Luke 19:26 kjv
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.
Luke 19:26 nkjv
'For I say to you, that to everyone who has will be given; and from him who does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him.
Luke 19:26 niv
"He replied, 'I tell you that to everyone who has, more will be given, but as for the one who has nothing, even what they have will be taken away.
Luke 19:26 esv
'I tell you that to everyone who has, more will be given, but from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away.
Luke 19:26 nlt
"'Yes,' the king replied, 'and to those who use well what they are given, even more will be given. But from those who do nothing, even what little they have will be taken away.
Luke 19 26 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Lk 8:18 | "For whoever has, to him more will be given, and whoever does not have, even what he seems to have will be taken away from him." | Principle of gaining/losing knowledge/understanding |
| Mk 4:25 | "For to the one who has, more will be given, and from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away." | Principle of spiritual discernment |
| Matt 13:12 | "For to the one who has, more will be given, and he will have an abundance, but from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away." | Applies to understanding parables |
| Matt 25:29 | "For to everyone who has will more be given, and he will have an abundance. But from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away." | Parable of the Talents (parallel account) |
| Lk 16:10 | "One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much, and one who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much." | Faithfulness in small things leads to more |
| 1 Cor 4:2 | "Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found trustworthy." | Requirement for stewards of God's mysteries |
| 1 Pet 4:10 | "As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace." | Stewardship of spiritual gifts |
| Rev 22:12 | "Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense with me, to repay each one for what he has done." | Reward for faithful action |
| Lk 12:48 | "Everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required, and from him to whom much was entrusted, more will be demanded." | Increased accountability with increased gifting |
| Heb 10:26-27 | "For if we go on sinning deliberately...there remains no longer a sacrifice for sins, but a fearful expectation of judgment..." | Consequences of neglecting God's grace |
| Is 6:9-10 | "Keep on hearing, but do not understand...lest they see with their eyes and hear with their ears and understand with their hearts..." | Spiritual dullness from willful ignorance |
| Jer 5:21 | "Hear this, O foolish and senseless people, who have eyes, but see not, who have ears, but hear not." | Ignorance despite capacity to perceive |
| Prov 24:12 | "If you say, 'Behold, we knew not this,' does not he who weighs the heart perceive it? Does not he who keeps watch over your soul know it, and will he not repay man according to his work?" | Divine knowledge of human actions and repayment |
| Matt 7:23 | "And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’" | Rejection for not bearing fruit |
| Jn 15:2 | "Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away..." | Necessity of fruitfulness in Christ |
| Hos 4:6 | "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge..." | Consequences of neglecting truth |
| Dan 12:10 | "Many shall purify themselves...but the wicked shall act wickedly. And none of the wicked shall understand, but those who are wise shall understand." | Spiritual understanding for the wise |
| Jas 2:17 | "So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead." | Faith requiring action |
| Prov 1:7 | "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction." | Foundation for true knowledge |
| Prov 10:4 | "A slack hand causes poverty, but the hand of the diligent makes rich." | Principle of diligence and reward |
Luke 19 verses
Luke 19 26 Meaning
Luke 19:26 reveals a spiritual and theological principle: those who faithfully utilize and grow what God has entrusted to them will receive greater abundance and opportunity. Conversely, those who neglect or fail to use what they have been given, even the little they appear to possess, will have it taken away, signifying a loss of privilege, opportunity, or even spiritual vitality. This verse is not about material wealth but about stewardship of God's gifts, whether they be spiritual truths, abilities, or opportunities for service in His Kingdom.
Luke 19 26 Context
Luke 19:26 concludes the Parable of the Minas (verses 11-27), told by Jesus as He journeyed towards Jerusalem. The immediate context is that people thought the Kingdom of God was going to appear immediately (v. 11). To correct this misconception and to emphasize the period of waiting and faithful service, Jesus tells the story of a nobleman who goes to a distant country to receive a kingdom and returns, entrusting his servants with money (minas) in his absence. Upon his return, he demands an account of their stewardship. The faithful servants are rewarded and given authority, while the one who buried his mina out of fear and idleness is condemned. The historical and cultural context reflects a time when landowners or kings would often leave trusted servants in charge of their property or finances while they were away, expecting a return on their investment. This parable underscores individual accountability to God for the resources and opportunities He provides during the present age, anticipating His return as King. It serves as a warning against spiritual apathy and encourages diligent use of one's spiritual capital until Christ's Second Coming.
