King James Version

What Does Matthew 13:12 Mean?

Matthew 13:12 in the King James Version says “For whosoever hath, to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance: but whosoever hath not, from him shall be t...” — study this verse from Matthew chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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.”

Matthew 13:12 · KJV

Context

10

And the disciples came, and said unto him, Why speakest thou unto them in parables?

11

He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given.

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.

13

Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand.

14

And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Esaias, which saith, By hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and shall not perceive:

Read Matthew 13 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
'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.' Jesus explains principle underlying parabolic teaching: spiritual capacities increase or decrease based on use. 'Whosoever hath' refers to those with spiritual understanding—to them more will be given, producing abundance. 'Whosoever hath not' refers to those lacking understanding—even what they seem to have will be removed. This appears to describe judicial hardening: those who respond to light receive more light; those who reject light lose capacity to perceive truth. Reformed theology sees this as warning about stewardship of revelation: use spiritual capacity and it increases; neglect it and it atrophies. The principle applies broadly: talents, opportunities, knowledge, revelation. Those who respond faithfully receive more; those who don't lose even what they had. The verse explains why some progress rapidly in faith while others, despite equal exposure to truth, remain spiritually dull. It also warns against assuming continued opportunity—reject present light and future light may be withheld.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This principle appears multiple times in Jesus's teaching, including Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:29) where faithful servants receive more while unfaithful servant loses what he had. The context here relates to response to Jesus's teaching: Pharisees and crowds had witnessed miracles, heard teaching, seen clear evidence—yet many hardened against Him. Result: they lost capacity to perceive truth, while disciples who responded receptively received increasing understanding. Isaiah 6:9-10 (quoted in v.14-15) predicted this pattern: hearing without understanding, seeing without perceiving. Paul references this in Romans 11:7-10 regarding Israel's hardening. Church history shows similar patterns: individuals and cultures that reject gospel eventually lose capacity to understand it—judicial hardening as divine judgment. Conversely, those who treasure and obey God's Word receive increasing insight, wisdom, and spiritual perception. Modern Western church faces this dynamic: generations exposed to gospel but resisting produce subsequent generations increasingly unable to comprehend it.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this principle of spiritual multiplication or atrophy affect your approach to Bible study, preaching, and spiritual disciplines?
  2. What evidence indicates you're using spiritual understanding you've received, causing it to multiply rather than atrophy?
  3. How should churches respond when people seem to lose even basic spiritual understanding they once had?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 17 words
ὅστις1 of 17

“whosoever”

G3748

which some, i.e., any that; also (definite) which same

γὰρ2 of 17

“For”

G1063

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

ἔχει3 of 17

“hath”

G2192

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

δοθήσεται4 of 17

“shall be given”

G1325

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

αὐτοῦ5 of 17

“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

καὶ6 of 17

“and”

G2532

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

περισσευθήσεται·7 of 17

“he shall have more abundance”

G4052

to superabound (in quantity or quality), be in excess, be superfluous; also (transitively) to cause to superabound or excel

ὅστις8 of 17

“whosoever”

G3748

which some, i.e., any that; also (definite) which same

δὲ9 of 17

“but”

G1161

but, and, etc

οὐκ10 of 17

“not”

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

ἔχει11 of 17

“hath”

G2192

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

καὶ12 of 17

“and”

G2532

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

ὃ13 of 17
G3739

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

ἔχει14 of 17

“hath”

G2192

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

ἀρθήσεται15 of 17

“shall be taken away”

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'16 of 17

“from”

G575

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

αὐτοῦ17 of 17

“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 Matthew. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Matthew 13:12 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 Matthew 13:12 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Matthew 25:29Mark 4:24-25Luke 8:18Luke 19:24-26John 15:2-5Revelation 2:5

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