Luke 8:18

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.

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}.

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."

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.”

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.

Context

Luke 8:18 serves as a crucial concluding statement to Jesus' explanation of the Parable of the Sower and the teaching concerning the lamp under a bushel. Immediately preceding this verse, Jesus explains that the purpose of revealing truth is not to hide it, but for it to be made known (Luke 8:16-17). Therefore, the manner in which one receives and responds to divine revelation becomes paramount. The parable of the sower itself illustrates different responses to the "Word of God" (Luke 8:4-8), highlighting that true hearing involves understanding and bearing fruit.

Key Themes and Messages

  • The Importance of Active Hearing: The opening command, "Take heed therefore how ye hear," underscores that listening to spiritual truth is not a passive act. It requires careful attention, discernment, and a receptive heart. The quality of our hearing directly impacts our spiritual growth.
  • The Principle of Spiritual Stewardship: Jesus articulates a profound spiritual principle: those who genuinely embrace, understand, and apply the truth they receive will be granted further understanding and insight. This concept is echoed in the Parable of the Talents, where diligence in using what one has leads to more.
  • The Consequence of Neglect: Conversely, for those who merely hear superficially or fail to internalize and live out the truth, even the apparent understanding or spiritual possession they seem to have will diminish or be lost. This is a sober warning against spiritual complacency, intellectual assent without heart transformation, or a lack of genuine commitment to God's Word.
  • Responsibility in Receiving Divine Truth: The verse places the responsibility squarely on the hearer. It is not enough to be exposed to truth; one must actively engage with it and allow it to transform their life.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "Take heed" comes from the Greek word blepō (βλέπω), which means to see, perceive, or beware. It implies a watchful, discerning attention, not just a casual glance. The word "hear" (Greek: akouō, ἀκούω) in this context goes beyond mere auditory reception; it signifies listening with understanding, processing, and often, obeying. This deeper sense of hearing is crucial for truly grasping the message Jesus conveys.

Practical Application

Luke 8:18 challenges every believer to examine their approach to God's Word. Do we listen attentively, seeking to understand and obey? Or do we allow distractions, indifference, or a lack of commitment to hinder the Word's transformative power in our lives? This verse encourages us to cultivate a heart that is fertile ground for the seed of God's Word, allowing it to take root, grow, and bear much fruit. Our spiritual vitality depends on how we hear and respond to the truth revealed to us.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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.

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