Matthew 25 29

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.

Matthew 25:29 nkjv

'For to everyone who has, more will be given, and he will have abundance; but from him who does not have, even what he has will be taken away.

Matthew 25:29 niv

For whoever has will be given more, and they will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what they have will be taken from them.

Matthew 25:29 esv

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.

Matthew 25:29 nlt

To those who use well what they are given, even more will be given, and they will have an abundance. But from those who do nothing, even what little they have will be taken away.

Matthew 25 verses

Matthew 25 29 Meaning

(h2)The core principle articulated in Matthew 25:29 concludes the Parable of the Talents, emphasizing divine justice and the dynamic nature of God's economy. It states that spiritual increase is granted to those who diligently use what they have been given, resulting in an overflow of blessings and further opportunities. Conversely, those who neglect or fail to utilize their divine endowments will forfeit even the initial gift they possessed. This principle highlights accountability, stewardship, and the critical importance of active engagement with God's grace and entrustments, rather than static possession.

Matthew 25 29 Context

(h2)Matthew 25:29 is the concluding principle of the Parable of the Talents (Matt 25:14-30), which is part of Jesus' Olivet Discourse. This discourse, delivered to His disciples on the Mount of Olives, contains teachings about His second coming, the end of the age, and the necessity of preparedness and faithfulness. Immediately preceding this parable is the Parable of the Ten Virgins (Matt 25:1-13), emphasizing vigilance and readiness, and following it is the Parable of the Sheep and the Goats (Matt 25:31-46), describing the final judgment. Thus, Matthew 25:29 is situated within a broader context of eschatological expectation, personal accountability, and the nature of kingdom living while awaiting Christ's return. The parable itself concerns a master entrusting varying sums (talents, ancient units of money, implying significant resources) to his servants. The contrast between the diligent servants who double their entrusted amounts and the lazy servant who buries his talent forms the immediate backdrop for this universal principle of spiritual economics.

Matthew 25 29 Word analysis

(h2)

• For (γάρ - gar): A causal conjunction meaning "because" or "indeed." It explains why the master's actions toward the servants were justified, establishing the underlying principle of God's judgment and kingdom dynamics.
• to everyone (παντὶ τῷ - panti tō): Refers to all individuals within the scope of this principle, emphasizing its universal application. It means "to every single one," leaving no exceptions among those given something by God.
• who has (ἔχοντι - echonti): From echō, "to possess," "to hold," "to have." In context, this refers not to material wealth per se, but to spiritual endowments—gifts, abilities, opportunities, revelation, grace, and spiritual truth received from God. The having implies possession and prior receiving.
• more will be given (προστεθήσεται - prostethēsetai): From prostithemi, "to add to," "to give besides." This is a divine passive, implying God is the ultimate giver of the increase. It denotes augmentation, growth, and multiplication beyond the initial endowment.
• and he will have abundance (καὶ περισσευθήσεται - kai perisseusethēsetai): From perisseuō, "to superabound," "to have a surplus," "to overflow." This signifies not just an increase, but a bountiful, exceeding supply, a fullness that goes beyond mere sufficiency. It speaks of spiritual prosperity and fruitfulness, allowing for greater capacity and impact.
• but from him who has not (ἀπὸ δὲ τοῦ μὴ ἔχοντος - apo de tou mē echontos): The negation mē (μη) with echontos (having) points not to an initial absolute lack, but to one who, though having received something, acted as if they had nothing, by failing to use or profit from it. It's about disuse, unfaithfulness, or a spiritual emptiness arising from neglect.
• even what he has (καὶ ὃ ἔχει - kai ho echei): Refers to the initial, often small, endowment or opportunity that was given. The phrase "even what he has" highlights the profound loss—everything initially possessed, even if seemingly insignificant, is removed due to inaction.
• will be taken away (ἀρθήσεται ἀπ’ αὐτοῦ - arthēsetai ap' autou): From airō, "to lift up," "to remove," "to carry away." This is also a divine passive, indicating God's act of removal as a consequence of the servant's unfaithfulness. It speaks of deprivation, loss of privilege, opportunity, or even spiritual standing.

Words-group analysis:

• "For to everyone who has, more will be given, and he will have abundance": This phrase reveals a dynamic principle of divine investment and exponential growth. God rewards faithfulness and productivity by granting further grace, deeper understanding, greater opportunities, and an overflow of spiritual blessings. It counters any static view of God's gifts, showing they are intended for active use and increase.
• "but from him who has not, even what he has will be taken away": This contrasting principle exposes the severe consequences of spiritual idleness and unfaithfulness. The "has not" refers to one who received but failed to engage, indicating a loss not only of potential gain but also of the initial endowment. It implies that unutilized gifts or neglected opportunities atrophy and are ultimately withdrawn, resulting in spiritual impoverishment and judgment. The resulting lack is a chosen spiritual poverty.

Matthew 25 29 Bonus section

(h2)

• This principle of "use it or lose it" extends beyond the initial talents/gifts to the very truth of God's Word. Those who apply truth gain deeper understanding, while those who merely hear but do not apply may lose the truth they once had (as seen in Matt 13:12 and Mark 4:25 concerning parables).
• The master in the parable, representing Christ, evaluates the return on his investment. This signifies that God expects His people to be productive and to yield fruit commensurate with what they have received from Him. It challenges the notion that grace means no effort is required in response.
• The "fear" (Matt 25:25) of the one-talent servant prevented him from acting. This fear—of failure, of risk, of the master's expectations—is depicted as spiritually debilitating, leading to inaction and ultimate loss, contrasting with the trusting boldness of the other servants.
• This verse can be understood as a direct teaching against passive religiousness or a fatalistic view of grace. It champions a theology of active, responsible participation in God's ongoing work, where blessings are dynamic and linked to faithfulness, not static and unconditional regardless of behavior.
• The "abundance" (περισσευθήσεται - perisseusethēsetai) suggests a life characterized by spiritual overflow, increased capacity to bless others, deeper communion with God, and expanded influence within His kingdom, rather than merely more material possessions. It implies spiritual wealth and impact.

Matthew 25 29 Commentary

(h2)Matthew 25:29 encapsulates a fundamental spiritual law within the kingdom of God, emphasizing stewardship and accountability. It teaches that divine resources—be they spiritual gifts, natural talents, opportunities for service, or even revelation of truth—are entrusted for diligent use and growth. Those who actively engage with and multiply what they've been given demonstrate faithfulness, and God responds by pouring out more grace, understanding, and capacity, leading to abundant spiritual fruitfulness. This isn't about human merit, but divine design for cooperative growth. Conversely, the principle highlights the severe consequence of spiritual idleness or fear-driven paralysis: neglect of what is entrusted leads not merely to stagnation but to the removal of even the original gift. This loss underscores that unused potential diminishes and is ultimately withdrawn by the sovereign Giver, leading to a state of spiritual deficit. The verse is a powerful call to active, courageous engagement with God's calling and endowments, affirming that faithfulness in the small leads to increase, while unfaithfulness leads to impoverishment. Practically, it encourages believers to identify their gifts, embrace opportunities, and actively serve, knowing that such diligent effort unlocks greater blessings and responsibilities within God's kingdom.