A followed asks about the meaning of the parable.
Luke 8:10 Unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God: but to others in parables; that seeing they might not see, and hearing they might not understand.
Luke 8:10 The knowledge of the secrets 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.
To you, it has been given to learn the secrets of the realm of the Divine. To those remaining, however, in parables so that seeing they might not see; and hearing, they might not put it together.
"Parable" is Greek for "analogy," "comparison," and "illustration." It is the Greek source of our word "parable." It doesn't mean simply "educational story" as it has come to mean in English. The Greek word for educational stories is a different word, which primarily means to "encourage" but was used to describe instructive stories, such a Aesop's Fables. This word is really untranslated because we just adopted the Greek word and gave it iits own meeting.
"Others" is a word Jesus only uses six times, I means "remaining over," "the remaining," "the rest, "descendants," of Time, "the future," "henceforward," "hereafter," and "the remaining." It is not the word for "others."
"Understand" a Greek word that means "to bring together" or "to set together." It is also a metaphor for "perceive," "hear," and "understand" as we would say that we "put it all together" when figuring something out.
This is a paraphrase of Isa 6:9, "Hear ye indeed, but understand not; and see ye indeed, but perceive not." But the Greek is very different. ἀκοῇ ἀκούσετε καὶ οὐ μὴ συνῆτε καὶ βλέποντες βλέψετε καὶ οὐ μὴ ἴδητ
There is more than one way to be dumb.
Ὑμῖν δέδοται γνῶναι τὰ μυστήρια τῆς βασιλείας τοῦ θεοῦ,
To you, it has been given to learn the secrets of the realm of the Divine.
τοῖς δὲ λοιποῖς ἐν παραβολαῖς,
To those however, remaining, in parables
ἵνα “βλέποντες μὴ βλέπωσιν καὶ ἀκούοντες μὴ συνίωσιν.
so that seeing they might not see; and hearing, not they might put it together.
- WT --Wrong Tense - The English verb "given" is not the present tense, but Greek is in the past perfect, a completed action, "have seen."
- MW - Missing Word -- The word "the/this" before "God" is not shown in the English translation.
- MW - Missing Word -- The word "the/this" before "others" is not shown in the English translation.
- CW --Confusing Word -- This is not the common word usually translated as "others."
- UW --Untranslated Word -- "Parables" means "comparison." "Parables" is an untranslated Greek word adopted into English.
- IW - Inserted Word -- The "the" before "know" doesn't exist in the source.
- WF -- Wrong Form - This is not a noun, but a verb in the form of an infinitive.
- IW - Inserted Word -- The "of" doesn't exist in the source.
- MW - Missing Word -- The word "the/this" before "God" is not shown in the English translation.
- MW - Missing Word -- The word "the/this" before "others" is not shown in the English translation.
- CW --Confusing Word -- This is not the common word usually translated as "others."
- IP - Inserted Phrase-- The "I speak" doesn't exist in the source.
- UW --Untranslated Word -- "Parables" means "comparison." "Parables" is an untranslated Greek word adopted into English.
- IW - Inserted Word -- The "though" doesn't exist in the source.
- MW - Missing Word -- The word "and " is not shown in the English translation.
- IW - Inserted Word -- The "though" doesn't exist in the source
Unto -- This word "to" comes from the indirect object form of the following word that requires the addition of a preposition in English. The most common is a "to" for the English indirect object.
you -- The "you" here is from the plural, dative, second-person pronoun.
it -- This is from the third-person, singular form of the verb.
is -- (WT) This helping verb "is" indicates that the verb is passive. Helping or auxiliary verbs are needed to translate the Greek verb forms into English. This is not the present but the past perfect tense, "has been."
given -- The verb translated as "given" means "to give," "to grant," "to hand over," "appoint," "establish," and "to describe." It is almost always translated as some form of "give."
to -- This "to" is added because the infinitive form of the verb requires a "to" in English.
know -- "Know" is a verb that means "to learn to know,""to know," "to recognize," "make known," "to know carnally," and "to learn." The idea of "learn" seems to translate this word better so it isn't confused with the verb meaning "have seen" which is also used to mean "know." This verb is more versatile because it can be used in more tenses.
the -- The word translated as "the" is the Greek definite article, "the," which usually precedes a noun or changes the word it precedes (adjective, infinitive, participle, etc.) to act like a noun. The Greek article is much closer to our demonstrative pronouns ("this," "that," "these," "those") than the English "the." See this article for more.
mysteries -"Mystery" is from a word that means "mystery," "secret doctrine," "secret rite," "mystical implements," "talisman," "magical item," and "secrets revealed by God."
