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

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.Keywords: Parable theory; Mark 4:12; Isaiah 6:9-10; The Twelve; Mark 4:1-34;