was to place emphasis on 'the Twelve' not just as the 'official' disciples, but as representative of the 'chosen' people. If the gospel of Mark projects a negative stance towards the disciples of Jesus and a positive attitude towards 'the Twelve', a logical inference with the insertion of σὺντοῖςδώδεκα will be that the redactor regarded 'the Twelve' as opposing the 'disciples'. This notion appeals positively towards a possible parable theory in Mark 4:10-12. It seems as if the disciples are the ones who do not understand the mission and teachings of Jesus, but 'the Twelve' are the chosen ones that would complete the mission (cf. Mk 3:13-14; 6:7). What follows is a short excursion into the concept of 'the Twelve'.

'[T]the Twelve'

The interpolation of Mark 3:13-16 not only establishes the backdrop against which 'the Twelve' in Mark 4:10 is to be understood, but it also gives one insight into the intent of the redactor. Again, the public space (Mark 3:7-11) will soon be replaced by a more private and exclusive space (Mk. 3:13-16). A need for a more private space is required to avoid being trampled upon by the crowd of people (Mk. 3:9). The names of 'the Twelve' are not considered important, but rather the concept of 'the Twelve.' Koch (2008:130-132) argues that the only conclusion to be drawn from the concept of 'the Twelve' is that the list itself is the only pre-Markan tradition in Mark 3:13-16. This did not stop the redactor from using the concept of 'the Twelve' for his own benefit, even though the writer might not have been familiar with the 'original' meaning of 'the Twelve.' It is fair to infer that the concept of 'the Twelve' signals theological significance, being exclusive and inclusive simultaneously, while opposing the followers of Jesus. In Koch's own words: 'That Jesus was abandoned by his disciples is part of the pre-Markan narration of the Passion, but the emphasis on 'the Twelve' is part of the comprehensive literary activity of Mark.' The function of 'the Twelve' is not only to be with Jesus and to cast out demons (cf. Mk. 3:14-15), but they are responsible to reaffirm Jesus' spiritual identity, not as someone that is possessed by Beelzebul (cf. Mk. 3-22), but the one with the authority to send out 'the Twelve' as people with authority over unclean spirits (Mk. 6:7). 'The Twelve' not only grasped Jesus' mission, but had insight into his identity. They shared in his private space (cf. Mk. 9:35); they were the ones with the responsibility to make known the mystery of God's kingdom, illustrated so well in Mark 10:32ff:

... He took 'the twelve' aside again and began to tell them what was to happen to him, saying, 33 See, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be handed over to the chief priests and the scribes, and they will condemn him to death; then they will hand him over to the Gentiles; 34 they will mock him, and spit upon him, and flog him, and kill him; and after 3 days he will rise again.¹⁴ (Mk. 10:32ff)

One could argue that having Judas Iscariot in your midst does not paint a positive picture of the significant 'Twelve.' A counter-argument is that if it was not for Judas Iscariot, the death, hence the resurrection, would not have taken place (cf. Mk, 11:11; 14:10). A leading figure during the Passover meal (Mk 14:17, 20); the one responsible for the capturing of Jesus (Mk, 14:47), Judas is the significant other reflecting the essential identity and function of 'the Twelve' as the bringers of 'good' news with 'bad' consequences. The message enlightens and confuses simultaneously; that makes sense and is in itself senseless. Having the concept of the 'Twelve' (Mk, 4:10) and the citation taken from Isiah 6:9-10 (Mk. 4:12) as part of a theological significant composition, within the context of the parables Mk 4:1-34 does call for extraordinary literary effects. 'The Twelve' were re-convened by Peter, were re-installed by the appearance of the risen Lord and so their function was to form the nucleus of the new people of God;¹⁵ they represented the new eschatological people of God.¹⁶ Not only did they set the benchmark for the new eschatological people of God and with that defined the character of such people, but the message they proclaimed became the benchmark; in fact for the redactor, the Markan gospel was the benchmark. They received the mystery of God (Mk 4:11) in the form of a parable and because their function was to proclaim, the message about Jesus (the Markan gospel) became the mystery of God's kingdom, a parable.

The most likely candidates posing the question to Jesus would have been αὐτὸνοἱπερὶαὐτὸν, which conceptually refers to the followers or disciples of Jesus. They are also the ones who received the mystery of God's kingdom (Mk. 4:11). If that is indeed the case, it would imply that the third person personal pronoun αὐτοῖς (Mk. 4:11a) and the second person personal pronoun ὑμῖν (Mk. 4:11b) originally refer back to the αὐτὸνοἱπερὶαὐτὸν; but with the redactional rendition of 'the Twelve', they are also included.

