Matthew 25:29

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

For {G1063} unto every one {G3956} that hath {G2192} shall be given {G1325}, and {G2532} he shall have abundance {G4052}: but {G1161} from {G575} him {G846} that hath {G2192} not {G3361} shall be taken away {G142}{G575} even {G2532} that which {G3739} he hath {G2192}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

For everyone who has will be given more, and he will have an abundance. But the one who does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 25:29 encapsulates a profound kingdom principle revealed by Jesus at the conclusion of the Parable of the Talents. It declares that those who faithfully and productively utilize the resources, gifts, and opportunities entrusted to them will experience an increase and abundance, while those who neglect or fail to employ what they have received will ultimately lose even the little they possess. This verse serves as a stark summary of divine economy, emphasizing stewardship, accountability, and the consequences of diligence versus idleness in the spiritual realm.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Matthew 25:29 concludes the [Parable of the Talents](/matthew/25-14-30 "Matthew 25:14-30 - The Parable of the Talents"), which is part of Jesus' extensive eschatological discourse on the Mount of Olives (Matthew 24-25). This discourse immediately precedes His crucifixion and focuses on readiness for His second coming and the final judgment. The parable itself details a master entrusting varying sums of money (talents) to three servants before departing. Two servants diligently invest and double their master's money, receiving commendation and greater responsibility. The third servant, out of fear, buries his single talent and is condemned for his inaction. Verse 29 distills the master's judgment into a universal principle, serving as a climactic summary of the parable's teaching on faithful stewardship and its consequences. It follows the [Parable of the Ten Virgins](/matthew/25-1-13 "Matthew 25:1-13 - The Parable of the Ten Virgins"), which underscores the theme of watchful preparedness.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The "talent" in Jesus' day was not a personal aptitude but a significant unit of currency, equivalent to many years' wages for a laborer (estimates vary, but often cited as 15-20 years' wages). Entrusting such a large sum to servants indicates a high degree of trust and expectation of return, reflecting the economic practices of the time where wealthy individuals would invest their capital through agents or trusted employees. The master-servant relationship was common, with servants often having considerable responsibility and autonomy in managing their master's affairs. The Jewish cultural context also emphasized stewardship, as all possessions were ultimately seen as belonging to God, and humans were merely temporary custodians. This parable would have resonated with an audience familiar with these social and economic dynamics, highlighting the serious implications of accountability to a higher authority.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Matthew and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Stewardship and Accountability**, asserting that everything we possess—whether material wealth, spiritual gifts, time, or opportunities—is a trust from God for which we will be held responsible. Secondly, it emphasizes **Growth and Productivity**, demonstrating God's expectation that His gifts be actively utilized and multiplied, not merely preserved. The faithful servants' actions exemplify this principle, leading to commendation and further blessing, as seen in the master's words, "[Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much](/matthew/25-21 "Matthew 25:21 - Reward for Faithfulness")". Thirdly, the verse illuminates the **Consequences of Action and Inaction**, presenting a stark contrast between divine reward for diligence and the severe loss incurred by idleness or fear. Finally, it reveals a principle of **Divine Economy**, where spiritual abundance is granted to those who actively engage with what they have, while stagnation or loss befalls those who neglect their potential. This paradox is echoed throughout scripture, such as the teaching that "[whoever has will be given more, and he will have an abundance](/luke/19-26 "Luke 19:26 - The Parable of the Minas")".