of -- This word "of" comes from the genitive case of the following word that requires the addition of a preposition in English. The most common is the "of" of possession.
the -- The word translated as "the" is the Greek definite article, which usually precedes a noun and, without a noun, takes the meaning of "the one." The Greek article is much closer to our demonstrative pronouns ("this", "that", "these", "those"). See this article for more.
kingdom -- The word translated as "kingdom" can be the region, the reign, the castle or the authority of a ruler. Christ does not seem to use it to mean a physical region, so its translation as "reign" or "realm" seems more appropriate. This is especially true because the "reign" of a king means the execution of his will.
of -- This word comes from the genitive case of the following word(s) that required the addition of a preposition in English. The most common is the "of" of possession, but it can also mean "belonging to," "part of", "which is", "than" (in comparisons), or "for", "concerning" or "about" with transitive verbs.
missing "the" -- (MW) The untranslated word is the Greek definite article, which usually precedes a noun and, without a noun, takes the meaning of "the one." The Greek article is much closer to our demonstrative pronouns ("this", "that", "these", "those"). See this article for more.
God. -- The word translated as "God" means "God" and "deity." It is introduced with an article, so "the God." Jesus often uses it this way perhaps to indicate the one God as opposed to the pagan gods.
but -- The Greek word translated as "but" means "but," "however," and "on the other hand." It joins phrases in an adversarial way. Since it always falls in the second position, translating it as "however" often captures its feeling better.
to -- This "to" is added because the infinitive form of the verb requires a "to" in English.
missing "the/this" -- (MW) The untranslated word is the Greek definite article," the," which usually precedes a noun or changes the word it precedes (adjective, infinitive, participle, etc.) to act like a noun. The Greek article is much closer to our demonstrative pronouns ("this," "that," "these," and "those"). See this article for more.
others =- (CW) "Others" is from an uncommon word that means "remaining over," "the rest," and, of Time, "the future," "henceforward." This is not the word usually translated as "others."
in -- The word translated as "in" means "in," "within," "with" (an instrument), "by" (near), "by" (means of), "during" (time), or "among" with an indirect-object form object. With the direct object form, it means "into," "on," and "for." When referring to time, it means "during." It can mean "on," "at," or "by" in the sense of "near."
parables; -- (UW) "Parable" is Greek for "analogy," "comparison," and "illustration." It is the Greek source of our word "parable." It doesn't mean simply "educational story" as it has come to mean in English. The Greek word for educational stories is different word, which primarily means to "encourage" but was used to describe instructive stories, such a Aesop's Fables.
that -- The word translated as "there" is an adverb "in that place," "there," "where," or "when."
seeing -- The verb translated as "see ye" means "to see," "to look to," "to look like," "to beware," and "to look for." It is the more tangible sense of seeing, such as seeing what is right in front of you rather than understanding so "watch" works better. "Look" does not work as well because it doesn't take a direct object and this word does.
they -- This is from the third-person, plural form of the verb.
might -- This helping verb in English comes from the form of the Greek verb that indicates a possibility. We would usually say "might" or "should" in English.
not -- The negative used here is the Greek negative of a subjective opinion, commands, verbs of possibility, and requests. Used with verbs in the mood of possibility to express a prohibition.
see, -- The verb translated as "see ye" means "to see," "to look to," "to look like," "to beware," and "to look for." It is the more tangible sense of seeing, such as seeing what is right in front of you rather than understanding so "watch" works better. "Look" does not work as well because it doesn't take a direct object and this word does.
and -- The Greek word translated as "and" is used as the conjunction "and," but it also is used to add emphasis, "even," "also," and "just."
hearing -- "Hear" is from a Greek verb that means "to hear," "to hear of," and "to listen." It has the same sense as the English not only of listening but of understanding. It also means "to listen" and "to understand," but amusingly, it also means "to be silent."
they -- This is from the third-person, plural form of the verb.
might -- This helping verb in English comes from the form of the Greek verb that indicates a possibility. We would usually say "might" or "should" in English.
not -- The negative used here is the Greek negative of a subjective opinion, commands, verbs of possibility, and requests. Used with verbs in the mood of possibility to express a prohibition.
understand. -- The word translated as "understand" means "to bring together." It means "understand" in the same sense that we say "put it together" to mean "understand." This word is always translated as "understand" in the KJV translation
The -- (IW) This word is not in the Greek source.
knowledge -- (WF) "Knowledge" is a verb that means "to learn to know,""to know," "to recognize," "make known," "to know carnally," and "to learn." The idea of "learn" seems to translate this word better so it isn't confused with the verb meaning "have seen" which is also used to mean "know." This verb is more versatile because it can be used in more tenses.This is not a noun, but a verb in the form of an infinitive.