Mark 4:11¹⁷

Mark 4:11 is significant in that the mystery of God's kingdom is shared with ύμΐν, which probably refers back to αὐτὸνοἱπερὶαὐτὸν and 'the Twelve.' The structure of the verse unfolds as follows:

καὶἔλεγεναὐτοῖς·

and He said to them:

ὑμῖντὸμυστήριονδέδοταιτῆςβασιλείαςτοῦθεοῦ·

you have been given the mystery of God's kingdom;

ἐκείνοιςδὲτοῖςἔξωἐνπαραβολαῖςτὰπάνταγίνεται,

but for those outside, everything remains in parables,

The theological significant concepts introduced in this verse are τὸμυστήριονδέδοταιτῆςβασιλείαςτοῦθεοῦ and παραβολαῖς coupled with ἐκείνοιςδὲτοῖςἔξω. The pertinent question is to whom does ἐκείνοιςδὲτοῖςἔξω as well as ὑμῖν refer and what is the conceptual relationship between the 'mystery of God's kingdom' and 'parables'. Finally, one should also determine as to what τὰπάντα entails. Baird (1957:202) suggests that τὰπάντα parallels τὸμυστήριον and not ἐνπαραβολαῖς. He introduces a parallelism between Mark 4:11a and Mark 4:11b by means of a scheme, from where he develops the assumption that the use of πάντα in Mark 4:34 refers to those things expounded to the disciples.¹⁸ Some scholars suggest 'all things' include the proclamation of Jesus up until that time and further.¹⁹ Pesch (1976:239) is of the opinion that the ἵνα phrase (Mk. 4:12) sufficiently explains τὰπάντα. Haacker (1971:221), while referring to Bornkamm, writes that Mark 4:11a could refer back to Mark 4:3-8, from where he poses the possibility that Mark 4:11 could have been a Vorform des Wortes interpreting parables, and because of this Mark 4:11 should not be viewed as an answer to the question raised in Mk 4:10. Pesch (1976:238) confirms Haacker's assumption and adds' ... eine urkirchliche Entstehung des Logions an.'²⁰Gnilka (1978:163) builds on this line of thought by arguing that if τὸμυστήριον and ἐνπαραβολαῖς are indeed regarded as being parallel then ἐνπαραβολαῖς is to be understood as 'riddle'.²¹ In the words of Haufe (1972:414-415): ,das Logion Mk 4,11f ist eine vormarkinische, aber nachösterliche Gemeindebildung ... das Logion hat ursprunglich mit den Gleichnisreden Jesu weder im vorösterlichen noch im nachösterliche Sinne irgendetwas zu tun.'

Focant (1997:150-151) addresses the issues by drawing a parallel between Mark 4:10-12 and Mark 3:20-35, not only to place emphasis on the two groups present in Mk 4:11, but also to illuminate Mark's understanding of the two groups. Ambrozic (1967:220) concludes that Mark offers two opposing views regarding parables. On the one hand, they are riddles which keep the 'outsiders' in darkness. On the other hand, the outsiders do not understand the parables. Maier (1995:160-162) does not agree with Ambrozic's view (1967:220), upheld by a number of scholars,²² that 'in parables' should be interpreted as 'riddles'. He suggests that ἐνπαραβολαῖς should rather be viewed as a 'pädagogisches Mittel, das Nachdenken nötigt.'²³France (2002:198), in agreement with Maier, argues that ἐνπαραβολαῖς should be interpreted in the context of Jesus' parabolic teaching (particularly Mk 4:1-34), and within the Synoptic gospels in general.²⁴

The author's intention was not to introduce multiple secrets concerning God and his kingdom with the notion of τὸμυστήριον. Neither was his aim to suggest 'exclusive' knowledge concerning God's kingdom.²⁵ He wanted to emphasise the position of judgement in correlation with the immediate experience.²⁶ For Gottschalk (1971:122) the concept τὸμυστήριον is thus apocalyptic in nature, which has not been used by Jesus himself, but the early Church has applied it in that manner. The 'mystery of God's kingdom' is revealed by the proclamation of Jesus. Such a revelation, so to speak, reveals God's reign as an eschatological mystery. Pesch (1976:239) formulates it as follows: Wahrscheinlich versteht er τὸμυστήριονδέδοταιτῆςβασιλείαςτοῦθεοῦ im Blick auf vv. 26-29.30-32 als die verborgene Gottesherrschaft.