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **hath (Greek, _échō'_):** This verb signifies "to hold," "to possess," or "to have." In this context, it refers to the state of possessing something, whether it be a talent, a gift, a resource, or an opportunity. The continuous tense implies an ongoing state of possession or active engagement. The contrast between "him that hath" and "him that hath not" is central to the verse's meaning, highlighting the initial endowment or lack thereof, which then dictates the subsequent outcome based on action or inaction.
* **given (Greek, _dídōmi'_):** Meaning "to give," "to bestow," or "to grant," this verb indicates the act of bestowing something upon someone. In the passive voice ("shall be given"), it implies a divine agent or the natural consequence of a spiritual law. It underscores the idea of divine generosity and the principle of increase for those who are faithful stewards. The giving here is not arbitrary but a response to prior faithful action.
* **abundance (Greek, _perisseúō'_):** This word means "to superabound," "to be in excess," or "to be superfluous." It conveys the idea of not just having enough, but having more than enough—a surplus, an overflow. This emphasizes the generous and overflowing nature of God's blessing and reward for those who are diligent and productive with what they have received. It speaks to exponential growth and flourishing.
* **taken away (Greek, _aírō'_):** This verb means "to lift up," "to take up or away," or "to remove." In this context, it denotes the act of removal or deprivation. For the one who "hath not" (or rather, has not used what he has), even what he nominally possesses will be stripped away. This signifies not merely a lack of increase, but an active loss, illustrating the severe consequences of spiritual idleness, fear, or unfaithfulness.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance:"** This clause presents the positive consequence of faithful stewardship. "Every one that hath" refers not just to initial possession, but to those who actively use and multiply what they have been given, as exemplified by the first two servants in the parable. To such individuals, more will be "given," implying a divine increase or a natural spiritual law of growth. The result is "abundance," signifying an overflowing measure of blessing, capacity, or spiritual return, far exceeding the initial endowment. This reflects God's generous nature in rewarding diligence.
* **"but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath."** This contrasting clause reveals the negative consequence of unfaithfulness or idleness. "Him that hath not" refers to the servant who failed to utilize his talent, effectively behaving as if he had nothing or that what he had was worthless. From such an individual, "shall be taken away even that which he hath"—meaning even the initial gift or opportunity, which was nominally his, will be removed. This is a severe judgment, highlighting that spiritual stagnation leads to loss, and unused potential eventually atrophies or is forfeited. It underscores the principle that not using what God has given is tantamount to losing it.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 25:29 employs several potent **Literary Devices** to convey its message. The most prominent is **Antithesis**, a stark contrast between two opposing ideas: giving more to those who have versus taking away from those who do not. This creates a powerful rhetorical effect, highlighting the divergent outcomes of faithful action and fearful inaction. There is also an element of **Paradox** in the statement "from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath." On the surface, it seems illogical to take from someone who "hath not" what they "hath." However, within the parable's context, "hath not" refers to the one who failed to *utilize* what he possessed, thus effectively squandering it and rendering it as if he never truly "had" it in a productive sense. The "talent" itself functions as **Symbolism**, representing not just money, but any gift, resource, opportunity, or responsibility entrusted by God to His people. The master in the parable is a clear **Allegory** for God, and the servants represent believers. The entire verse functions as a **Proverbial Statement**, condensing a complex theological truth into a memorable, concise, and universally applicable principle.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 25:29 is a foundational verse for understanding the kingdom of God's economy, where spiritual growth and responsibility are intrinsically linked to faithful engagement with divine entrustment. It transcends a mere lesson on financial management, pointing to a deeper truth about God's expectation for His children to be active participants in His kingdom, utilizing every gift and opportunity for His glory. This principle is not about earning salvation, but about demonstrating the fruit of a transformed life and a heart committed to the Master's will. It reveals that God's grace is not passive; it empowers us for active service, and our response to that grace determines our capacity for further blessing and responsibility in His eternal reign. The verse challenges any notion of spiritual complacency, asserting that idleness leads to spiritual impoverishment, while diligent service leads to spiritual abundance.

* [Luke 12:48](/luke/12-48 "Luke 12:48 - To whom much is given, much will be required")
* [Proverbs 11:24](/proverbs/11-24 "Proverbs 11:24 - The Generous Soul Will Be Prospered")
* [1 Corinthians 4:2](/1_corinthians/4-2 "1 Corinthians 4:2 - Required of Stewards")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 25:29 serves as a profound call to self-examination and active discipleship for every believer. It compels us to consider not just what we have been given, but how we are stewarding those gifts, talents, time, resources, and opportunities. The "talents" in our lives extend far beyond material wealth; they encompass our spiritual gifts (e.g., teaching, serving, mercy), our natural abilities, our education, our influence, our relationships, and even the very breath we breathe. The verse challenges us to move beyond fear or apathy, which can lead to burying our potential, and instead embrace a proactive posture of investing ourselves for the kingdom of God. It reminds us that spiritual growth is not automatic; it requires diligent engagement with God's Word, active participation in His mission, and a willingness to step out in faith. When we faithfully use what we have, God promises not just sufficiency, but an overflowing abundance—not necessarily in material terms, but in spiritual fruit, deeper understanding, greater capacity for service, and increased intimacy with Him. Conversely, neglecting our spiritual responsibilities can lead to a diminishment of our spiritual vitality and effectiveness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What specific "talents" or gifts (spiritual, natural, material) has God entrusted to me?**
* **Am I actively using and investing these gifts for God's glory and the advancement of His kingdom, or am I "burying" them out of fear, busyness, or apathy?**
* **In what areas of my life do I need to cultivate greater diligence and faithfulness in stewardship?**
* **How does the promise of "abundance" motivate me to be more productive in my spiritual walk and service?**
* **What might it look like for "that which I have" to be "taken away" if I fail to use it for God's purposes?**

