Matthew 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.
Original Language Analysis
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 18
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
ἔχει
he hath
G2192
ἔχει
he hath
Strong's:
G2192
Word #:
3 of 18
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 18
to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
6 of 18
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
περισσευθήσεται
he shall have abundance
G4052
περισσευθήσεται
he shall have abundance
Strong's:
G4052
Word #:
7 of 18
to superabound (in quantity or quality), be in excess, be superfluous; also (transitively) to cause to superabound or excel
ἀπ'
from
G575
ἀπ'
from
Strong's:
G575
Word #:
8 of 18
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
μὴ
not
G3361
μὴ
not
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
11 of 18
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
ἔχει
he hath
G2192
ἔχει
he hath
Strong's:
G2192
Word #:
12 of 18
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 #:
13 of 18
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ὃ
that which
G3739
ὃ
that which
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
14 of 18
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
ἔχει
he hath
G2192
ἔχει
he hath
Strong's:
G2192
Word #:
15 of 18
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 #:
16 of 18
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.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.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.Luke 10:42But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.Revelation 2:5Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.Matthew 21:41They say unto him, He will miserably destroy those wicked men, and will let out his vineyard unto other husbandmen, which shall render him the fruits in their seasons.John 11:48If we let him thus alone, all men will believe on him: and the Romans shall come and take away both our place and nation.Lamentations 2:6And he hath violently taken away his tabernacle, as if it were of a garden: he hath destroyed his places of the assembly: the LORD hath caused the solemn feasts and sabbaths to be forgotten in Zion, and hath despised in the indignation of his anger the king and the priest.Hosea 2:9Therefore will I return, and take away my corn in the time thereof, and my wine in the season thereof, and will recover my wool and my flax given to cover her nakedness.
Historical Context
Ancient agriculture understood this principle viscerally: land cultivated produced abundance; land left fallow became barren. Vines pruned flourished; vines neglected withered. Jesus's agrarian audience recognized that productivity requires active cultivation—passive preservation leads to decay. The same principle governs spiritual gifts and opportunities.
Questions for Reflection
- Where have you seen this principle at work—gifts exercised multiplying, gifts buried atrophying?
- What spiritual 'muscles' have weakened from disuse in your life?
- How does this verse motivate you to actively deploy your gifts before the opportunity is taken away?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance—Tō gar echonti panti dothēsetai kai perisseuthēsetai (τῷ γὰρ ἔχοντι παντὶ δοθήσεται καὶ περισσευθήσεται): 'For to everyone having, it shall be given and he shall have abundance.' Perisseuthēsetai (περισσευθήσεται) means overflow/superabundance. This is the compound-interest principle of the kingdom: faithfulness in small things leads to greater capacity and opportunity.
But from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath—The one 'having not' isn't destitute—he has one talent! But because he failed to use it, he loses even that. Unused gifts atrophy. Opportunity hoarded is opportunity lost. This principle applies across creation: muscles unused weaken, minds unstimulated dull, gifts unexercised disappear. God's economy rewards active stewardship.