Marcus (2000:68) pleas for a reasonable inference that the 'mystery of God's kingdom' for the author of the Markan gospel would be 'equal' to the parable of the sower. If one would further consider the Semitic backdrop (cf. Dn. 2) of this concept, then it is clear that the mystery is indeed revealed (cf. Mk. 4:3-8), but it is not yet understood. Marcus (2000:70) argues that the allegorical interpretation (Mk. 4:1420) is a further revelation of the 'mystery of God's kingdom'. Due to the redaction process the parable of the sower implies that the 'mystery of God's kingdom' should be viewed in terms of the eschatology. The glory of the 'mystery of God's kingdom' is already visible to those who have faith in Jesus Christ, which will be revealed in its entire splendour with the parousia.²⁷The great wonders and signs, with the many healings, are shown to the world as the 'mystery of God's kingdom'.²⁸ All things in riddles stand antithetically to the 'mystery of God's kingdom'.²⁹ It is a specific understanding, disclosed to certain people (the disciples) through the words and deeds of Jesus.³⁰ Those who know Jesus only as a worker of wonders does not understand Him at all, for the secret of the kingdom of God is that Jesus must die as the crucified Messiah.³¹ France (2002:198) understands the 'mystery of God's kingdom' as that which is revealed through the parables. With γίνεται governing,³² Mk 4:11b, τὰπάντα should be interpreted as referring to that which is currently happening (the teaching, the parable, the question, and that which is given (Mk 4:11a), on the one hand. And on the other hand, τὰπάντα should also be viewed as referring to Jesus' proclamation in general. In summary,³³ the mystery of God's kingdom refers to the parables in particular; it includes the words and deeds of Jesus as well as the identity of Jesus and his mission. The μυστήριονδέδοταιτῆςβασιλείαςτοῦθεοῦ suggests the following:

1. The specific parable context of Mark 4:1-34.

2. It includes parables as literary communicative tool in general - ensured by the redactor's inclusion of ἐνπαραβολαῖς (Mk 4:10).

3. The phrase τὰπάντα guarantees that the broader proclamation of Jesus, ἦλθενὁἸησοῦςεἰςτὴνΓαλιλαίανκηρύσσωντὸεὐαγγέλιοντοῦθεοῦ (Mk. 1:13-15) is taken into account.

4. Fourthly, this 'revealed' mystery is concealed in the gospel of Mark, ἈρχὴτοῦεὐαγγελίουἸησοῦΧριστοῦ [υἱοῦθεοῦ] (Mk. 1:1).

