Mark 4:25

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

For {G1063}{G302} he that {G3739} hath {G2192}, to him {G846} shall be given {G1325}: and {G2532} he that {G3739} hath {G2192} not {G3756}, from {G575} him {G846} shall be taken {G142} even {G2532} that which {G3739} he hath {G2192}.

Complete Jewish Bible

For anyone who has something will be given more; but from anyone who has nothing, even what he does have will be taken away."

Berean Standard Bible

For whoever has will be given more. But whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him.”

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Mark 4:25 encapsulates a profound spiritual principle articulated by Jesus, asserting that those who actively receive, understand, and apply spiritual truth will experience an increase in insight and revelation. Conversely, those who neglect or fail to steward the truth they have received will find even their existing understanding diminished or lost. This verse highlights the dynamic and consequential nature of spiritual receptivity and stewardship within the kingdom of God, emphasizing that divine revelation is not a static gift but a dynamic resource that either multiplies with engagement or diminishes with neglect.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Mark 4 opens with Jesus teaching by the sea, using the [Parable of the Sower](/mark/4-1-9 "Mark 4:1-9 - The Parable of the Sower") to explain the varying responses to the word of God. Following this, Jesus explains the parable privately to His disciples, emphasizing that the "mystery of the kingdom of God" is given to them, but "to those outside, all things are in parables" ([Mark 4:11](/mark/4-11 "Mark 4:11 - Purpose of Parables")). He then teaches the [Parable of the Lamp](/mark/4-21-23 "Mark 4:21-23 - The Parable of the Lamp Under a Basket"), stating that "there is nothing hidden except to be made manifest" ([Mark 4:22](/mark/4-22 "Mark 4:22 - Nothing Hidden")). This sets the stage for [Mark 4:24](/mark/4-24 "Mark 4:24 - Measure You Use"), which warns, "Take heed what you hear; with what measure you mete, it shall be measured to you." [Mark 4:25](/mark/4-25 "Mark 4:25 - The Principle of More and Less") serves as a concluding, overarching principle that summarizes the preceding teachings on spiritual receptivity, understanding, and the consequences of one's engagement with divine truth.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jesus' teachings were often delivered in parables, a common pedagogical method in ancient Near Eastern and Jewish contexts, designed to both reveal and conceal truth. For those with "ears to hear" ([Mark 4:9](/mark/4-9 "Mark 4:9 - Call to Hear")), the parables illuminated spiritual realities, while for those hardened or uninterested, they remained enigmatic. The concept of "having" or "not having" would have resonated with the agrarian society, where resources, whether land, seed, or harvest, were tangible indicators of one's diligence and prosperity. Spiritually, this principle taps into the Jewish understanding of wisdom and Torah study, where diligent pursuit of God's law was believed to yield greater insight and blessing, while neglect led to spiritual poverty.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes in Mark's Gospel and Jesus' broader teaching. It underscores the theme of **spiritual revelation and understanding**, emphasizing that divine truth is not static but dynamic, growing or diminishing based on one's interaction with it. It speaks to the **responsibility of hearing**, highlighting that merely hearing the word is insufficient; active engagement, obedience, and application are crucial. Furthermore, it introduces a principle of **divine economy**, where spiritual capital (truth, understanding, grace) is multiplied for those who faithfully steward it and withdrawn from those who do not. This principle is seen elsewhere in Jesus' parables, such as the [Parable of the Talents](/matthew/25-14-30 "Matthew 25:14-30 - The Parable of the Talents") or [Parable of the Minas](/luke/19-11-27 "Luke 19:11-27 - The Parable of the Minas"), where faithful stewardship leads to greater responsibility and reward.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **hath (Greek, _échō_):** This verb signifies to "hold" or "possess," but in this context, as indicated by its wide application in the Strong's definition, it extends beyond mere physical ownership to encompass the active grasp, understanding, and application of spiritual truth. It implies a state of active engagement and stewardship of what has been received.
* **given (Greek, _dídōmi_):** This verb means "to give," "bestow," or "grant." Here, it denotes the divine act of imparting further spiritual insight, understanding, and grace. It suggests a progressive revelation and an increase in spiritual capacity that is contingent upon the recipient's faithful response.
* **taken (Greek, _aírō_):** Meaning "to lift up" or "take away," this verb describes the consequence of spiritual neglect. It's not necessarily an active punitive removal by God, but rather the natural spiritual consequence where the potential for growth, existing understanding, or even the capacity to perceive truth, diminishes or is lost due to lack of engagement and stewardship.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For he that hath, to him shall be given:"** This clause establishes the positive aspect of the principle. "He that hath" refers to the individual who possesses spiritual understanding, who has received the word of God, and, crucially, is actively engaging with it, applying it, and allowing it to bear fruit in their life. To such a person, more will be "given"—more insight, deeper understanding, greater revelation, and increased spiritual capacity. This signifies a divine economy of spiritual growth where active stewardship leads to abundance.
* **"and he that hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he hath."** This second clause presents the inverse, cautionary aspect. "He that hath not" refers to the individual who, despite having been exposed to spiritual truth, has failed to truly grasp it, apply it, or steward it. They may have heard, but they have not acted. From such a person, "even that which he hath" (or seems to have) will be taken away. This is not necessarily a punitive act but rather the natural consequence of spiritual stagnation and neglect. The potential for growth is lost, and even the initial understanding or opportunity for revelation can diminish, leading to spiritual impoverishment.

