Mark 4:23

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Mark 4:23 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear.”

King James Version KJV

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

American Standard Version ASV

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

Bible in Basic English BBE

If any man has ears, let him give ear.

Free Bible Version FBV

If you have ears to hear, listen to what I'm saying!

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

If any man haue eares to heare, let him heare.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

If any hath ears to hear — let him hear.'

World English Bible WEB

If any man has ears to hear, let him hear.”

Noah Webster Bible WBS

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

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

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

Translation for Translators T4T

If you want to understand this, you should consider carefully what you have just heard.”

Plain English Version PEV

You’ve all got ears, so you have to listen to me properly, and take notice of my words.”

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Mark 4:23

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Word Study

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Mark 4:23 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

GRK ει τις εχει ωτα ακουειν ακουετω

ει ei G1487 if COND

τις tis G5100 one Indef-NSM

εχει echō G2192 to have/be Verb-PAI-3S

ωτα ous G3775 ear Noun-APN

ακουειν akouō G191 to hear Verb-PAN

ακουετω akouō G191 to hear Verb-PAM-3S

Greek Word Study

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Greek Word Reference — Mark 4:23

ει ei G1487 "if" COND

This word means 'if' and is used to express conditions or questions. It appears in many Bible verses, such as Matthew 11:14 and Romans 8:25, introducing a condition or hypothesis.

Definition: εἰ, conjunctive particle, used in conditions and in indirect questions. __I. Conditional, if; __1. with indic, expressing a general assumption; __(a) pres.: before indic, pres., Mat.11:14, Rom.8:25, al.; before imperat., Mrk.4:23 9:22, Jhn.15:18, 1Co.7:9, al.; before fut. indic., Luk.16:31, Rom.8:11, al.; before pf. or aor., with negation in apodosis, Mat.12:26, Rom.4:14, al.; similarly, before impf., Luk.17:6, Jhn.8:39; before quæst., Mat.6:23, Jhn.5:47 7:23 8:46, 1Pe.2:20; __(b) fut.: Mat.26:33, 1Pe.2:20; __(with) pf.: Jhn.11:12, Rom.6:5, al.; __(d) aor.: Luk.16:11 19:8, Jhn.13:32, 18:23, Rev.20:15, al. __2. Where the assumption is certain = ἐπεί: Mat.12:28, Jhn.7:4, Rom.5:17, al. __3. Of an unfulfilled condition, with indic, impf., aor. or plpf., before ἄν, with imp. or aor. (see: ἄν, I, i). __4. C. indic., after verbs denoting wonder, etc., sometimes, but not always, coupled with an element of doubt: Mrk.15:44, 1Jn.3:13, al. __5. C. indic., as in LXX (Num.14:3o, 1Ki.14:45, al. = Heb. אִם), in oaths, with the formula of imprecation understood in a suppressed apodosis (WM, 627; Burton, §272): Mrk.8:12, Heb.3:11" (LXX) 4:3 (LXX). __6. Rarely (cl.) with optative, to express a merely possible condition: Act.24:19 27:39, 1Co.14:10 15:37, I Pe3:14, 17. __II. Interrogative, if, whether. __1. As in cl., in indir. questions after verbs of seeing, asking, knowing, saying, etc.: with indic. pres., Mat.26:63, Mrk.15:36, Act.19:2, 2Co.13:5, al.; fut., Mrk.3:2, Act.8:22, al.; aor., Mrk.15:44, 1Co.1:16, al.; with subjc. aor. (M, Pr., 194), Php.3:12. __2. As in LXX (= Heb. אִם and interrog. הֲ, Gen.17:17, al.; see WM, 639f.; Viteau, i, 22), in direct questions: Mrk.8:23 (Tr., WH, txt.), Luk.13:23, 22:49, Act.19:2, al. __III. With other particles. __1. εἰ ἄρα, εἴγε, εἰ δὲ μήγε, see: ἄρα, γε. __2. εἰ δὲ καί, but if also: Luk.11:18; but even if, 1Co.4:7, 2Co.4:3 11:16. __3. εἰ δὲ μή, but if not, but if otherwise: Mrk.2:21, 22 Jhn.14:2, Rev.2:5, al. __4. εἰ καί, if even, if also, although: Mrk.14:29, Luk.11:8, 1Co.7:21, 2Co.4:16, Php.2:17, al. __5. καὶ εἰ, even if, see: καί __6. εἰ μή, if not, unless, except, but only: Mat.24:22, Mrk.2:26 6:5, Jhn.9:33, 1Co.7:17 (only), Gal.1:19 (cf. ἐὰν μή, 2:16; see Hort., Ja., xvi); ἐκτὸς εἰ μή, pleonastic (Bl., §65, 6), 1Co.14:5 15:2, 1Ti.5:19. __7. εἰ μήν = cl. ἦ μήν (M, Pr., 46), in oaths, surely (Eze.33:27, al.): Heb.6:14. __8. εἴ πως, if haply: Act.27:12, Rom.1:10. __9. εἴτε . . . εἴτε, whether . . . or; Rom.12:6-8, 1Co.3:22 13:8, al. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 459 NT verses. KJV: forasmuch as, if, that, (al-)though, whether See also: 1 Corinthians 1:14; 2 Corinthians 10:7; 1 Peter 1:6.