5. Finally, it encapsulates the identity of Jesus as the Χριστός and κύριος.

Given the evidence and their underlying arguments, it is reasonable to infer that αὐτοῖς (Mk. 4:11a) and ὑμῖν (Mk. 4:11b) refer to both οἱπερὶαὐτὸν and τοῖςδώδεκα (Mk. 4:10). Secondly, the mystery of God's kingdom is revealed and concealed through parables. The mystery of God's kingdom is at best a parable, but a parable which holds at its core the intent to reveal what it in fact conceals. If the mystery of God's kingdom remains a parable, it means that the revelation method has not been penetrated as to get to what it aims to communicate. The ability to do this is to qualitatively and quantitatively form part of God's new people through the message of Jesus as the risen 'Lord.' It has been suggested, and logically so, that ἐκείνοιςδὲτοῖςἔξω (Mk. 4:11b) refers to the followers of Jesus, his so-called disciples, who do not fully grasp the mission of Jesus and therefore almost everything thought by Him would remain parables. Syntactically speaking τοῖςδώδεκα should also be included, but theologically speaking they are excluded based on the redactional reworking of the material. Secondly, it refers to those that did not accompany Jesus in the boat, or rather, those not considered to be part of the inner circle. With the addition of 'the Twelve' in Mark 4:10 a third possibility becomes available. Everyone that does not form part of the new eschatological people of God represented by 'the Twelve', does not have the capacity to go beyond the parable as a method to unravel the parable, whilst the mystery of God's kingdom is revealed. Just as much as the parables would want to reveal the mystery of God's kingdom, so too does the Markan gospel want to declare who Jesus is and what He has done and by doing so, the mystery of God's kingdom becomes a parable.³⁴ The 'revelation' of God's kingdom does not necessarily imply understanding so as to label anyone at any given time as 'outsider' or 'insider'. In fact, just as the mystery of God's kingdom reveals while concealing, so too does 'outsider' become 'insider' and vice versa. If ἐκείνοιςδὲτοῖςἔξω is accepted as being parallel to ἐνπαραβολαῖςτὰπάνταγίνεται (Mk 4:11b), then τὰπάντα refers to 'the mystery of God's kingdom' and 'everything' it encapsulates. Everything that symbolises or refers to the kingdom of God remains ἐνπαραβολαῖς.³⁵ The phrase ἐνπαραβολαῖς is also a technical term inserted and rendered by the redactor to introduce the parables (cf. Mk. 4:3-8, 26-29, 30-32) in particular, but to also call the essence of the content matter mentioned above into mind. The conclusion is that those people who are not (1) participating in the 'hearing and questioning of the parables' and (2) listening to the teachings and forming part of the eschatological people of God; will also not recognise the identity of Jesus, which will result in rejecting the message of the Markan gospel. At first glance, and the most obvious assumption it seems, is that ἐκείνοιςδὲτοῖςἔξω had to refer to the remaining crowd left behind on the shores of the sea of Galilee. It could not have been referring to those surrounding Jesus, not to even mention 'the Twelve'. A closer reading of the text, however, suggests that ἐκείνοιςδὲτοῖςἔξω not only includes those who accompanied Jesus on the boat, but they seem to be made out to be the guilty ones. The allusion to Isaiah 6:9-10 in Mark 4:12 sheds some light and gives some insight into whom the ἐκείνοιςδὲτοῖςἔξω refers.³⁶

Mark 4:12

The aim here will not be to determine the 'original' meaning behind Isaiah 6:9-10, neither is the intent to understand the literary backdrop of this citation. The focus, rather, will fall on the concepts introduced in Mark 4:12 in the light of Mark 4:10 and Mark 4:11. The structure of the verse presents itself as follows:

ἵνα

so that

βλέποντεςβλέπωσινκαὶμὴἴδωσιν,

those who are looking see, but perceive not,

καὶἀκούοντεςἀκούωσινκαὶμὴσυνιῶσιν,

and those who are listening hear, but understand not,

μήποτεἐπιστρέψωσινκαὶἀφεθῇαὐτοῖς. lest they turn around not to be healed.

Past and very recent discussions dealing with Isaiah 6:9-10 in Mark 4:12 have been dominated by the search for the meaning and function of the two conjunctions ἵνα and μήποτε. These discussions produced three possible outcomes:

1. Final clause (evident of Targumim dependence)

2. Purpose clause (evident of LXX dependence)

3. Result clause (if Mark 4:12 is interpreted as a later interpolation, somewhat distinct from Mark 4:11).

These two conjunctions are indeed crucial elements to be considered when interpreting Mark 4:12,³⁷ but the discussion should be extended to other facets of this verse as well. With the redactional 'insertion' and allusion to Isaiah 6:9, 10, the redactor achieved its theological aim. That is to connect the parables of Jesus with the concept of 'the Twelve', the mystery of God's kingdom and the 'stubbornness' concept communicated in Isaiah 6:9-10. The opinion here is that, with establishing this connection, the redactor opened up the possibility to interpret Mark 4:10-12 as fundamental for Mark 4:1-34 and the Gospel as a whole.³⁸ According to Guelich (1989:213-214), Isaiah 6:9-10 indicates an epexegetic, and not the purpose for the enigmatic character of Jesus' teachings and that the text underscores that the 'outsiders' fail to perceive the real moment in Jesus' ministry, and therefore Mark understands his whole gospel as a parable. Those following Jesus understand God's salvation plan and Kingdom, but for the 'outsiders' Jesus is using the pedagogical method of the parables.³⁹ The allusion to Isaiah 6:9-10 could well be viewed as irony,⁴⁰ and therefore God's message will be met with differences or hostility. It does not necessarily refer to divine intention, thus the first mentioned would fit well into Mark 4:10-11.⁴¹ The mystery theory is not just a literary phenomenon, but it is the very origin of Jesus' words and deeds. Jesus is among the Christian community and through faith and within the religious cult, He is viewed as the Messiah and Lord.⁴²

