1. Mark 4:22 (ESV)
  2. Exposition

On what does the emphasis fall in the first half of verse 22?

Mark 4:22 (ESV)

22 For nothing is hidden except to be made manifest; nor is anything secret except to come to light.

In verse 22a the emphasis falls on the actual knowledge of a matter: the contrast is between “remaining hidden” and “becoming manifest.” So long as something is not seen and acknowledged, it is not noticed or announced. Then it remains “hidden,” not because it is hidden, but because it remains unnoticed.1