τις tis G5100 "one" Indef-NSM

This pronoun refers to a person or thing in a general sense, as seen in Luke 9:49 and John 11:1. It can mean someone, anyone, or anything. This term is often used to describe an unspecified individual or object.

Definition: τις, neut., τι, genitive, τινός, enclitic indefinite pron., related to interrog. τίς as πού, πως, ποτέ to ποῦ, πῶς, πότε. __I. As subst., __1. one, a certain one: Luk.9:49, Jhn.11:1, Act.5:25, al.; pl., τίνες, certain, some: Luk.13:1, Act.15:1, Rom.3:8, al. __2. someone, anyone, something, anything: Mat.12:29, Mrk.9:30, Luk.8:46, Jhn.2:25, Act.17:25, Rom.5:7, al.; = indef., one (French on), Mrk.8:4, Jhn.2:25, Rom.8:24, al.; pl., τινες, some, Mrk.14:4, al. __II. II. As adj., __1. a certain: Mat.18:12, Luk.1:5 8:27, Act.3:2, al.; with proper names, Mrk.15:21, Luk.23:26, al.; with genitive partit., Luk.7:19, al. __2. some: Mrk.16:[8], Jhn.5:14, Act.17:21 24:24, Heb.11:40, al. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 490 NT verses. KJV: a (kind of), any (man, thing, thing at all), certain (thing), divers, he (every) man, one (X thing), ought, + partly, some (man, -body, - thing, -what), (+ that no-)thing, what(-soever), X wherewith, whom(-soever), whose(-soever) See also: 1 Corinthians 1:15; 2 Corinthians 12:17; 1 Peter 2:19.

εχει echō G2192 "to have/be" Verb-PAI-3S

This Greek word means to have or hold something, like a possession or ability. It is used in many ways, such as having power or being with someone. The Bible uses it in Revelation 5:8 and 14:6.