Another aspect of Mark 4:12 deserves attention, that is the meaning and underlying concept of the Greek verbs for 'seeing', 'hearing', 'perceiving' and 'understanding'. The predominant meaning of βλέψω is see, look at; as of sense perception; in contrast to being blind be able to see; figuratively, of spiritual perception see, understand, be aware of.⁴³

Marcus (1986:157) suggests that βλέπειν would, semantically speaking, feel at home when designated as an empirical phenomenon as distinct from religious certainty. In Mark 4:12a, ἴδωσιν indicates true comprehension, and βλέποντεςβλέπωσιν are perceptions that fall short of that.⁴⁴ The same is true for ἀκούοντεςἀκούωσιν in relation to συνιῶσιν (Mk. 4:12b). The meanings proposed for the root verb συνίημι is 'set together 'to understand'⁴⁵ or to be intelligent.⁴⁶ Marcus (1986:159) argues that 'hearing' in Mark 4:12a and 12b speaks of both the 'outsiders' comprehension of the parables on a superficial level and of their failure to penetrate beyond the realm of appearance to that true insight. The term βλέποντες (Mk. 4:12b) should also be viewed in relation to βλέπωσιν in Mk 4:3, which refers to the crowd to which Jesus started teaching (Mk. 4:1-2); the same would apply for ἀκούοντεςἀκούωσιν in Mark 4:9. Thus, for the pre-Markan tradition, regarding the parable of the seeds or soil (Mk 4:3-8), everyone located at the sea of Galilee is called to listen (listening in terms of συνιῶσιν, not just 'hearing'). The latter is further strengthened by ἠδύναντοἀκούειν (Mk. 4:33) in that it refers to how they responded to the call made in Mark 4:3 and Mark 4:9. The reference to 'hearing' in Mark 4:33 will also imply a larger group or crowd. Finally, one cannot begin to interpret these verbs in Mark 4:12 without consulting Mark 4:21-25. The phrase ὦταἀκούεινἀκουέτω (Mark 4:23) is a replica of the phrase we find in Mark 4:9 and βλέπετετίἀκούετε (Mark 4:24) also recalls the notions offered by the allusion to Isa 6:9-10 in Mk 4:12, to mind. To conclude: what the words in Mark 4:12 (Is. 6:9, 10) want to convey is the 'normal' act of seeing and hearing as opposed to a deeper level of grasping, understanding and perceiving. This of course fits in perfectly with parables, mystery of the Kingdom and the followers or disciples.

But what has the redactor achieved with the allusion to Isaiah 6:9-10 in Mark 4:12? For one, the acts of seeing, hearing, perceiving and understanding, in the negative, would encompass parables, the mystery of God's kingdom, the words and deeds of Jesus, including the Markan gospel. Secondly, the verbal third person plurals do not merely refer to the crowds left behind on the shores, it includes 'those around Jesus' as well as 'the Twelve', whilst addressing the receptors of the gospel message. Thirdly, the ἵνα clause does not necessarily suggest a grammatical connection with Mark 4:10-11, but in collaboration with μήποτε it succeeds in extending the impact of Verstockung beyond the parameters of Mark 4:10-12 and Mark 4:1-34 to the gospel as a whole. Finally, the phrase μήποτεἐπιστρέψωσινκαὶἀφεθῇαὐτοῖς strengthens the plausibility to consider the 'gospel' message of Mark as parabolic-dualistic and apocalyptic-eschatological in nature. It is as if Isaiah 6:9, 10 was written for Mark 4:1-34, not that it was, but just to emphasise how flawless it suits the literary context of Mark 4:10-12 in particular and Mark 4:1-34 in general. In fact, the Verstockung idea as presented in Isaiah 6:9, 10 reveals something of the nature of the Markan gospel.

 

Conclusion

Mark 4:10-12 as redactional composition encompasses everything 'gospel' and 'parable'. It includes outsiders and insiders that translocate from one group to another, depending on the understanding of the mystery of God's kingdom. The insider grasps the mystery of God's kingdom and with that the parables become gospel, but as soon as this stage has been reached, the insider becomes confused and divorces his understanding of these matters by which he becomes an outsider. The inclusion of 'the Twelve' (Mk. 4:10) and the allusion to Isaiah 6:9-10 (Mk. 4:12) reinforces the assumption that this composition extends far beyond the parable context in Mark 4:1-34. In fact, Mark 4:10-12 is the key to unlock the Markan gospel and at the same time, locking it allowing studies such as these to continue. The inclusion of 'the Twelve' as concept and the allusion to Isaiah 6:9-10 as part of the parable theory composition not only governs Mark 4:1-34 as parable context, but it transforms Mark 4:1-34 as pivotal for understanding the mission of Jesus through parables, of which the Markan gospel is the parable par excellence.

