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)
This verse isn't just about reward; it reveals a principle that affects everything. It highlights that what we do—or don't do—with what we’ve been given actually shapes what we possess, causing gifts to grow for the faithful and even what little is held by the idle to slip away.
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)
This verse concludes Jesus' parable of the talents, where a master entrusts money to his servants before leaving on a journey. The servants who invested and multiplied their master's wealth are praised, while the one who hid his talent out of fear is condemned. Jesus then pronounces this principle of reward and forfeiture for faithfulness or unfaithfulness, leading into the punishment of the unprofitable servant.
Ever notice how some things just seem to grow and multiply on their own? This verse reveals a divine principle at play, and it's not just about money.
Jesus states a powerful truth here: 'For to everyone who has will more be given, and he will have an abundance.' This isn't a promise of unearned riches, but a principle of stewardship. It's about faithfulness and growth.
What happens when we neglect what we've been given? This verse delivers a stark warning about a silent, often unnoticed, form of loss.
The second part of the verse is a sobering counterpoint: 'But from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away.' This isn't about punishment for not having enough, but the consequence of inaction and neglect.
Ask a follow-up
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 verse is directly referenced in scholarly commentary on Matthew 25:29, stating that the principle of 'to those who have, more will be given' is a general saying of Jesus, illustrated by the parable of the sower.
Luke 19:26This verse contains a very similar principle, 'as for everyone who has, more will be given, but as for the one who has nothing, even what he has will be taken away,' from the parable of the ten pounds, which is closely related to Matthew's parable of the talents.
Romans 11:36This passage speaks of God as the source of all things and through whom all things exist, highlighting His ultimate sovereignty and provision, which can be seen as the divine source from which all our talents and abilities originate.
2 Peter 1:5-8This passage provides practical steps for spiritual growth, urging believers to add to their faith various virtues, implying that actively using and developing what God has given leads to greater spiritual abundance and fruitfulness.
Proverbs 11:24This proverb states, 'One person gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds more than is due, yet comes to poverty,' echoing the principle that generosity and responsible use of resources lead to increase, while stinginess or neglect leads to loss.
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 isn't just about reward; it reveals a principle that affects everything. It highlights that what we do—or don't do—with what we’ve been given actually shapes what we possess, causing gifts to grow for the faithful and even what little is held by the idle to slip away.
This verse concludes Jesus' parable of the talents, where a master entrusts money to his servants before leaving on a journey. The servants who invested and multiplied their master's wealth are praised, while the one who hid his talent out of fear is condemned. Jesus then pronounces this principle of reward and forfeiture for faithfulness or unfaithfulness, leading into the punishment of the unprofitable servant.
This verse concludes Jesus' parable of the talents, where a master entrusts money to his servants before leaving on a journey. The servants who invested and multiplied their master's wealth are praised, while the one who hid his talent out of fear is condemned. Jesus then pronounces this principle of reward and forfeiture for faithfulness or unfaithfulness, leading into the punishment of the unprofitable servant.
"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 isn't just about reward; it reveals a principle that affects everything. It highlights that what we do—or don't do—with what we’ve been given actually shapes what we possess, causing gif…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026