Luke 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.
Original Language Analysis
λέγω
I say
G3004
λέγω
I say
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
1 of 19
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 19
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
ὅτι
That
G3754
ὅτι
That
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
4 of 19
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
τοῦ
which
G3588
τοῦ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἔχει
hath
G2192
ἔχει
hath
Strong's:
G2192
Word #:
7 of 19
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
δοθήσεται
shall be given
G1325
δοθήσεται
shall be given
Strong's:
G1325
Word #:
8 of 19
to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)
ἀπ'
from
G575
ἀπ'
from
Strong's:
G575
Word #:
9 of 19
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
τοῦ
which
G3588
τοῦ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
μὴ
not
G3361
μὴ
not
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
12 of 19
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
ἔχει
hath
G2192
ἔχει
hath
Strong's:
G2192
Word #:
13 of 19
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
καὶ
even
G2532
καὶ
even
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
14 of 19
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ὃ
that
G3739
ὃ
that
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
15 of 19
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
ἔχει
hath
G2192
ἔχει
hath
Strong's:
G2192
Word #:
16 of 19
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
ἀρθήσεται
shall be taken away
G142
ἀρθήσεται
shall be taken away
Strong's:
G142
Word #:
17 of 19
to lift up; by implication, to take up or away; figuratively, to raise (the voice), keep in suspense (the mind), specially, to sail away (i.e., weigh
Cross References
Matthew 13:12For 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.Luke 8:18Take heed therefore how ye hear: for whosoever hath, to him shall be given; and whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he seemeth to have.2 John 1:8Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward.Matthew 21:43Therefore say I unto you, The kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof.Mark 4:25For he that hath, to him shall be given: and he that hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he hath.Revelation 2:3And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name's sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted.1 Samuel 15:28And Samuel said unto him, The LORD hath rent the kingdom of Israel from thee this day, and hath given it to a neighbour of thine, that is better than thou.1 Samuel 2:30Wherefore the LORD God of Israel saith, I said indeed that thy house, and the house of thy father, should walk before me for ever: but now the LORD saith, Be it far from me; for them that honour me I will honour, and they that despise me shall be lightly esteemed.Revelation 3:11Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.Luke 16:3Then the steward said within himself, What shall I do? for my lord taketh away from me the stewardship: I cannot dig; to beg I am ashamed.
Historical Context
This principle would have resonated with Jesus's audience: farmers who worked their land prospered and expanded; those who neglected it lost everything. Merchants who traded goods multiplied wealth; those who hoarded stagnated. Disciples who followed Jesus closely received deeper teaching; casual followers drifted away. The principle still operates: faithful churches grow in opportunity; unfaithful ones decline. Individual believers who walk in obedience receive more grace to obey; those who resist grieve the Spirit and harden.
Questions for Reflection
- Where have you experienced this principle: using gifts and opportunities multiplied them, while neglecting them diminished them?
- How should this 'use it or lose it' dynamic motivate present faithfulness in seemingly small areas of stewardship?
- What spiritual opportunities or insights might you be losing through neglect and unresponsiveness?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
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 (λέγω γὰρ ὑμῖν ὅτι παντὶ τῷ ἔχοντι δοθήσεται, ἀπὸ δὲ τοῦ μὴ ἔχοντος καὶ ὃ ἔχει ἀρθήσεται, legō gar hymin hoti panti tō echonti dothēsetai, apo de tou mē echontos kai ho echei arthēsetai)—this principle appears three times in the Gospels (Matthew 13:12, 25:29, Mark 4:25), underscoring its importance. The future passives (dothēsetai, shall be given; arthēsetai, shall be taken away) indicate divine action: God orchestrates this redistribution.
This 'Matthew principle' operates across Scripture: those who use knowledge gain understanding; those who neglect it lose even basic comprehension. Those who exercise faith receive more faith; those who bury it lose assurance. Those who invest gifts develop skills; those who neglect them atrophy. Spiritually: those who respond to light receive more revelation; those who resist lose even the light they had (Romans 1:21-28). This isn't arbitrary but reflects how God's kingdom operates: use it or lose it. Stewardship demands engagement.