 

Acknowledgements

Competing interests

The author declares that he has no financial or personal relationships which may have inappropriately influenced him in writing this article.

 

References

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MacComiskey, D.S., 2008, 'Exile and the purpose of Jesus' parables (Mark 4:10-12; Matt 13:10-17; Luke 8:9-19)', The Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society 51(1), 59-85.         [ Links ]

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Räisänen, H., 1973, Die Parabelheorie im Markusevangelium, Helsinki. (Schriften den Finnischen Exegetischen Gesellschaft 26), Pohjois-Karjalan Kirjapaino Oy - Joensuu.         [ Links ]

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Sellin, G., 1983, 'Textlinguistische und semiotische Erwägungen zu Mk. 4:1-34', New Testament Studies 29(4), 508-530. http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/S0028688500006305        [ Links ]

Snodgrass, K.R., 1992, 'Parable,' in J.B. Green & S. McKnight (ed.), Dictionary of Jesus and the Gospels, InterVarsity Press, Downers Grove, IL.         [ Links ]

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Turner, C.H., 1993, 'Marcan usage: Notes, critical and exegetical on the second gospel', in J.K. Elliot, (ed.), The language and style of the Gospel of Mark, pp. 3-146, Brill, Leiden.         [ Links ]

Van Bruggen, J., 1988, Marcus. Het Evangelie volgens Petrus, Uitgeversmaatschappij J.H. Kok, Kampen. (Commentaar op Het Nieuwe Testament, 3rd series (Afd. Evangeliën).         [ Links ]

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Correspondence:
Peter Nagel,
admin@peternagel.co.za

Received: 09 Nov. 2015
Accepted: 26 Jan. 2016
Published: 30 June 2016

 

 

