‘I tell you that to everyone who has, more will be given, but from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This isn't just about rewards; it's about the dynamic of spiritual growth itself. The verse reveals that having something – whether it's a gift, an opportunity, or even just a start – is the key to receiving more, while having nothing, or failing to use what you have, leads to an actual loss of what little you possessed.
‘I tell you that to everyone who has, more will be given, but from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The disciples are thinking Christ's kingdom is about to appear right away, but Jesus tells them this parable because he's heading to Jerusalem and knows it won't be a quick victory. He compares himself to a nobleman going to receive a kingdom, leaving his servants with resources to manage in his absence, emphasizing that their faithfulness will determine their reward upon his return. This verse is the nobleman's pronouncement on how he rewards those who diligently used what he entrusted them with versus those who did nothing.
The disciples thought Jesus was about to launch his kingdom right then and there in Jerusalem. But Jesus had a different picture in mind.
Jesus tells the Parable of the Minas (or Talents, as in Matthew's version) because the disciples were mistaken about the timing and nature of God's kingdom. They expected an immediate, earthly reign. Jesus clarifies that his journey to receive his kingdom involves a 'distant country' – his ascension and heavenly reign. This period before his return is a time for his servants (us!) to be actively engaged with the resources He has given. It's a call to patience and faithful work, not idleness, while waiting for His full manifestation.
Jesus drops a profound principle that sounds harsh: 'to everyone who has, more will be given, but from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away.' What does this really mean?
This isn't about God favoring the already successful. It's about the natural principle of use. The nobleman rewarded servants who used and increased what they were given. The one who did nothing lost even the initial investment. This applies to our spiritual lives: the gifts, opportunities, and resources God entrusts to us are meant to be used and developed. When we actively engage with them – whether it's using our spiritual gifts, sharing our faith, or investing in others – they grow. Conversely, when we neglect or hide what we've been given, the ability or even the opportunity to use it can effectively be taken away, leaving us with less than we started.
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Jesus tells this parable as he approaches Jerusalem, knowing his followers expect an immediate, earthly kingdom. The parable underscores that his reign is not political but spiritual, requiring faithful stewardship of the gifts God entrusts to us while he is away, awaiting his ultimate return.
c. AD 27-30
Jesus' Ministry in Galilee and Judea
Jesus teaches, heals, and calls disciples, spreading the message of God's kingdom. His popularity grows, attracting crowds and challenging religious authorities.
c. AD 30, shortly before Passover— this verse
Jesus' Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem
Jesus rides into Jerusalem on a donkey, hailed by crowds as a king. This event is deeply symbolic and anticipates his imminent arrival in the city, fueling expectations of an immediate kingdom.
c. AD 30, during the last week of Jesus' life
Jesus teaches in the Temple and disputes with leaders
Jesus delivers numerous parables and teachings, including this one, directly addressing the disciples' misunderstandings about the nature and timing of his kingdom.
c. AD 30, following the Last Supper
Jesus' Arrest, Trial, and Crucifixion
Jesus is betrayed, arrested, and crucified, a stark contrast to the immediate kingdom his followers expected. His death and resurrection fundamentally redefine the nature of his reign.
c. AD 30-33
The Ascension and Promise of the Holy Spirit
After his resurrection, Jesus appears to his disciples, commissioning them and promising the empowering gift of the Holy Spirit before ascending to heaven.
c. AD 33 onwards
The Spread of the Early Church
The disciples, empowered by the Holy Spirit, faithfully use their God-given gifts to spread the Gospel, building the kingdom through their service and obedience.
This verse directly echoes Jesus' principle that faithfulness is rewarded with more responsibility, while a lack of it leads to forfeiture, as seen in the parable of the talents.
Mark 4:25This saying highlights the spiritual principle that those who engage with and utilize what God has given them will be given more insight and understanding.
Luke 8:18Here, Jesus warns that even the seeming possession of spiritual understanding will be taken away from those who do not actively listen and apply His word.
Proverbs 11:24This proverb captures the same spirit, stating that generosity leads to abundance, while stinginess results in lack, mirroring the idea of what one possesses being taken away if not used.
calvinLuke 19:11-28: "And as they heard these things, he added and spake a parable, because he was nigh to Jerusalem, and because they thought that the kingdom of God should immediately appear."
- For as a certain man, setting out on a journey, called his servants, and delivered to them his goods. 15. And to one he gave five talents, and to another two, and to another one; to every one according to his own ability; and immediately set out. 16. And he who had received five talents went away and trad…
clarkeLuke 19:26: "For I say unto you, That unto every one which hath shall be given; and from him that hath not, even that he hath shall be taken away from him."
And from him that hath not - See this particularly explained Matthew 13:12 (note). Perhaps it would be well, with Bishop Pearce, to supply the word gained - give it to him who hath gained ten minas; for I say unto you, That unto every one who hath gained shall be given; and, from him who hath not gained, even that which he hath received, sh…
This isn't just about rewards; it's about the dynamic of spiritual growth itself. The verse reveals that having something – whether it's a gift, an opportunity, or even just a start – is the key to receiving more, while having nothing, or failing to use what you have, leads to an actual loss of what little you possessed.
The disciples are thinking Christ's kingdom is about to appear right away, but Jesus tells them this parable because he's heading to Jerusalem and knows it won't be a quick victory. He compares himself to a nobleman going to receive a kingdom, leaving his servants with resources to manage in his absence, emphasizing that their faithfulness will determine their reward upon his return. This verse is the nobleman's pronouncement on how he rewards those who diligently used what he entrusted them with versus those who did nothing.
The disciples are thinking Christ's kingdom is about to appear right away, but Jesus tells them this parable because he's heading to Jerusalem and knows it won't be a quick victory. He compares himself to a nobleman going to receive a kingdom, leaving his servants with resources to manage in his absence, emphasizing that their faithfulness will determine their reward upon his return. This verse is the nobleman's pronouncement on how he rewards those who diligently used what he entrusted them with versus those who did nothing.
"‘I tell you that to everyone who has, more will be given, but from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away." — This isn't just about rewards; it's about the dynamic of spiritual growth itself. The verse reveals that having something – whether it's a gift, an opportunity, or even just a start – is the key to…
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Last reviewed October 2026