Mark Chapter 4 · Verse 25
For he that hath, to him shall be given: and he that hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he hath.
Original Language Analysis
ὃ
he that
G3739
ὃ
he that
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
1 of 16
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 16
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
ἔχει
hath
G2192
ἔχει
hath
Strong's:
G2192
Word #:
4 of 16
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 #:
5 of 16
to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)
αὐτοῦ
him
G846
αὐτοῦ
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
6 of 16
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
7 of 16
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ὃ
he that
G3739
ὃ
he that
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
8 of 16
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
ἔχει
hath
G2192
ἔχει
hath
Strong's:
G2192
Word #:
10 of 16
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
11 of 16
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ὃ
he that
G3739
ὃ
he that
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
12 of 16
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
ἔχει
hath
G2192
ἔχει
hath
Strong's:
G2192
Word #:
13 of 16
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
G142
ἀρθήσεται
shall be taken
Strong's:
G142
Word #:
14 of 16
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.John 15:2Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.
Historical Context
This principle appears throughout Jesus' teaching (Matthew 13:12; 25:29; Luke 8:18; 19:26). It describes spiritual dynamics: responsive faith grows through exercise; neglected gifts atrophy. Jewish leaders possessed Scripture and tradition but rejected Christ, losing even what they had (Romans 11:7-10). Early church experienced this: faithful believers grew in grace; apostates lost even profession. Church history repeats pattern: revivals bring growth to receptive hearts; hardening deepens in resistant hearts. Nations that knew gospel but rejected it experience increasing spiritual darkness.
Questions for Reflection
- How does exercising faith through obedience increase spiritual understanding and blessing?
- What spiritual 'possessions' (knowledge, experiences, opportunities) might you lose through neglect?
- How does this principle warn against presuming on spiritual privileges without genuine heart response?
Analysis & Commentary
Jesus states paradoxical principle: 'For he that hath, to him shall be given: and he that hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he hath.' This seems unfair superficially but reveals spiritual reality: those with genuine faith (who 'have') receive increasing understanding and blessing; those without genuine faith (who 'have not') lose even apparent blessings. The phrase 'even that which he hath' indicates they possessed something—perhaps head knowledge, temporary enthusiasm, or outward profession—but lacking reality. This connects to soils parable: only good-soil hearers retain and multiply seed. Progressive revelation or progressive hardening—no neutrality exists.