1 Jones (1978:519-538);Franco (1981:240-244); Sellin (1983:508-530); Tuckett (1988:1-26); Dautzenberg (1990:38-62); Sellew (1990:234-267); Heil (1992:271-286); also see the history of work done on Mark 4:1-34, at least up until the 1986 in Marcus (1986:1-6); Kirkland (1977:1-21); Marcus (1984:557-574); Vincent (1986:179-182) and that of the most recent study by MacComiskey (2008:59-85).
2 A parable defined as being ambiguous in nature; a method of communication that requires a certain amount of confusion is adopted as a workable definition.
3 Scott (1990:22) argues that Mark concentrates his parables in Chapter 4.
4 These insights are brought to literature in virtually every phrase of Mark 4:10-12.
5 The redactional concept of 'the Twelve' (Mk. 3:13, 14; 4:10; 5:25; 6:7) is considered important in arguing the theory that Mark 4:12, in relation to Mark 4:10-12 defines the Markan gospel as parable (see Mark 6:7, 43; 8:19; 9:35; 10:32; 11:11; 14:10 in relation to 'the Twelve').
6 See also Mark 6:7, 43; 8:19; 9:35; 10:32; 11:11; 14:10.
7 Cf. (Haufe 1972:413-421) and (Räisänen 1973). For Scott (1990:22) Mark 4:11-12 introduces the so-called 'hardening theory.'
8 A few text critical alternatives are suggested pertaining to Mk 4:10. First, μαθηταιαυτου is suggested as a replacement for περὶαὐτὸνσὺντοῖςδώδεκα (Mk. 4:10b). The same group of manuscripts supports both alternatives. These alternatives, however, do not pose any threat to the integrity of the verse, nor does it alter the meaning or theological significance in any way.
9 (Turner 1993:3-146) comments that we have in Mark four elements, the 'Lord', the Twelve, the disciples outside the Twelve, and lastly the multitude. The intermediate elements distinguished by Mark are that the Twelve are now a group by themselves 'among' the disciples, 45.
10 Pesch (1976:237) further comments that κατὰμόνας is a Hapax Legomenon and should be understood as a pre-Markan tradition.
11 Guelich 1989:203. Scott (1990:234) notes that it has become customary, at that time, in gospel scholarship to speak in general terms of a pre-Markan source for much of Mark 4:1-34.
12 Guelich 1989:204.
13 It could be that the function of the term δώδεκα extends far beyond a group appointed by Jesus. For example, Mark 5:25 (a woman that suffered from haemorrhages) and Mark 5:42, the 12-year-old girl, the daughter of Jairus that was raised from the dead; the twelve baskets filled with the loaves of bread in Mark 6:43 (cf. Mk. 8:19). Mark 3:13-19 and Mark 6:7-12 present a positive view of the twelve, but a more negative view is presented in Mark 9:33-37; Mark 10:32-34 is positive (cf. Mk. 11:11); negative is of course Mark 14:10-11 (Judas Iscariot) cf. Mark 14:17-21cf. Mark 14:43.
14 See also the entering into the Temple in Jerusalem - Mark 11:11.
15 Koch 2008:137
16 Koch 2008:140.
17 Text-critically speaking, Mark 4:11 appears intact for the most part; an alternative reading for ἔξω and γίνεται is suggested, while a significant amount of manuscript witnesses 'omit' τὰπάντα. None of these proposed alternatives, if accepted, pose any threat to the current interpretation of Mark 4:11 in relation to Mark 4:10 and Mark 4:12.
18 Marcus draws the attention to δέδοται (divine passive) that limits the 'mystery of God's kingdom' to something that has already appeared in the gospel. The 'mystery of God's kingdom' is given in parables and through the parable of the sower, in this particular context, 66. He further points out the limitations of Baird's schematization, and adds that the dative introduces both Mk 4:11a [ὑμῖν] and Mk 4:11b [ἐκείνοις] to place emphasis on the distinction between the 'insiders' and 'outsiders' (cf. Guelich 1989:205; see also Hultgren 2000:454-455).
19 Guelich (1989:208); cf. France (2002:198); Haufe (1972:417).
20 Suhl (1965:146) states that Mark 4:11 is a typical Palestinian anaesthetic parallelism.
21 Cf. Guelich (1989:205).
22 Cf. Suhl (1965:147); Pesch (1976:239); Gnilka (1978:163) among others. Brown (1973:62) is of the opinion that the 'mystery of God's kingdom' (Mark 4:11) is not the same as Jesus' identity. For Brown, if one is to deny a connection between Mark 4:11a and the allegorical interpretation of the parable of the sower (Mk 4:14-20), then it is possible to deny his conclusion that the 'mystery of God's kingdom' is indicated by the parables, 63.
23 Cf. France (2002:198).
24 Räisänen (1973:63) formulates his understanding as follows: 'Auch die auffällige Singularform τὸμυστήριον lasst sich gut aus dieser rückblickenden Perspektive verstehen ... fast die Gemeinde hier das Ganze der besonderen Lehre, die sie von der Welt underscheidet und trennt, als τὸμυστήριονδέδοταιτῆςβασιλείαςτοῦθεοῦ.
25 Brown (1973:62) argues that the 'mystery of God's kingdom' (Mk 4:11) is not the same as Jesus' identity. For Brown, if one is to deny a connection between Mark 4:11a and the allegorical interpretation of the parable of the sower (Mk. 4:14-20), then it is possible to deny his conclusion that the 'mystery of God's kingdom' is indicated by the parables, 63. Bolkenstein (1973:102) suggests that the declared mystery is that Jesus is the Messiah, the parables are thus concerned with the eschatological process, which is realised in Jesus; also see Kirkland's explanation on the relationship between parables and mystery, Novum Testamentum, 19:3.