of -- (IW) This word is not in the Greek source. The following word does not come from the form of the following word.
the -- The word translated as "the" is the Greek definite article, "the," which usually precedes a noun or changes the word it precedes (adjective, infinitive, participle, etc.) to act like a noun. The Greek article is much closer to our demonstrative pronouns ("this," "that," "these," "those") than the English "the." See this article for more.
secrets -"Secrets " is from a word that means "mystery," "secret doctrine," "secret rite," "mystical implements," "talisman," "magical item," and "secrets revealed by God."
of -- This word "of" comes from the genitive case of the following word that requires the addition of a preposition in English. The most common is the "of" of possession.
the -- The word translated as "the" is the Greek definite article, which usually precedes a noun and, without a noun, takes the meaning of "the one." The Greek article is much closer to our demonstrative pronouns ("this", "that", "these", "those"). See this article for more.
kingdom -- The word translated as "kingdom" can be the region, the reign, the castle or the authority of a ruler. Christ does not seem to use it to mean a physical region, so its translation as "reign" or "realm" seems more appropriate. This is especially true because the "reign" of a king means the execution of his will.
of -- This word comes from the genitive case of the following word(s) that required the addition of a preposition in English. The most common is the "of" of possession, but it can also mean "belonging to," "part of", "which is", "than" (in comparisons), or "for", "concerning" or "about" with transitive verbs.
missing "the" -- (MW) The untranslated word is the Greek definite article, which usually precedes a noun and, without a noun, takes the meaning of "the one." The Greek article is much closer to our demonstrative pronouns ("this", "that", "these", "those"). See this article for more.
God. -- The word translated as "God" means "God" and "deity." It is introduced with an article, so "the God." Jesus often uses it this way perhaps to indicate the one God as opposed to the pagan gods.
has -- This helping verb "has" indicates that the verb is the tense indicating an action completed in the past.
been -- This helping verb "been" indicates that the verb is passive. Helping or auxiliary verbs are needed to translate the Greek verb forms into English.
given -- The verb translated as "given" means "to give," "to grant," "to hand over," "appoint," "establish," and "to describe." It is almost always translated as some form of "give."
to This word "to" comes from the indirect object form of the following word that requires the addition of a preposition in English. The most common is a "to" for the English indirect object.
you, -- The "you" here is from the plural, dative, second-person pronoun.
but -- The Greek word translated as "but" means "but," "however," and "on the other hand." It joins phrases in an adversarial way. Since it always falls in the second position, translating it as "however" often captures its feeling better.
to -- This "to" is added because the infinitive form of the verb requires a "to" in English.
missing "the/this" -- (MW) The untranslated word is the Greek definite article," the," which usually precedes a noun or changes the word it precedes (adjective, infinitive, participle, etc.) to act like a noun. The Greek article is much closer to our demonstrative pronouns ("this," "that," "these," and "those"). See this article for more.
others =- (CW) "Others" is from an uncommon word that means "remaining over," "the rest," and, of Time, "the future," "henceforward." This is not the word usually translated as "others."
I speak -- (IP) There is nothing that can be translated as this phrase in the Greek source.
in -- The word translated as "in" means "in," "within," "with" (an instrument), "by" (near), "by" (means of), "during" (time), or "among" with an indirect-object form object. With the direct object form, it means "into," "on," and "for." When referring to time, it means "during." It can mean "on," "at," or "by" in the sense of "near."
parables; -- (UW) "Parable" is Greek for "analogy," "comparison," and "illustration." It is the Greek source of our word "parable." It doesn't mean simply "educational story" as it has come to mean in English. The Greek word for educational stories is different word, which primarily means to "encourage" but was used to describe instructive stories, such a Aesop's Fables.
so that -- The word translated as "there" is an adverb "in that place," "there," "where," or "when."
‘though -- (IW) This word is not in the Greek source.
seeing -- The verb translated as "see ye" means "to see," "to look to," "to look like," "to beware," and "to look for." It is the more tangible sense of seeing, such as seeing what is right in front of you rather than understanding so "watch" works better. "Look" does not work as well because it doesn't take a direct object and this word does.
they -- This is from the third-person, plural form of the verb.
might -- This helping verb in English comes from the form of the Greek verb that indicates a possibility. We would usually say "might" or "should" in English.
not -- The negative used here is the Greek negative of a subjective opinion, commands, verbs of possibility, and requests. Used with verbs in the mood of possibility to express a prohibition.