Definition: ἔχω, [in LXX for אָצֵל (ἐχόμενος), יֵשׁ,בַּעַל, etc., 59 words in all ;] (on the Aktionsart of the various tenses, see M, Pr., 110, 145, 150, 183), to have, as in cl., in various senses and constructions. __I. Trans.; __1. 1. to have, hold, hold fast, etc.; __(a) to hold, as, in the hand: Rev.5:8 14:6, al.; ἐν τ. χειρί, Rev.1:16 10:2, al.; __(b) of arms and clothing, = φέρω, φορέω, to bear, wear: Mat.3:4 22:12, al.; so frequently present ptcp. (LS, see word, A, I, 6; Bl., 74, 2), Mrk.11:13, Jhn.18:10, Rev.9:17, al.; __(with) of a woman, ἐν γαστρὶ ἔ, to be with child: Mrk.13:17, Rom.9:10; __(d) to hold fast, keep: Luk.19:20; metaphorically, of the mind and conduct, Mrk.16:8 (cf. Job.21:6, Isa.13:8; Deiss., BS, 293; Field, Notes, 44f.), Jhn.14:21, Rom.1:28, 1Ti.3:9, 2Ti.1:13, Rev.6:9, al.; __(e) to involve: Heb.10:35 (LXX), Jas.1:4, 1Jn.4:18; (f) = Lat. habere (Bl., §34, 5; 73, 5), to hold, consider: with accusative and predic. ptcp., Luk.14:18; with accusative, before ὡς, Mat.14:5; εἰς (Hebraism), Mat.21:46; on (Bl., §70, 2), Mrk.11:32. __2. to have, possess; __(a) in general, with accusative of thing(s): Mat.19:22, Mrk.10:22, Luk.12:19, Jhn.10:16, 1Co.11:22, al.; of wealth or poverty, absol., ἔχειν (neg. οὐκ, μή), Mat.13:12 25:29, 2Co.8:12; ἐκ τ. ἔχειν, according to your means, 2Co.8:11; __(b) of relationship, association, and: πατέρα, Jhn.8:41; γυναῖκα (MM, xiv), 1Co.7:2; φίλον, Luk.11:5; βασιλέα, Jhn.19:15; ποιμένα, Mat.9:36; with dupl. accusative, Mat.3:9, al.; __(with) of parts or members: ὦτα, Mat.19:15; μέλη, Rom.12:4; θεμελίους, __(d) with accusative, as periphrasis of verb: μνεῖαν ἔ. (= μεμνῆσθαι), 1Th.3:6; ἀγάπην, Jhn.13:35; γνῶσιν, 1Co.8:1; πεποίθησιν, 2Co.3:4; θλίψιν, Jhn.16:33, etc. (Thayer, see word, I, 2, f., g.); __(e) of duty, necessity, etc.: ἀνάγκην, 1Co.7:37; νόμον, Jhn.19:7; ἐπιταγήν, 1Co.7:25; ἀγῶνα, Php.1:30; κρίμα, 1Ti.5:12; __(f) of complaints and disputes; κατά, with genitive of person(s), Mat.5:23, Mrk.11:25; id. before ὅτι, Rev.2:4, 20; with accusative before πρός, Act.24:19, al.; __(g) with inf., __(α) (cl.) to be able (Field, Notes, 14): Mat.18:25, Mrk.14:8 (sc. ποιῆσαι), Luk.12:4, Act.4:14, al; __(β) of necessity (BL, §69, 4): Luk.12:50, Act.23:17-19 28:19. __II. Intrans. (BL, §53, 1), to be in a certain condition: ἑτοίμως ἔ., with inf., Act.21:13, 2Co.12:14; ἐσχάτως (which see), Mrk.5:23; κακῶς, to be ill, Mat.4:24, al.; καλῶς, Mk 16:[18]; κομψότερον, Jhn.4:52; πῶς, Act.15:36; impers., ἄλλως εἴχει, it is otherwise, 1Ti.5:25; οὕτως, Act.7:1, al.; τὸ νῦν ἔχον, as things now are (Tob.7:11), Act.24:25. __III. Mid., -ομαι, to hold oneself fast, hold on or cling to, be next to: with genitive, τ. ἐχόμενα σωτηρίας, Heb.6:9 (Rendall, in l.); ptcp., ὁ ἐχόμενος, near, next: of place, Mrk.1:38; of time, τ. ἐχομένη (ἡμέρα, expressed or understood), Luk.13:33, Act.20:15 21:26; (σαββάτῳ), Act.13:44. (Cf. ἀν-, προσ-αν-, ἀντ-, ἀπ-, ἐν-, ἐπ-, κατ-, μετ-, παρ-, περι-, προ-, προσ-, συν-, ὑπερ-, ὑπ-έχω.) (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 628 NT verses. KJV: be (able, X hold, possessed with), accompany, + begin to amend, can(+ -not), X conceive, count, diseased, do + eat, + enjoy, + fear, following, have, hold, keep, + lack, + go to law, lie, + must needs, + of necessity, + need, next, + recover, + reign, + rest, + return, X sick, take for, + tremble, + uncircumcised, use See also: 1 Corinthians 2:16; 2 Corinthians 6:10; 1 Peter 2:12.

ωτα ous G3775 "ear" Noun-APN

The Greek word for ear refers to both the physical ear and the ability to hear and understand. It's used in the New Testament, such as in Matthew 13:16 and Luke 22:50. This word represents listening and perceiving.

