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)
This proverb isn't just about having more or less; it highlights a crucial spiritual principle: activity breeds increase. Those who engage with what they have, whether it's a little faith or a lot of opportunity, will find it grows, while those who remain passive risk losing even what little they seem to possess.
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)
Jesus has just explained the parable of the sower to his disciples, revealing that the different types of soil represent how people receive God's word. He emphasizes that it's a special gift to understand these "mysteries of the kingdom of heaven," setting his disciples apart from the crowds who only hear in parables. This verse then provides the foundational principle for why this spiritual understanding is given to some and not others.
Jesus uses a striking principle here: 'to the one who has, more will be given.' It sounds like the world's way, but what does it mean spiritually?
This isn't about hoarding or earthly wealth. Jesus is talking about spiritual insight and God's kingdom. When we actively engage with what God has already revealed – when we truly have understanding and use it – He blesses us with more. It’s like a farmer who uses his good soil wisely; he reaps a greater harvest. Our willingness to learn, apply, and grow from the truth we already possess opens the door for God to pour more grace and understanding into our lives.
Think of it this way:
The flip side is stark: 'from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away.' What does this warning mean for us?
This is a sobering reminder about spiritual apathy. If we have been given spiritual understanding, insight, or even just the opportunity to hear God's Word, but we fail to engage with it, use it, or let it take root, we risk losing even what we possess. It’s not that God arbitrarily takes things away, but rather that spiritual understanding, like anything, can atrophy if it’s not exercised. What we might 'seem' to have—a superficial knowledge, a fleeting conviction—can be stripped away because it never truly became part of us.
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Consider these points:
This proverb, spoken by Jesus, reflects a common understanding of how opportunities and blessings multiply for those who engage with them, while they diminish for those who do not. Its context within Jesus' teachings about the parables highlights the spiritual implications: those who truly engage with the mysteries of God's kingdom will receive deeper understanding, while those who remain indifferent or resistant risk losing even the limited insight they might have had.
c. 28-30 AD— this verse
Jesus' Public Ministry Begins
Jesus begins his public ministry, teaching, healing, and gathering disciples, often speaking in parables to the crowds.
c. 29 AD
Jesus Teaches the Parable of the Sower
Jesus teaches the Parable of the Sower near the Sea of Galilee, illustrating different responses to his message.
c. 30 AD
Disciples Ask Jesus About the Parables
Jesus' disciples ask him why he speaks in parables to the crowds, while explaining the mysteries of the kingdom to them privately.
c. 30 AD
Jesus Quotes Isaiah's Prophecy
Jesus quotes from Isaiah 6:9-10 to explain why some people, despite hearing, do not understand his teachings.
c. 30 AD
Jesus Compares Disciples to Prophets
Jesus highlights the unique privilege of his disciples, stating that many prophets and righteous people longed to see and hear what they experienced.
This proverb is directly applied in the parable of the talents, illustrating that responsible stewardship of what one has leads to increased blessings, while neglecting one's gifts results in their forfeiture.
Mark 4:25This parallel passage in Mark echoes the same principle, emphasizing that those who heed Jesus' words will receive more, while those who do not will have even what they seem to possess taken away.
Luke 8:18Luke's version highlights the 'seeming' aspect of possession for those who have not, suggesting that even a superficial understanding or possession will be lost if not genuinely embraced and used.
Proverbs 11:24This Old Testament proverb captures a similar principle of distribution, stating that generous people receive more, while stingy people lose even what they have, mirroring the spiritual principle Jesus teaches.
Hebrews 10:39This passage speaks of the contrast between those who shrink back and are destroyed and those who have faith and are saved, reflecting the ultimate outcome of either embracing or rejecting spiritual truth.
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…
This proverb isn't just about having more or less; it highlights a crucial spiritual principle: activity breeds increase. Those who engage with what they have, whether it's a little faith or a lot of opportunity, will find it grows, while those who remain passive risk losing even what little they seem to possess.
Jesus has just explained the parable of the sower to his disciples, revealing that the different types of soil represent how people receive God's word. He emphasizes that it's a special gift to understand these "mysteries of the kingdom of heaven," setting his disciples apart from the crowds who only hear in parables. This verse then provides the foundational principle for why this spiritual understanding is given to some and not others.
Jesus has just explained the parable of the sower to his disciples, revealing that the different types of soil represent how people receive God's word. He emphasizes that it's a special gift to understand these "mysteries of the kingdom of heaven," setting his disciples apart from the crowds who only hear in parables. This verse then provides the foundational principle for why this spiritual understanding is given to some and not others.
"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." — This proverb isn't just about having more or less; it highlights a crucial spiritual principle: activity breeds increase. Those who engage with what they have, whether it's a little faith or a lot…
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Last reviewed October 2026