Matthew 25:29
For to everyone who has will more 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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This verse highlights that the master doesn't just reward the faithful servants with more, but he takes from the unfaithful. It’s not simply a matter of losing out on future gains, but an active removal of what they were initially given, emphasizing the grave consequences of neglecting what God entrusts us with.
This verse concludes the parable of the talents, where a master entrusts his servants with different amounts of money before leaving on a journey. After his return, he calls them to account for how they managed his property. This saying directly follows the master's judgment of the servants, highlighting the principle behind the rewards given to the faithful and the punishment for the unfaithful.
Ever notice how some things in life seem to multiply while others dwindle away? Jesus highlights a divine principle at play, not just in wealth, but in all aspects of life.
Jesus states a powerful principle: 'For to everyone who has will more be given, and he will have an abundance. But from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away.'
Growing What You Have
This isn't about unfairness; it's about stewardship. The parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14-30) illustrates this. Those servants who faithfully invested and increased the resources their master gave them were rewarded with more responsibility and abundance. Their faithfulness led to growth.
Losing What You Don't Use
Conversely, the servant who hid his single talent out of fear, failing to use it at all, lost even that. His inaction, his lack of stewardship, led to deprivation. It's a stark reminder that neglecting what we've been given can lead to losing it entirely.
What does 'abundance' really mean in God's economy? It's more than just having a lot; it's about a fullness that overflows, especially when we are faithful.
The verse promises that for those who 'have' and use what they've been given, they 'will have an abundance.' This isn't just a slight increase; it's overflowing generosity from God.
The Master's Reward
In the parable, the faithful servants weren't just given back what they invested; they were given 'more' and invited to 'enter into the joy of their master.' This joy represents a deep, fulfilling sharing in the master's own satisfaction and reward.
Kingdom Perspective
This 'abundance' is a preview of the kingdom of heaven. It's about being entrusted with greater responsibilities, experiencing deeper fellowship with God, and sharing in His eternal reign. Faithfulness in the small things here leads to immense blessings there.
Understand the original words
perisseuō · Greek Verb
Possessing a surplus or overflowing amount. Biblically, it refers to the fullness of God’s grace, provision, or spiritual rewards beyond what is merely necessary.
This proverb, deeply rooted in the context of Jesus' imminent departure and the disciples' misunderstanding of his kingdom, powerfully warns against spiritual complacency. It highlights that God entrusts gifts and opportunities to us, and faithful stewardship leads to greater responsibility, while neglect results in loss.
c. AD 30-33— this verse
Jesus teaches near Jerusalem
Jesus is teaching in the region of Judea, not far from Jerusalem, in the final weeks of his earthly ministry. His disciples are anticipating the imminent coming of God's kingdom.
c. AD 30-33
Disciples expect immediate kingdom
The disciples mistakenly believe Jesus' kingdom will be immediately revealed, wanting to see his glory and power without the suffering of the cross. Jesus corrects this notion, emphasizing the need for patience and endurance.
c. AD 30-33
Jesus begins his final journey to Jerusalem
Jesus turns his face toward Jerusalem for the last time, knowing his betrayal, trial, and crucifixion await him. This journey marks the final stage of his earthly mission.
c. AD 30-33
Parable of the Minas (Luke 19)
Luke's account includes a nobleman going to a distant country to receive a kingdom and return. His citizens reject him. He entrusts money to servants, who are to trade with it until his return.
This passage introduces the principle that to those who understand and use what they have, more understanding and resources will be given, directly paralleling the idea of increasing abundance in Matthew 25:29.
Luke 19:26Found within the parallel parable of the Minas, this verse echoes the same core principle: what is invested and multiplied is rewarded, while what is neglected is taken away.
Romans 11:36This verse speaks to the ultimate source of all things and how everything flows from and returns to God, underscoring the idea that all we have is from Him and should be used for His glory, which naturally leads to further blessings.
2 Corinthians 9:6This passage connects sowing and reaping, stating that the one who sows generously will also reap generously, illustrating how faithfulness and generous use of resources lead to greater abundance, much like the parable describes.
Proverbs 11:24-25These verses directly address the principle of generosity versus stinginess, showing that generous giving leads to increase, while withholding what is due leads to lack, mirroring the core concept of Matthew 25:29.
barnesMatthew 25:29: "For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath."
For unto every one that hath shall be given - See the notes at Matthew 13:12 . This seems to be a proverbial expression. It means, whosoever rightly improves what is committed to him shall receive more, or shall be rewarded; but he that misimproves what is committed to him shall not be rewarded. In pecuniary matters in the literal sen…
calvinMatthew 25:14-30: "For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods."
- 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 traded with them, and amassed other five…
This verse highlights that the master doesn't just reward the faithful servants with more, but he takes from the unfaithful. It’s not simply a matter of losing out on future gains, but an active removal of what they were initially given, emphasizing the grave consequences of neglecting what God entrusts us with.
This verse concludes the parable of the talents, where a master entrusts his servants with different amounts of money before leaving on a journey. After his return, he calls them to account for how they managed his property. This saying directly follows the master's judgment of the servants, highlighting the principle behind the rewards given to the faithful and the punishment for the unfaithful.
This verse concludes the parable of the talents, where a master entrusts his servants with different amounts of money before leaving on a journey. After his return, he calls them to account for how they managed his property. This saying directly follows the master's judgment of the servants, highlighting the principle behind the rewards given to the faithful and the punishment for the unfaithful.
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c. AD 30-33
Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25)
Matthew's account presents a master entrusting talents to his servants according to their abilities before traveling. He expects them to use the talents wisely, with varying sums given to different servants.
After AD 70
Destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple
The Roman legions brutally conquer Jerusalem and destroy the Second Temple. This event signifies a drastic shift for Jewish people and marks the end of an era, a consequence of rejecting God's appointed King.
"For to everyone who has will more be given, and he will have an abundance. But from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away." — This verse highlights that the master doesn't just reward the faithful servants with more, but he takes from the unfaithful. It’s not simply a matter of losing out on future gains, but an active re…