#### Literary Devices
Mark 4:25 employs **Antithesis**, a rhetorical device that juxtaposes contrasting ideas in parallel structure. The verse sets "he that hath" against "he that hath not," and "to him shall be given" against "from him shall be taken." This stark contrast powerfully highlights the two opposing outcomes based on one's spiritual receptivity and stewardship. The use of **Paradox** is also evident, particularly in the phrase "from him shall be taken even that which he hath." On the surface, it seems illogical to take from someone what they already possess, but in the spiritual realm, it underscores that unutilized or unappreciated spiritual truth can effectively vanish, as its potential for growth is squandered. This paradoxical statement serves to provoke thought and emphasize the profound consequences of spiritual neglect.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse articulates a fundamental principle of the Kingdom of God: spiritual growth and understanding are not static endowments but dynamic processes contingent upon active engagement and faithful stewardship. It reveals God's economy of grace and truth, where receptivity and obedience lead to an ever-increasing capacity for divine revelation, while apathy or neglect results in spiritual impoverishment. This principle extends beyond mere knowledge to encompass the practical application of truth, emphasizing that true possession of spiritual insight is demonstrated by its fruitfulness in one's life. It underscores the profound responsibility that comes with hearing the Word of God, indicating that divine revelation demands a response, and that response determines further blessing or loss.

* [Matthew 13:12](/matthew/13-12 "Matthew 13:12 - The Principle of More and Less")
* [Luke 8:18](/luke/8-18 "Luke 8:18 - Take Heed How You Hear")
* [Luke 19:26](/luke/19-26 "Luke 19:26 - Parable of the Minas Conclusion")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Mark 4:25 serves as a profound challenge and encouragement for every believer. It compels us to examine our posture towards God's Word and His revealed truth. Are we merely passive hearers, or are we active stewards? This verse reminds us that spiritual vitality is not a given; it must be cultivated through diligent engagement, thoughtful meditation, and, most importantly, obedient application of what we learn. When we actively pursue understanding, allow the truth to transform us, and share the insights we gain, God promises to entrust us with more. Conversely, if we neglect the spiritual gifts and truths we have received, we risk losing even the capacity to perceive and appreciate them. This calls us to a life of continuous spiritual hunger, humility, and active discipleship, ensuring that the seeds of truth planted in our hearts bear abundant fruit.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my spiritual life might I be passively "hearing" but not actively "having" or applying truth?**
* **What specific steps can I take this week to more diligently engage with God's Word and put its principles into practice?**
* **How does my stewardship of the spiritual insights I've received impact my capacity for further revelation from God?**

### FAQ
**What does "he that hath" truly refer to in this verse?**

Answer: In [Mark 4:25](/mark/4-25 "Mark 4:25 - The Principle of More and Less"), "he that hath" (Greek: _echō_) does not refer to material possessions but to spiritual understanding, insight, and the active reception and application of God's truth. It speaks to the person who has truly grasped and is living out the principles of the Kingdom of God, demonstrating spiritual receptivity and obedience. This is in contrast to merely hearing the word without internalizing or acting upon it, as described in the [Parable of the Sower](/mark/4-1-20 "Mark 4:1-20 - The Parable of the Sower").

**Is this verse a warning or a promise?**

Answer: It is both a warning and a promise, presenting a fundamental spiritual principle with dual outcomes. It promises that those who actively engage with and steward the truth they receive will be given more spiritual insight and understanding. Simultaneously, it warns that those who neglect or fail to apply the truth will experience a diminishing of even the understanding they seemed to possess. It highlights the dynamic and consequential nature of one's relationship with divine revelation, emphasizing that spiritual growth is not automatic but requires active participation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Mark 4:25, though a principle of spiritual economy, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in Christ. Jesus Himself is the embodiment of all truth and the source of all revelation ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh"), [Colossians 2:3](/colossians/2-3 "Colossians 2:3 - In Whom Are Hidden All Treasures")). To "have" in the fullest sense is to have Christ, to receive Him, and to abide in His words ([John 15:7](/john/15-7 "John 15:7 - Abide in Me")). Those who truly embrace Jesus and His teachings, allowing His truth to transform their lives, are progressively given more of His Spirit, more understanding of His kingdom, and a deeper experience of His grace ([John 14:26](/john/14-26 "John 14:26 - The Holy Spirit, the Helper"), [Ephesians 1:17-19](/ephesians/1-17-19 "Ephesians 1:17-19 - Spirit of Wisdom and Revelation")). Conversely, those who reject Christ or neglect His word, despite having been exposed to the light, will find even their capacity for spiritual perception diminished, ultimately leading to spiritual darkness and separation from the very source of life and truth ([John 3:19-20](/john/3-19-20 "John 3:19-20 - Light and Darkness"), [Matthew 13:13-15](/matthew/13-13-15 "Matthew 13:13-15 - Why Jesus Speaks in Parables")). Thus, the principle of Mark 4:25 underscores the centrality of Christ as the one in whom all spiritual riches are found and through whom they are either multiplied or lost.

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 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.

Matthew 25:28

Take therefore the talent from him, and give [it] unto him which hath ten talents.

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.

John 15:2

Every 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 16:9

And I say unto you, Make to yourselves friends of the mammon of unrighteousness; that, when ye fail, they may receive you into everlasting habitations.

Luke 16:12

And if ye have not been faithful in that which is another man's, who shall give you that which is your own?