Definition: οὖς genitive, ὠτός, τό, [in LXX chiefly for אֹזֶן ;] the ear: Mat.13:16, Mrk.7:33, Luk.22:50, 1Co.2:9 12:16, 1Pe.3:12; ἐν τ. ὠσί, Luk.4:21; εἰς τ. ὦτα ἀκούεσθαι, Act.7:57; γίνεσθαι, Luk.1:44; εἰσέρχεσθαι, Jas.5:4; εἰς τ. οὖς ἀκούειν, Mat.10:27; πρὸς τ. οὖς λαλεῖν, Luk.12:3; τὰ ὦ. συνέχειν (MM, xviii), Act.7:57. Metaphorical, of understanding, perceiving, knowing: Mat.13:16; ὁ ἔχων (εἴ τις ἔχει) οὖς ἀκουσάτω, Rev.2:7, 11 2:17, 29 3:6, 13 13:9; ὁ ἔχων (ὃς ἔχει, εἴ τις ἔχει) ὦτα (ἀκούειν) ἀκουέτω, Mat.11:15 13:9, 43, Mrk.4:9, 23 7:16 (R, mg.), Luk.8:8 14:35; τοῖς ὠ. βαρέως ἀκούειν, Mat.13:15 Act.28:27" (LXX) ; ὦ. ἔχοντες οὐκ ἀκούειν, Mrk.8:18; ὦ. τοῦ μὴ ἀκούειν, Rom.11:8; θέσθε εἰς τὰ ὦ., Luk.9:44; ἀπερίτμητος τοῖς ὠ., Act.7:51.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 35 NT verses. KJV: ear See also: 1 Corinthians 2:9; Mark 7:16; 1 Peter 3:12.

ακουειν akouō G191 "to hear" Verb-PAN

To hear or listen, not just with our ears but also to understand and obey, as Jesus says in Mark 4:3 and Matthew 11:15. It involves paying attention to what is being said and responding accordingly.

Definition: ἀκούω, [in LXX chiefly for שׁמע ] to hear, listen, attend, perceive by hearing, comprehend by hearing. __1. Intrans.: Mrk.4:3 7:37, Jas.2:5, Rev.2:7, al.; τ. ὠσίν, Mat.13:15 (LXX); with cogn. dative, ακοῇ ἀ. (see: ἀκοή), Mat.13:14, Act.28:26" (LXX) ; ὁ ἔχων ὦτα (οὖς) ἀκούειν, ἀκουσάτω, Mat.11:15, Mrk.4:23, Rev.2:7, al. __2. Trans., prop. with accusative of thing(s), of thing heard, genitive of person(s), from whom heard (LS, see word): Act.1:4; with accusative of thing(s), Mat.12:19, Jhn.3:8 (Abbott, JG, 76), Act.22:9, al.; with dupl. accusative, Jhn.12:18, 1Co.11:18; with genitive of thing(s), Jhn.7:40 (Abbott, JV, 116); τ. φωνῆς (cf. Heb. שָׁמַע בְּקוֹל, Exo.18:19), Jhn.5:25, 28 Act.9:7 (on the distinction bet. this and ἀ. φωνήν, ib. 4, see M, Pr., 66; Field, Notes, 117; Abbott, Essays, 93f.); of God answering prayer, Jhn.9:31, 1Jn.5:14, 15; with accusative of thing(s), before παρά, Jhn.8:26, 40 Act.10:22, 2Ti.2:2; id. before ἀπό, 1Jn.1:5; with genitive pars. before ptcp., Mrk.14:58, Luk.18:36, al. (On NT usage generally, see Bl., §36, 5; Cremer, 82.) (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 401 NT verses. KJV: give (in the) audience (of), come (to the ears), (shall) hear(-er, -ken), be noised, be reported, understand See also: 1 Corinthians 2:9; Acts 23:16; Hebrews 2:1.

ακουετω akouō G191 "to hear" Verb-PAM-3S

To hear or listen, not just with our ears but also to understand and obey, as Jesus says in Mark 4:3 and Matthew 11:15. It involves paying attention to what is being said and responding accordingly.

Study Notes — Mark 4:23

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Mark 4:23 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Mark 4:23
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Mark 4:23
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Mark 4:23
Trapp's Commentary on Mark 4:23
Sermons on Mark 4:23

Context — The Lesson of the Lamp

21Jesus also said to them, “Does anyone bring in a lamp to put it under a basket or under a bed? Doesn’t he set it on a stand? 22For there is nothing hidden that will not be disclosed, and nothing concealed that will not be brought to light.

