Matthew 13:12
For to the one who has, more will be given, and he will have an abundance, but from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The verse isn't just about giving more to those who have; it's about what they do with what they have. The core idea is that actively engaging with and using what God has given—be it knowledge, faith, or resources—is what unlocks further abundance, while neglecting or ignoring it leads to its loss. It highlights that spiritual growth is an active process, not a passive reception.
Jesus has just explained the parable of the sower to his disciples, revealing that while some hear God's word and bear fruit, others do not. He then states a general principle: those who are receptive to spiritual truth will receive more, while those who are not will lose even what little they have. This saying serves as a stark warning about the consequences of spiritual indifference versus engagement.
Ever feel like you're stuck, or that others just seem to get more blessings? Jesus addresses this head-on.
Jesus uses a principle here that applies to many areas of life, including our spiritual journey. He states, 'For to the one who has, more will be given, and he will have an abundance.' This isn't about favoritism; it's about stewardship. When we actively engage with and use the spiritual gifts, knowledge, and opportunities God gives us, He blesses us with more. It’s like investing wisely – the returns compound! But the flip side is sobering: 'but from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away.' This highlights that neglecting or refusing to use what we've been given leads to a spiritual atrophy, where even our limited understanding or ability can be lost.
Why did Jesus speak in parables? It wasn't just for storytelling; it was a key to understanding who truly received God's message.
In the context of Matthew 13, Jesus is explaining why He uses parables. He tells His disciples, 'To you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God, but to them it is not given.' Verse 12 then explains the result of this differential giving. For those who have been given the ability to understand (the disciples), more understanding will be given. But for those who resist or are unwilling to grasp the truth (the crowds who are 'without'), even the limited understanding they might have had will be taken away. It's not that God arbitrarily withholds truth; it's that He responds to the heart's posture. Those who genuinely seek and embrace what is revealed will be led into deeper truth, while those who harden their hearts will lose even the insights they once possessed.
This proverb, spoken by Jesus during his ministry, reflects a principle already understood in Jewish wisdom literature and common life: that those who diligently use what they have will be given more, while those who neglect their blessings risk losing even what little they possess. It highlights the disciples' unique access to spiritual understanding and the consequences for those who harden their hearts.
c. 28-30 AD— this verse
Jesus Teaches and Parables
Jesus begins his public ministry, teaching crowds and often using parables to illustrate the mysteries of the Kingdom of Heaven.
c. 28-30 AD
Disciples Ask for Explanation
Jesus' disciples privately ask him why he teaches the crowds in parables, while revealing the mysteries to them directly.
c. 30-33 AD
Jesus' Ministry Continues
Jesus' ministry expands, including further teachings and parables, with this saying being repeated in different contexts as recorded in the Gospels.
c. 50s-60s AD
Gospels Written
The Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke are written, recording Jesus' teachings and the parable of the sower, including this proverb.
This passage, the parable of the talents, directly echoes the principle that those who use and multiply what they've been given will receive more, while those who neglect their gifts will lose even what they possess.
Mark 4:25Mark records Jesus saying, 'For to the one who has, more will be given, and from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away.' This emphasizes the same truth about spiritual understanding and possession.
Luke 8:18Luke's parallel account adds the important clarification, 'Take care how you hear, for whoever has will be given more, and whoever does not have, even what he thinks he has will be taken away,' highlighting the danger of superficial understanding.
Proverbs 11:24-25This proverb speaks to a similar principle in earthly matters: 'There is one who scatters his gifts freely, yet grows richer; another withholds what is due to him, but goes poor. Whoever blesses others will be enriched; whoever waters will be watered.'
barnesMatthew 13:12: "For whosoever hath, to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance: but whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken away even that he hath."
Whosoever hath ... - This is a proverbial method of speaking. It means that a man who improves what light, grace, and opportunities he has, shall have them increased. From him that improves them not, it is proper that they should be taken away. The Jews had many opportunities of learning the truth, and some light still lingered amo…
pooleMatthew 13:12: "For whosoever hath, to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance: but whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken away even that he hath."
Ver. 11,12. Mark saith, Mark 4:11 , Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all these things are done in parables. Luke saith no more than, Unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God: but to others in parables. Only, Matthew 8:18 , he saith, Take heed the…
The verse isn't just about giving more to those who have; it's about what they do with what they have. The core idea is that actively engaging with and using what God has given—be it knowledge, faith, or resources—is what unlocks further abundance, while neglecting or ignoring it leads to its loss. It highlights that spiritual growth is an active process, not a passive reception.
Jesus has just explained the parable of the sower to his disciples, revealing that while some hear God's word and bear fruit, others do not. He then states a general principle: those who are receptive to spiritual truth will receive more, while those who are not will lose even what little they have. This saying serves as a stark warning about the consequences of spiritual indifference versus engagement.
Jesus has just explained the parable of the sower to his disciples, revealing that while some hear God's word and bear fruit, others do not. He then states a general principle: those who are receptive to spiritual truth will receive more, while those who are not will lose even what little they have. This saying serves as a stark warning about the consequences of spiritual indifference versus engagement.
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"For to the one who has, more will be given, and he will have an abundance, but from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away." — The verse isn't just about giving more to those who have; it's about what they do with what they have. The core idea is that actively engaging with and using what God has given—be it knowledge, fai…