### FAQ

**Does this verse mean God is unfair, giving more to those who already have and taking from those who have little?**

Answer: No, this verse does not imply that God is unfair. Instead, it reveals a principle of divine economy and spiritual growth. The "hath" in the first part refers to those who have *used* what they were given, demonstrating faithfulness and productivity. The "hath not" in the second part refers to the one who, despite being given a talent, failed to utilize it, effectively acting as if he had nothing or that what he had was worthless. God's judgment is based on how individuals respond to what they have been entrusted with, not on initial arbitrary distribution. It's about accountability for stewardship. The parable emphasizes that even the one with one talent was expected to invest it, and his failure was due to fear and idleness, not a lack of initial opportunity. This principle is consistent with other biblical teachings on sowing and reaping, and the consequences of diligence versus slothfulness.

**Is this verse primarily about money or material possessions?**

Answer: While the parable uses "talents" (a large sum of money) as its illustration, the principle extends far beyond material possessions. It applies to all forms of resources, gifts, and opportunities that God entrusts to His people. This includes spiritual gifts (e.g., teaching, prophecy, service, mercy, administration, as mentioned in [1 Corinthians 12:4-11](/1_corinthians/12-4-11 "1 Corinthians 12:4-11 - Diversity of Spiritual Gifts")), natural abilities, time, influence, knowledge, relationships, and even our very lives. The core message is about faithful stewardship of *everything* God has given us, using it for His glory and the advancement of His kingdom, rather than hoarding it or neglecting its potential.

**What does it mean for "that which he hath" to be "taken away"?**

Answer: For "that which he hath" to be "taken away" signifies a loss of opportunity, capacity, or even spiritual vitality due to inaction or unfaithfulness. In the parable, the one talent was literally taken from the unfaithful servant and given to the one who had ten. Spiritually, this can mean a diminishment of one's spiritual gifts if they are not exercised, a loss of opportunities for service if one is unwilling to engage, or a decrease in spiritual understanding and discernment if one neglects God's Word and prayer. It's a warning that spiritual stagnation is not neutral; it leads to regression and loss, as the unused potential atrophies or is forfeited. This principle is also seen in other areas of life: an unused skill dulls, an unmaintained relationship withers, and neglected knowledge fades.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 25:29 finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in several profound ways. Firstly, Jesus Himself is the supreme example of faithful stewardship, perfectly utilizing every divine attribute and human experience for the Father's glory, culminating in His [obedient sacrifice on the cross](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience to Death"). He was the ultimate "one who hath," receiving all authority from the Father, and through His perfect life and atoning death, He "had abundance" in the form of a redeemed humanity and a glorious kingdom. Secondly, this principle speaks to the Christian's life *in* Christ. Through union with Christ, believers receive the Holy Spirit, who bestows spiritual gifts and empowers them for service ([Romans 12:6-8](/romans/12-6-8 "Romans 12:6-8 - Gifts According to Grace")). The "talents" we receive are, in essence, expressions of Christ's life and ministry working through us. Our faithful use of these gifts is a participation in His ongoing work of building His church and extending His kingdom. The promise of "abundance" for those who "hath" is fulfilled in the overflowing grace and spiritual blessings that flow from Christ to His faithful followers, leading to a deeper experience of His life and a greater capacity for His service ([John 10:10](/john/10-10 "John 10:10 - Abundant Life in Christ")). Conversely, the warning of loss for those who "hath not" underscores the seriousness of neglecting the grace and calling received in Christ, reminding us that true discipleship involves active, fruitful engagement with the Master's mission, anticipating His glorious return and the [final accounting](/2_corinthians/5-10 "2 Corinthians 5:10 - The Bema Seat Judgment").

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.

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.

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.

Luke 19:25

(And they said unto him, Lord, he hath ten pounds.)

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.

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 10:42

But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.