23If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear.”

24He went on to say, “Pay attention to what you hear. With the measure you use, it will be measured to you, and even more will be added to you. 25For whoever has will be given more. But whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him.”

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Mark 4:9	Then Jesus said, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear.”
2	Matthew 11:15	He who has ears, let him hear.
3	Revelation 2:29	He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.
4	Revelation 2:17	He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who overcomes, I will give the hidden manna. I will also give him a white stone inscribed with a new name, known only to the one who receives it.
5	Revelation 2:7	He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who overcomes, I will grant the right to eat from the tree of life in the Paradise of God.
6	Revelation 2:11	He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. The one who overcomes will not be harmed by the second death.

Mark 4:23 Summary

[This verse is an invitation from Jesus to listen carefully to God's message and apply it to our lives. Having 'ears to hear' means being open and receptive to what God is saying, as seen in Matthew 11:15. It's a call to pay attention and respond to God's Word, rather than just going through the motions or letting it fall on deaf ears (Matthew 13:9). By listening and obeying, we can grow in our faith and become more like Jesus.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to have 'ears to hear' in Mark 4:23?

Having 'ears to hear' means being spiritually receptive and attentive to God's message, as seen in Matthew 11:15 and Revelation 2:7, where believers are also called to listen and respond to God's voice.

Is this verse a command or an invitation?

Mark 4:23 is both a command and an invitation, urging believers to intentionally listen to and apply God's Word, as supported by Jesus' teachings in Matthew 13:9 and Luke 8:8, where He also encourages His followers to hear and understand His message.

How does this verse relate to spiritual growth and maturity?

This verse implies that spiritual growth and maturity come from actively listening to and applying God's Word, as seen in 2 Timothy 3:16-17, where Scripture is described as being profitable for teaching, reproof, correction, and training in righteousness.

Can unbelievers 'hear' in the way this verse intends?

While unbelievers may physically hear the message of the Gospel, spiritual hearing and understanding require the work of the Holy Spirit, as seen in 1 Corinthians 2:14, where it is written that the natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God.

Reflection Questions

What are some ways I can cultivate spiritual 'ears to hear' and become more receptive to God's message in my life?
How do I currently respond to God's Word, and are there areas where I need to be more attentive and obedient?
What are some distractions or 'noises' in my life that might be hindering my ability to truly hear and apply God's message?
How can I balance the desire to 'hear' God's Word with the need to also 'do' and obey what it says, as seen in James 1:22-25?

Gill's Exposition on Mark 4:23

If any man have ears to hear, let him hear. What is now delivered, being very momentous and important; see Matthew 11:15.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Mark 4:23

If any man have ears to hear, let him hear. If any man have ears to hear, let him hear. This for the second time on the same subject (see the note at Mark 4:9).

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Mark 4:23

See Poole on ""

Trapp's Commentary on Mark 4:23

23 If any man have ears to hear, let him hear. Ver. 23.

Sermons on Mark 4:23

	Sermon	Description
	Patmos Christians by Vance Havner	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the need for the church to have a true vision of Jesus, rather than just a pleasant image of the man of Galilee. He criticizes the church's
	An Ever-Increasing Glory by David Wilkerson	David Wilkerson emphasizes the importance of being receptive to God's Spirit, as expressed in Mark 4:24, where Jesus teaches that the measure we use will determine what we receive.
	(Hebrews - Part 35): How Abraham Knew He Was Called by A.W. Tozer	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the call of God and how it can come to people in various circumstances. He emphasizes that the call of God is for everyone, but not everyone
	Epistle to the Romans by A.W. Tozer	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of preaching the word of God to a defeated and bound audience. He uses the example of a young man who realized the ineffectiv
	1992 Missions Conference Talk - Part 4 by Richard Wurmbrand	This sermon delves into the themes of affliction, abortion, and the importance of listening to God, Jesus, and nature. It reflects on the suffering experienced in communist countri
	Only God Can Do the Work of God and David Platt by Francis Chan	This sermon emphasizes the importance of allowing the Spirit to work in people's hearts rather than trying to forcefully persuade or manufacture change. It highlights the need for
	(Following the Footsteps of Christ) Capernaum by Willie Mullan	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of four friends who brought a paralyzed man to Jesus for healing. The speaker emphasizes the love and unity of these friends, as the