26 In the words of Bolkenstein (1973:102) 'Bij hen geloof en zonder geloof moet het word van het Rijk duister blijven. In het geloof alleen worden gelijkenissen verstaan, verstaan namelijk in hun relatie met Jezus en het gebeuren, dat in Hem, in verborgenheid, plaatsvindt.
27 Marcus (2000:79); cf. Maier (1995:161).
28 Van Bruggen (1988:107).
29 Guelich (1989:208).
30 Hultgren (2000:458).
31 Hays (1996:76).
32 Cf. Van Bruggen (1988:107).
33 Cf. Van Bruggen (1988:106).
34 Kirkland (1977:19) concurs that the earliest traditions support the view that Jesus used the parables to hide and to reveal simultaneously.
35 The phrase ἐνπαραβολαῖς should therefore be interpreted as much more than mere 'riddles'.
36 Also see the study of Goulder (1991:289-304).
37 The ἵνα introduces the fulfilment of the Scripture, and therefore ἵνα could also have a consecutive meaning, Suhl (1965:149), contra Hanson (1983:67-69), who proposes a consecutive meaning if ίνα is interpreted against the backdrop of ןעמל cf. Focant (1997:153-154) and also Räisänen (1973:12) in terms of μήποτε. According to Räisänen, the use of μήποτε introducing a final clause confirms the final use of ἵνα. The latter use establishes, by means of Jesus' proclamation, a separation between 'believers' and 'unbelievers'. It also refers to the temporary Verstockung of Israel, (Bolkenstein 1973:102-103); cf. Haufe (1972:418). Gnilka (1978:170-172) argues that Mark has both the 'unbelievers' and Israel in mind. He sees it as a reference-fulfilment scheme, introduced by ίνα connected to ἔξω (Mk. 4:11b). According to Gottschalk (1971:123) the final and causal use of ἵνα roots the fulfilment of Isaiah's prophecy and clarifies the goal of Jesus' parables. The reality that there are some people not believing in Jesus, are theologically interpreted by Isaiah 6:9-10, and it is introduced by ίνα, which also connects to τὰπάντα (Mk. 4:11b; Pesch 1976:239). Whoever composed this periphrastic translation has given it a telic or final meaning, and has applied it to the purpose of Jesus' parables (Evans 1982:132). According to Guelich (1989:211), ίνα would express the purpose of the 'riddles' (v. 11b) and μήποτε would provide the purpose for the blindness and deafness (v. 12a). Guelich interprets ἵνα as functioning epexegetically with reference to the scriptures (Guelich 1989). Suhl (1965:151) has championed the targumic influence of μήποτε, whilst referring to Marxen, who suggests that Mark reveals a typical Jewish time fever and therefore Mark could have taken the Targum paraphrase as reference to the believers. Marcus (2000:307), Hultgren (2000:458) and France (2002:199) argue that ἵνα could not introduce anything other than a purpose clause. Marcus is of the view that with the purpose clause taken up in Mark 4:21-22, it becomes evident that the truth should be concealed and in turn be revealed.
38 Evans (1981:235) argues that if Mark viewed the allusion to Isaiah 6:9-10 as an analogy to the rejected ministry of Jesus, then it is indeed comprehendible that Mark would have related the words of the prophetic judgement to the experience of his Lord. He also suggests that the Isaiah text provides theological basis for the purpose of Jesus' parables and possibly for his ministry as a whole (Evans 1982:126-127). He further argues that Isaiah 6:9-10 and Isaiah 55:10-11 linked by the catchword 'seed' provide the basis for a skillfully developed Midrash in Mark 4:1-20 (Evans 1985:466). Guelich (1989:213) concedes that it can well be that Isaiah 6:9-10 could explain why 'all things' are in 'riddles' in terms of divine judgement, because the allusion to Isaiah 6:9-10 is closer to the Targum, and Mark 4:11b and Mark 4:12 describes those who had not responded positively to Jesus' ministry about the kingdom; they found all things in 'riddles'.
39 Maier (1995:162-163).
40 Marcus (1986:169-172) calls this apocalyptic irony.
41 France (2002:201). According to Räisänen (1973:121), the logion has a didactical goal, with the parables as communication method, while Gottschalk (1971:125) suggests that the so-called parable theory presents Jesus' logion and parables as eschatological, and the parable logion reveals Jesus as the Son of Man; according to him Jesus' identity and life is parabolic in nature, concealing and revealing. For Pesch (1976:240) the parables would have stayed hidden if one does not think about it, and asking questions to enable one to understand. The parables will stay hidden to the 'outsiders', and it will also be difficult to grasp for Mark and his community. The reason for the latter is due to the Hellenistic-Jewish influence. Gnilka (1978:170-172), in turn, argues that for Mark the parables are 'riddles' logions, representative of the negative aspect of the 'mystery of God's kingdom', and even more related to the negative aspect surrounding Israel.
42 Gnilka 1978:168-169.
43 Friberg, Friberg & Miller 2000:92;cf. Louw & Nida 1996:277. The sense of becoming aware of or taking notice of something.
44 Arndt et al. 1979:220.
45 Liddell 1996:777.
46 Louw & Nida 1996:237.