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.

For {G1063} whosoever {G3748} hath {G2192}, to him {G846} shall be given {G1325}, and {G2532} he shall have more abundance {G4052}: but {G1161} whosoever {G3748} hath {G2192} not {G3756}, from {G575} him {G846} shall be taken away {G142} even {G2532} that {G3739} he hath {G2192}.

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

Whoever has will be given more, and he will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him.

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

Commentary

Matthew 13:12 presents a profound spiritual principle articulated by Jesus, explaining the dynamics of spiritual understanding and receptivity. It states, "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." This verse serves as a key to understanding why Jesus taught in parables and the differing responses to His message.

Context

This verse immediately follows Jesus' disciples asking why He speaks to the crowds in parables (Matthew 13:10). Jesus explains that while the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven are given to the disciples, they are not given to others. Matthew 13:12 then clarifies the divine principle behind this distinction: those who possess a measure of spiritual insight or receptivity will receive more understanding and abundance, while those who lack it will lose even what little they have or perceive they have. This sets the stage for the explanation of the Parable of the Sower, where the different types of soil represent varying levels of spiritual responsiveness.

Key Themes

  • Spiritual Receptivity and Understanding: The verse highlights that spiritual truth isn't merely given; it must be received and acted upon. Those who are open and responsive to God's word are granted deeper insights.
  • The Principle of Growth and Decline: This is a dynamic principle of spiritual life. What is used and cultivated grows ("shall be given, and he shall have more abundance"), while what is neglected or ignored diminishes ("shall be taken away even that he hath"). This applies to truth, spiritual gifts, and opportunities.
  • Stewardship of Truth: The verse implies a responsibility for the truth one has received. It's not enough to simply hear; one must engage with, ponder, and apply the spiritual knowledge given. This principle is famously echoed in the Parable of the Talents, where faithful stewardship leads to greater reward.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "whosoever hath" refers not to material possessions but to spiritual endowment, understanding, or a readiness to receive truth. The Greek word for "hath" (echei) simply means "to have" or "to possess." The emphasis is on what one already possesses in terms of spiritual light or capacity for understanding. "More abundance" (perisseuō) suggests an overflow, a superabundance, indicating a continual increase for those who are spiritually engaged. Conversely, "taken away" (arthēsetai) implies a removal, a loss of even that which was perceived to be held.

Practical Application

Matthew 13:12 challenges believers to actively engage with God's word and spiritual truths. It encourages:

  • Active Listening: Don't just hear, but listen with an open heart and a desire to understand and apply.
  • Diligent Study: The more we seek to know God through His word, the more He reveals. Our spiritual capacity expands with use.
  • Faithful Stewardship: Use the spiritual gifts, knowledge, and opportunities God has given you. Neglecting them leads to spiritual stagnation and loss.
This verse serves as a powerful reminder that spiritual growth is not passive; it requires active participation and a responsive heart to receive and multiply the blessings of divine understanding.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Matthew 25:29 (16 votes)

    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.

  • Luke 8:18 (12 votes)

    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.

  • Mark 4:24 (12 votes)

    And he said unto them, Take heed what ye hear: with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you: and unto you that hear shall more be given.

  • Mark 4:25 (12 votes)

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

  • Luke 19:24 (10 votes)

    And he said unto them that stood by, Take from him the pound, and give [it] to him that hath ten pounds.

  • Luke 19:26 (10 votes)

    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.

  • John 15:2 (8 votes)

    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.