see, -- The verb translated as "see ye" means "to see," "to look to," "to look like," "to beware," and "to look for." It is the more tangible sense of seeing, such as seeing what is right in front of you rather than understanding so "watch" works better. "Look" does not work as well because it doesn't take a direct object and this word does.
missing "and " -- (MW) The untranslated word
‘though -- (IW) This word is not in the Greek source.
hearing -- "Hear" is from a Greek verb that means "to hear," "to hear of," and "to listen." It has the same sense as the English not only of listening but of understanding. It also means "to listen" and "to understand," but amusingly, it also means "to be silent."
they -- This is from the third-person, plural form of the verb.
might -- This helping verb in English comes from the form of the Greek verb that indicates a possibility. We would usually say "might" or "should" in English.
not -- The negative used here is the Greek negative of a subjective opinion, commands, verbs of possibility, and requests. Used with verbs in the mood of possibility to express a prohibition.
understand. -- The word translated as "understand" means "to bring together." It means "understand" in the same sense that we say "put it together" to mean "understand." This word is always translated as "understand" in the KJV translation
Ὑμῖν [299 verses](pron 2nd pl dat) "To you" is hymin (humin), which is the 2nd person plural dative pronoun. Dative is the case which indicates to whom something is given.
δέδοται[147 verses] (3rd sg perf ind mp) "It is given" is didomi, which means "to give," "to grant," "to hand over," "appoint," "establish," and "to describe."
γνῶναι [62 verses] (verb aor inf act) "To know," is ginosko which means "to learn to know," "to know by reflection or observation," and "to perceive."
τὰ [821 verses](article pl neut acc) "The" is the Greek definite article, hos, ("the"). It usually precedes a noun or changes the word it precedes (adjective, infinitive, participle, etc.) to act like a noun. When not preceding a a word that can become a noun, takes the meaning of "the one" or, in the plural, "the ones." Proper nouns do normally not take articles but they are needed when the noun ending cannot be changed to show the noun's role in the sentence as an object, indirect object, or genitive (possessive) form. However, the Greek article is very close to "this" so the purpose of an article like this can also be demonstrative.There is no vocative definite article, (despite being shown in Perseus). When the vocative is meant, no article is used or they used ω or ε. See this article.
μυστήρια [3 verses](noun pl neut acc) "Mystery" is mystêrion, which means "mystery," "secret doctrine," "secret rite ""mystic implements and ornaments," "secret revealed by God," "religious or mystical truth," and "superstition."
τῆς [821 verses](article sg fem gen) "The" is the Greek definite article, hos, ("the"), which usually precedes a noun and, without a noun, takes the meaning of "the one" or, in the plural, "the ones."
βασιλείας [98 verses](noun sg fem gen) "Kingdom" is basileia, which means "kingdom", "dominion", "hereditary monarchy", "kingly office," (passive) "being ruled by a king," and "reign."
τοῦ [821 verses] (article) Untranslated is the Greek definite article, hos, ("the"), which usually precedes a noun and, without a noun, takes the meaning of "the one" or, in the plural, "the ones."
θεοῦ. [144 verses]( noun sg masc gen ) "God" is theos, which means "God," "divine," and "Deity." -- The word translated as "God" means "God" and "deity." It is introduced with an article, so "the God." Jesus often uses it this way perhaps to indicate the one God as opposed to the pagan gods.
τοῖς [821 verses](article pl masc dat) "To" is the Greek definite article, which usually precedes a noun and, without a noun, takes the meaning of "the one" or, in the plural, "the ones."
δὲ [446 verses](conj) "But" is de which means "but" and "on the other hand." It is the particle that joins sentences in an adversarial way but can also be an explanation of indirect cause ("so"). In an "if" (εἰ ) clause or temporal "when" (ὅταν) clause the sense is "if/when... then." In a series begun by men, its means "on the other hand." In a listing, the sense is "then" or "yet." After an interruption, "so then." It can also be an explanation of cause ("so"). When used with a conditional starting a clause, the sense is "if/when...then." When used with a particle meaning "indeed" the sense is "on one hand...on the other hand." In a listing, the sense is "then" or "yet." After an interruption, "so then."
λοιποῖς [6 verses](adj pl masc dat) "Others" is loipos, which means "remaining over," "the remaining," "the rest, "descendants," of Time, "the future," "henceforward," "hereafter," and "the remaining."
ἐν [413 verses](prep) "In" is en, which means, with its usual indirect (dative) object, "in," "on," "at," "by," "among," "within," "surrounded by," "in one's hands," "in one's power," "during," and "with." With a direct (accusative) object, it means "into," "on," and "for." Referring to time, it means. "in the course of" or "during."
