Came apparently indicates movement within the boat itself, rather than arrival in a separate boat. See comment at Matthew 13.2. Thus “approached him” or “went nearer to him” will be good. Whether “came” or “went” is better will depend on the receptor language.

Both Matthew and Luke 8.9 state that it was the disciples who approached Jesus with the question. Mark 4.10 has “those who were about him with the twelve.” For a discussion on disciples, see 5.1. In this context it refers either to the twelve or to a few close followers, since not too many could approach him while he was in a boat, and he only revealed the secrets of the parables to a few chosen followers. Further, the use of the makes many think of the twelve. Therefore “his disciples” is possible.

Why do you speak to them in parables? varies in both Mark 4.10 and Luke 8.9. Mark employs indirect discourse and has “Those who were about him with the twelve asked him concerning the parables,” and Luke, who also prefers indirect discourse, has “his disciples asked him what this parable meant.”

Matthew distinguishes between the way in which Jesus addresses his disciples and the way he addresses the outsiders (them), implying a difference in understanding between the two groups. Them may have to be “these people” or “the people.”

The question can be “Why do you use parables to teach these people?” or “Why do you teach the people with parables?” It can also be in indirect discourse, as in Luke and Mark. For an explanation of parables, see Matthew 13.3.

Quoted with permission from Newman, Barclay M. and Stine, Philip C. A Handbook on the Gospel of Matthew. (UBS Handbook Series). New York: UBS, 1988. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .