Luke 8:18

KJV

Take 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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Take heed {G991} therefore {G3767} how {G4459} ye hear {G191}: for {G1063} whosoever {G3739}{G302} hath {G2192}, to him {G846} shall be given {G1325}; and {G2532} whosoever {G3739}{G302} hath {G2192} not {G3361}, from {G575} him {G846} shall be taken {G142} even {G2532} that which {G3739} he seemeth {G1380} to have {G2192}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Pay attention, then, to how you hear! For anyone who has something will be given more; but from anyone who has nothing, even what he seems to have will be taken away."

Berean Standard Bible

Pay attention, therefore, to how you listen. Whoever has will be given more, but whoever does not have, even what he thinks he has will be taken away from him.”

American Standard Version

Take heed therefore how ye hear: for whosoever hath, to him shall be given; and whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken away even that which he thinketh he hath.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 8:18 serves as a profound concluding exhortation following Jesus' parables on the Word of God, emphasizing the critical importance of how one receives and responds to divine truth. It articulates a spiritual principle of stewardship: those who actively and receptively engage with the truth they are given will experience an increase in understanding and spiritual flourishing, while those who are careless or unresponsive will find even their perceived understanding or spiritual advantage diminished or lost entirely. This verse underscores the active responsibility of the hearer in the process of spiritual growth and revelation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse acts as the climactic summary of a significant teaching block in Luke's Gospel, specifically following the [Parable of the Sower](/luke/8-4-8 "Luke 8:4-8 - The Parable of the Sower") and its subsequent [explanation to the disciples](/luke/8-9-15 "Luke 8:9-15 - Jesus Explains the Parable of the Sower"). Immediately preceding it are Jesus' words about the [lamp not being hidden](/luke/8-16-17 "Luke 8:16-17 - The Parable of the Lamp Under a Basket"), which highlights that truth is revealed not to be concealed, but to be made manifest and understood. Therefore, the manner of hearing (Luke 8:18) directly impacts the effectiveness of this revealed truth. The entire section from [Luke 8:4-18](/luke/8-4-18 "Luke 8:4-18 - Parables on Hearing God's Word") forms a cohesive unit on the reception of the Word, with verse 18 serving as the ultimate warning and encouragement.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Jewish culture, listening (שמע, *shema*) was not merely an auditory act but implied a deeper engagement involving understanding, obedience, and action. This concept is deeply embedded in the Old Testament, as seen in the [Shema Israel](/deuteronomy/6-4-9 "Deuteronomy 6:4-9 - The Shema Israel"), which calls for a comprehensive devotion to God's commands. Jesus' teaching would have resonated with this cultural understanding, emphasizing that true hearing leads to transformation. Furthermore, the agricultural imagery of the sower would have been immediately comprehensible to his audience, who were largely agrarian. The idea of "having" or "not having" in this context refers not to material wealth but to spiritual receptivity and the active appropriation of divine wisdom, a concept familiar from wisdom literature where wisdom is a treasure to be diligently sought and guarded.

* **Key Themes:** [Luke chapter 8](/luke/8 "Luke Chapter 8 - Parables and Miracles") is rich with themes central to Jesus' ministry. The overarching theme is the **reception and impact of the Word of God**. The [Parable of the Sower](/luke/8-4-8 "Luke 8:4-8 - The Parable of the Sower") vividly illustrates different responses to the gospel message, from hardened hearts to fruitful ground. This leads to the theme of **spiritual responsibility**, as highlighted in [Luke 8:18](/luke/8-18 "Luke 8:18 - The Principle of Spiritual Stewardship"), where the hearer is accountable for how they engage with truth. Another significant theme is **divine revelation and understanding**, as Jesus explains that mysteries are revealed to those who are receptive, while they remain hidden from those who are not ([Luke 8:10](/luke/8-10 "Luke 8:10 - The Purpose of Parables")). Finally, the verse touches upon the **principle of spiritual increase or decrease**, where faithful stewardship of spiritual truth leads to greater abundance, while neglect leads to loss, a principle also seen in the [Parable of the Talents](/matthew/25-14-30 "Matthew 25:14-30 - The Parable of the Talents").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Take heed (Greek, _blépō_):** From G991, meaning "to look at (literally or figuratively):--behold, beware, lie, look (on, to), perceive, regard, see, sight, take heed." This is more than a casual glance; it implies a watchful, discerning attention, a conscious act of perception and awareness. It suggests a warning to be vigilant and careful in one's approach to hearing.
* **hear (Greek, _akoúō_):** From G191, meaning "to hear (in various senses):--give (in the) audience (of), come (to the ears), (shall) hear(-er, -ken), be noised, be reported, understand." In this context, "hearing" transcends mere auditory reception. It signifies listening with understanding, processing, internalizing, and ultimately, obeying. It’s a holistic engagement with the message, not just its sound.
* **seemeth (Greek, _dokéō_):** From G1380, meaning "to think; by implication, to seem (truthfully or uncertainly):--be accounted, (of own) please(-ure), be of reputation, seem (good), suppose, think, trow." This word introduces a crucial nuance: the individual "seems to have" something, implying that their possession or understanding is superficial, perceived, or perhaps even illusory, rather than a deep, genuine, and fruitful appropriation of truth.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Take heed therefore how ye hear:"** This opening clause is a direct, urgent command. "Take heed" (βλέπετε, *blepete*) is an imperative, calling for active, watchful attention. The adverb "how" (πῶς, *pōs*) emphasizes the *manner* and *quality* of hearing, not just the act itself. It implies that the outcome depends on the listener's disposition and engagement.
* **"for whosoever hath, to him shall be given;"** This introduces the first part of a spiritual principle. "Hath" (ἔχει, *echei*) refers to having spiritual understanding, receptivity, or the Word already planted in a good heart (as per the Parable of the Sower). To such a person, more will be "given" (δοθήσεται, *dothēsetai*), signifying an increase in insight, knowledge, and spiritual fruitfulness. This is a principle of divine multiplication based on faithful stewardship.
* **"and whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he seemeth to have."** This is the stark counterpoint. "Hath not" (μὴ ἔχοντι, *mē echonti*) refers to those who lack genuine spiritual possession or understanding, perhaps having heard superficially or having allowed the Word to be snatched away or choked. From them, even that which they "seem to have" (δοκεῖ ἔχειν, *dokei echein*) will be "taken" (ἀρθήσεται, *arthēsetai*). This highlights that superficial knowledge or outward appearance of understanding, without true internal appropriation, is ultimately ephemeral and will be lost, leading to spiritual impoverishment.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 8:18 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. **Paradox** is central, as it states that those who "have" will receive more, while those who "have not" will lose even what they "seem to have." This challenges conventional human logic, where one might expect the opposite—giving to the needy. This paradox serves to highlight a spiritual economy distinct from material ones. The verse also utilizes **Antithesis** by presenting a clear contrast between two opposing outcomes: increase for the diligent hearer versus loss for the careless one. Furthermore, there is a subtle form of **Chiasm** in the structure of the second half of the verse, though not perfectly symmetrical, emphasizing the contrast: "whosoever hath, to him shall be given; and whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he seemeth to have." This structure reinforces the two distinct paths and their consequences.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 8:18 encapsulates a profound theological principle found throughout Scripture: the principle of spiritual stewardship and the compounding nature of spiritual truth. God's revelation is not given to be passively consumed but actively engaged with. Those who respond with diligence, humility, and obedience to the truth they receive will find their capacity for understanding and spiritual growth expanded. Conversely, those who treat divine revelation with indifference, neglect, or superficiality will experience a spiritual regression, losing even the initial glimmer of truth they might have possessed. This verse underscores that spiritual blessings and insights are not static endowments but dynamic realities that either multiply through faithful engagement or diminish through apathy. It speaks to the active role of human responsibility in the divine-human encounter, emphasizing that the effectiveness of God's Word is profoundly shaped by the heart of the hearer.

* [Matthew 13:12](/matthew/13-12 "Matthew 13:12 - Parable of the Sower Principle")
* [Matthew 25:29](/matthew/25-29 "Matthew 25:29 - Parable of the Talents Principle")
* [Mark 4:24-25](/mark/4-24-25 "Mark 4:24-25 - The Measure You Use")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 8:18 is a piercing challenge to every individual's approach to God's Word and spiritual truth. It compels us to move beyond mere auditory reception to a place of deep, transformative engagement. Are we truly "taking heed" to *how* we hear? This involves cultivating a heart that is not hardened by indifference, shallow by distraction, or choked by worldly concerns, but rather a heart that is fertile ground, eager to receive, understand, and obey. Our spiritual vitality, growth, and the depth of our relationship with God depend directly on the quality of our hearing. This verse calls us to intentionality, discernment, and active obedience, reminding us that spiritual blessings are not static but grow or diminish based on our responsiveness. It encourages a posture of humility and hunger for God's truth, knowing that genuine engagement leads to an ever-increasing abundance of spiritual insight and life.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I typically approach hearing God's Word (e.g., in sermons, Bible study, personal reading)? Is it with active attention or passive reception?**
* **In what areas of my life might I be "seeming to have" spiritual understanding or knowledge, but lacking true, transformative engagement?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate a more "good soil" heart, receptive to the Word and eager to bear fruit?**
* **How does my response to the truth I've already received impact my capacity to receive more from God?**

### FAQ

**What does "Take heed therefore how ye hear" mean in practical terms?**

Answer: This phrase is a direct command to be extremely careful and discerning about *how* you listen to spiritual instruction. It means to listen with intentionality, an open heart, and a desire to understand and apply the truth. It warns against superficial listening, distracted hearing, or hearing with a critical, unreceptive spirit. Practically, it means preparing your heart to receive, actively processing what is said, and being ready to obey, recognizing that your response determines the impact of the Word on your life.

**What is the "principle of increase and decrease" Jesus is teaching here?**

Answer: Jesus is teaching that spiritual understanding and blessings operate on a principle of stewardship. If you genuinely embrace, understand, and apply the spiritual truth you've been given ("whosoever hath"), God will grant you more insight, understanding, and spiritual capacity ("to him shall be given"). However, if you neglect, ignore, or fail to act upon the truth you've received ("whosoever hath not"), even the superficial understanding or spiritual advantage you *appear* to have will be taken away ("from him shall be taken even that which he seemeth to have"). This principle is not about material wealth but about spiritual discernment and growth, emphasizing that spiritual gifts and knowledge are dynamic and require active engagement to be retained and multiplied. It's echoed in the [Parable of the Talents](/matthew/25-14-30 "Matthew 25:14-30 - The Parable of the Talents") where the diligent servant is rewarded with more, and the idle one loses what he had.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 8:18, while a principle of spiritual stewardship, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in Christ. Jesus Himself is the embodiment of the Word of God, the truth that is to be heard and received. To "take heed how ye hear" is ultimately to take heed how one responds to Jesus, the living Word. Those who truly "have" are those who have received Christ by faith, whose hearts have been made fertile ground by the Holy Spirit to embrace His teachings and His person. To them, more of Christ's truth, grace, and life will be continually given, leading to ever-increasing spiritual abundance and conformity to His image. Conversely, those who "have not"—those who reject Christ or hear His words superficially without genuine faith and obedience—will find that any perceived spiritual advantage or religious knowledge they possess will ultimately be revealed as empty and be taken away. Their spiritual poverty will be exposed, for true spiritual riches are found only in Him. As [John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh") states, "the Word became flesh and dwelt among us," and it is through Him that we receive "grace upon grace" ([John 1:16](/john/1-16 "John 1:16 - Grace for Grace")). The call to "hear" is thus a call to believe in and follow the One who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, Truth, Life")), for in Him are "hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" ([Colossians 2:3](/colossians/2-3 "Colossians 2:3 - Christ, the Treasure of Wisdom")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Matthew 13:12

For 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 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.

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.

Mark 4:23

If any man have ears to hear, let him hear.

Mark 4:25

For he that hath, to him shall be given: and he that hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he hath.

Proverbs 2:2

So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, [and] apply thine heart to understanding;

Proverbs 2:5

Then shalt thou understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God.