παραβολαῖς [12 verses](noun pl fem dat) "Parable" is from parabole, which means "comparison," "illustration," and "analogy." It is most often translated in the NT as "parable" but occasionally as "comparison." The Greek word for educational stories is a different word, "παραμύθια" (paramythia).
ἵνα [134 verses](adv/conj) "That" is hina, which means "in that place," "there," "where," "when," but when beginning a phrase "so that," "in order that," "when," and "because." -- The word translated as "that" is a conjunction that starts a subordinate clause "that," "when," "in order that" "when," or "because." It is used as an introduction to a command, where it isn't translated. Often is better to translate it as "so that" instead of "because" to avoid confusion with another conjunction.
“βλέποντες [46 verses] (part pl pres act masc nom ) "Seeth" is from of blepo, which means "to look," "to see," "to look to," "to look like," "to rely on," "to look longingly," "to propose," "to beware," "to behold," and "to look for." Used with the prepostion meaning "from" (ἀπὸ) to means "watch out."
μὴ [447 verses](conj) "Not" is me , which is the negative used in prohibitions and expressions of doubt meaning "not" and "no." The negative, μή, rejects, is relative, and subjective. It is used in imperative and subjunctive clauses because both express opinions. This negative applies to will and thought. With pres. or aor. subjunctive, it is used in a warning or statement of fear, "take care" It can be the conjunction "lest" or "for fear that." Used before tis with an imperative to express a will or wish for something in independent sentences and, with subjunctives, to express prohibitions. It is used with infinitives that express a purpose. It is used with verbs of subjective action--thinking, feeling, seeing, etc. When used with verbs of physical action, its sense is that "not wanting" or "thinking" something, not that it isn't done or thought. With these verbs, the sense is "rejecting" the action, rather than simply not doing it. With the verb "to be," the sense is "doesn't seem." When a negative precedes the verb, it affects the whole clause. When it precedes other words, its force is limited to those words. Used with an imperative to express a will or wish. Used in negative conditional "when/if/whoever" clauses. With "have," the sense is "lacks" or "wants."
βλέπωσιν [46 verses](verb 3rd pl pres subj) "Seeth" is from of blepo, which means "to look," "to see," "to look to," "to look like," "to rely on," "to look longingly," "to propose," "to beware," "to behold," and "to look for." Used with the preposition meaning "from" (ἀπὸ) to means "watch out."
καὶ [1089 verses](conj/adv) "And" is kai, which is the conjunction joining phrases and clauses, "and," or "also." After words implying sameness, "as" (the same opinion as you). Used in series, joins positive with negative "Not only...but also." Also used to give emphasis, "even," "also," and "just." In a series, it can be translated as "not only...but also." After words implying sameness "as."
ἀκούοντες [95 verses](part pl pres act masc nom) "Ye hear" is akouo, which means "hear of," "hear tell of," "what one actually hears," "know by hearsay," "listen to," "give ear to," "hear and understand," and "understand." The accusative object is the person/thing heard about, while the genitive is the person/thing heard from. However, two genitives can be used with the sense of "hear of a thing from a person."
μὴ [447 verses](conj) "Not" is me , which is the negative used in prohibitions and expressions of doubt meaning "not" and "no." The negative, μή, rejects, is relative, and subjective. It is used in imperative and subjunctive clauses because both express opinions. This negative applies to will and thought. With pres. or aor. subjunctive, it is used in a warning or statement of fear, "take care" It can be the conjunction "lest" or "for fear that." Used before tis with an imperative to express a will or wish for something in independent sentences and, with subjunctives, to express prohibitions. It is used with infinitives that express a purpose. It is used with verbs of subjective action--thinking, feeling, seeing, etc. When used with verbs of physical action, its sense is that "not wanting" or "thinking" something, not that it isn't done or thought. With these verbs, the sense is "rejecting" the action, rather than simply not doing it. With the verb "to be," the sense is "doesn't seem." When a negative precedes the verb, it affects the whole clause. When it precedes other words, its force is limited to those words. Used with an imperative to express a will or wish. Used in negative conditional "when/if/whoever" clauses. With "have," the sense is "lacks" or "wants."
συνίωσιν [14 verses](verb 3rd pl pres subj act) "Understand" is from syniemi which means "to bring together" or "to set together." It is also a metaphor for "perceive," "hear," and "understand" as we would say that we "put it all together" when figuring something out.
This is an abbreviated form combining two verses (Matthew 13:11, Matthew 13:13) into one. Again, the English translation hides the differences, though slight, between the two versions. One difference, the use of a negative with a very different meaning, it significant.