King James Version

What Does Luke 8:18 Mean?

Luke 8:18 in the King James Version says “Take heed therefore how ye hear: for whosoever hath, to him shall be given; and whosoever hath not, from him shall be ta...” — study this verse from Luke chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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. seemeth: or, thinketh that he hath”

Luke 8:18 · KJV

Context

16

No man, when he hath lighted a candle, covereth it with a vessel, or putteth it under a bed; but setteth it on a candlestick, that they which enter in may see the light.

17

For nothing is secret, that shall not be made manifest; neither any thing hid, that shall not be known and come abroad .

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. seemeth: or, thinketh that he hath

19

Then came to him his mother and his brethren, and could not come at him for the press.

20

And it was told him by certain which said, Thy mother and thy brethren stand without, desiring to see thee.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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. Jesus applies the lamp and revelation teaching with urgent command: Take heed how ye hear (blepete oun pōs akouete, βλέπετε οὖν πῶς ἀκούετε)—beware, be careful, pay attention to the manner of your hearing. Not merely that you hear but how you hear—with what heart attitude, attentiveness, and obedience. The four soils illustrate different ways of hearing.

The principle follows: whosoever hath (hos gar an echē, ὃς γὰρ ἂν ἔχῃ)—whoever possesses spiritual understanding and receptive heart—to him shall be given (dothēsetai autō, δοθήσεται αὐτῷ) more insight, more growth, more fruit. Conversely, whosoever hath not—those with hard, shallow, or divided hearts—from him shall be taken even that which he seemeth to have (kai ho dokei echein arthēsetai ap' autou, καὶ ὃ δοκεῖ ἔχειν ἀρθήσεται ἀπ' αὐτοῦ). The verb dokei (seems, supposes) suggests illusion—they think they have truth but possess nothing real, and even that false security will be removed. Spiritual receptivity compounds—good hearers grow, poor hearers lose even apparent understanding. This makes proper hearing eternally critical.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient rabbis emphasized careful listening to teaching. Students sat at rabbis' feet, memorizing and meditating on words—hearing was active, demanding engagement. In a largely oral culture, hearing was the primary means of receiving instruction, making listening skills crucial. Jesus repeatedly emphasized hearing: 'He that hath ears to hear, let him hear' (v. 8). The principle of spiritual compound interest appears throughout Scripture—faithful stewards receive more responsibility (Luke 19:17, 26; Matthew 25:29). For Luke's audience, predominantly Gentiles joining the church, this warned against casual hearing or intellectual curiosity without obedient response. The early church faced many who attended teaching but never truly believed (Acts 8:13-24, 2 Timothy 4:3-4). Proper hearing requires humble, persevering, obedient reception of God's word—the good soil response.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does 'take heed how ye hear' mean practically—how can you improve the quality of your hearing of God's word?
  2. How does the principle that spiritual receptivity compounds encourage faithful Bible study and discourage casual listening?
  3. What does 'that which he seemeth to have' suggest about the danger of false assurance and superficial Christianity?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 22 words
βλέπετε1 of 22

“Take heed”

G991

to look at (literally or figuratively)

οὖν2 of 22

“therefore”

G3767

(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly

πῶς3 of 22

“how”

G4459

an interrogative particle of manner; in what way? (sometimes the question is indirect, how?); also as exclamation, how much!

ἀκούετε·4 of 22

“ye hear”

G191

to hear (in various senses)

ὃ5 of 22

“that which”

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

γὰρ6 of 22

“for”

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

ἂν7 of 22
G302

whatsoever

ἔχειν8 of 22

“hath”

G2192

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

δοθήσεται9 of 22

“shall be given”

G1325

to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)

αὐτοῦ10 of 22

“him”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

καὶ11 of 22

“and”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ὃ12 of 22

“that which”

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

ἂν13 of 22
G302

whatsoever

μὴ14 of 22

“not”

G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

ἔχειν15 of 22

“hath”

G2192

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

καὶ16 of 22

“and”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ὃ17 of 22

“that which”

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

δοκεῖ18 of 22

“he seemeth”

G1380

compare the base of g1166) of the same meaning; to think; by implication, to seem (truthfully or uncertainly)

ἔχειν19 of 22

“hath”

G2192

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

ἀρθήσεται20 of 22

“shall be taken”

G142

to lift up; by implication, to take up or away; figuratively, to raise (the voice), keep in suspense (the mind), specially, to sail away (i.e., weigh

ἀπ'21 of 22

“from”

G575

"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)

αὐτοῦ22 of 22

“him”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Luke. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Luke 8:18 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Luke 8:18 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Matthew 13:12Mark 4:23-25Luke 19:26Matthew 25:29Proverbs 2:2-5John 15:2

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