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Mark 4:24
ESV And he said to them, "Pay attention to what you hear: with the measure you use, it will be measured to you, and still more will be added to you.
NIV "Consider carefully what you hear," he continued. "With the measure you use, it will be measured to you—and even more.
NASB And He was saying to them, 'Take care what you listen to. By your standard of measure it will be measured to you; and more will be given you besides.
CSB And he said to them, "Pay attention to what you hear. By the measure you use, it will be measured to you—and more will be added to you.
NLT Then he added, 'Pay close attention to what you hear. The closer you listen, the more understanding you will be given — and you will receive even more.
KJV And he said unto them, Take heed what ye hear: with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you: and unto you that hear shall more be given.
NKJV Then He said to them, “Take heed what you hear. With the same measure you use, it will be measured to you; and to you who hear, more will be given.

What does Mark 4:24 mean?

It's crucial to take Mark 4:24–25 within the context of the whole chapter. Jesus is speaking about different reactions people have upon hearing His teaching. Mark 4:1–20 describes people who have hardened hearts, shallow personalities, greed, or faith in Jesus and a willingness to listen. Mark 4:21–34 gives further detail about the spread of the gospel.

The "more" that will be added isn't power, influence, or material possessions. It's spiritual wisdom. Jesus is saying that if we approach His teaching as if we were carrying a big basket, our basket will be filled with understanding and enlightenment. Jesus' disciples embody this when they stay to learn when the miracles are over (Mark 3:33–35) and ask for insight into the parables (Mark 4:10).

We have a lot of choice and control over our Christian life. Matthew 7:1–5 explains that how we judge others' actions will influence how they judge ours. Luke 6:37–38 adds that our personal policies on forgiveness and giving will determine how others forgive and give to us. It's the same with spiritual knowledge. Knowledge of the kingdom of God increases and decreases exponentially. If we bring a large vessel to be filled with knowledge, it will be filled to overflowing. If we bring a small one, it will be filled initially, but then lost (Mark 4:25).

Our "measure" consists of our time, attention, and submission to Jesus' words. Personal devotions, regular church attendance, and intentional application of Scripture in our lives are parts of a large measure. The more we ask for, the more the Holy Spirit will work in our lives, above and beyond the details of what we have learned. It is our choice to ask for wisdom (Matthew 7:7–11; Luke 11:9–13) and it is our choice to decide how much wisdom we will ask for (Mark 4:33). God will honor our request (James 1:5).
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