Luke 19 26 Word analysis
- γὰρ (gar): "for." This Greek conjunction introduces an explanation or reason, connecting the harsh outcome for the unproductive servant directly to the principle stated in verse 26.
- λέγω (legō): "I tell." A strong assertion by Jesus, emphasizing the authoritative nature of the principle that follows. It underscores the divine origin and certainty of this truth.
- ὑμῖν (hymin): "you (plural)." Addressing the audience listening to the parable, applying the principle broadly to all disciples.
- ὅτι (hoti): "that." Introduces the direct statement of the principle.
- παντὶ (panti): "to everyone." A universal application, indicating this principle holds true for all individuals. It implies impartiality in God's judgment based on one's actions.
- τῷ ἔχοντι (tō echonti): "the one having" or "who has." From ἔχω (echō), "to have" or "to possess." In this context, it refers not merely to physical possession but to one who has actively used or put to good use what was entrusted. It denotes fruitfulness and active engagement with given resources.
- δοθήσεται (dothēsetai): "it will be given." From δίδωμι (didōmi), "to give." This verb is in the passive voice, indicating that God (or the master) is the ultimate giver of more. It promises a divine increase and further endowment as a reward for faithfulness.
- ἐκ δὲ (ek de): "but from." A strong contrast, highlighting the opposite consequence for the unfaithful.
- τοῦ μὴ ἔχοντος (tou mē echontos): "the one not having." Despite literally possessing the mina (which he buried), the servant "had not" utilized or grown it. Thus, "not having" refers to a lack of productive use, not a literal absence of the initial gift. It describes a state of spiritual barrenness or idleness despite receiving.
- καὶ ὃ ἔχει (kai ho echei): "even what he has." This emphasizes that the loss is total, extending even to the original possession or opportunity. The "having" here is distinct from the previous "having," signifying bare possession without profit.
- ἀρθήσεται (arthēsetai): "it will be taken away." From αἴρω (airō), "to lift up, take away, remove." Passive voice indicates God's decisive action. It signifies a forfeiture of privilege, a loss of spiritual blessing, and a deprivation of future opportunity due to unfaithfulness.
Luke 19 26 Bonus section
This principle, often referred to as "the law of increasing returns" or "the Matthew principle" (due to its recurrence in Mt 13:12 and Mt 25:29), is observed in both natural and spiritual realms. Spiritually, understanding more of God's Word can lead to greater insight, whereas neglecting it can lead to confusion. Utilizing one's spiritual gifts in service enhances those gifts; keeping them dormant causes them to wither. The "taking away" can refer to a loss of the very capacity for spiritual growth, akin to being spiritually desensitized. This verse implies that even apparent spiritual possessions are contingent on their productive use for the Master. It reinforces that divine grace is not given for stagnation but for growth and fruitful endeavor, leading to greater glorification of God and greater joy for the believer.
Luke 19 26 Commentary
Luke 19:26 encapsulates a fundamental principle of divine stewardship and spiritual economy. It teaches that God operates on a system of exponential return for faithfulness and compounded loss for neglect. The "having" refers not to inherent talent or initial endowment, but to the active and diligent utilization of what has been entrusted. Those who respond faithfully to the gifts, opportunities, and revelation given by God, investing them for His glory and Kingdom, demonstrate a capacity for more and are subsequently blessed with greater responsibilities, deeper insight, or richer experiences. Conversely, those who fail to steward what they have—who are spiritually lazy, fearful, or disobedient—prove themselves unfit even for the initial blessings. The consequence is not merely stagnation but actual loss, where privileges, opportunities, or even spiritual understanding once seemingly possessed are ultimately withdrawn. This principle transcends mere material wealth, applying profoundly to spiritual gifts, understanding of truth, and opportunities for service. It serves as a strong encouragement for diligent obedience and a sober warning against spiritual idleness in anticipation of Christ's return and accountability.