King James Version

What Does Matthew 25:29 Mean?

Matthew 25:29 in the King James Version says “For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away... — study this verse from Matthew chapter 25 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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 · KJV


Context

27

Thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine own with usury.

28

Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him which hath ten talents.

29

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.

30

And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

31

When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory:


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundanceTō gar echonti panti dothēsetai kai perisseuthēsetai (τῷ γὰρ ἔχοντι παντὶ δοθήσεται καὶ περισσευθήσεται): 'For to everyone having, it shall be given and he shall have abundance.' Perisseuthēsetai (περισσευθήσεται) means overflow/superabundance. This is the compound-interest principle of the kingdom: faithfulness in small things leads to greater capacity and opportunity.

But from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath—The one 'having not' isn't destitute—he has one talent! But because he failed to use it, he loses even that. Unused gifts atrophy. Opportunity hoarded is opportunity lost. This principle applies across creation: muscles unused weaken, minds unstimulated dull, gifts unexercised disappear. God's economy rewards active stewardship.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient agriculture understood this principle viscerally: land cultivated produced abundance; land left fallow became barren. Vines pruned flourished; vines neglected withered. Jesus's agrarian audience recognized that productivity requires active cultivation—passive preservation leads to decay. The same principle governs spiritual gifts and opportunities.

Reflection Questions

  1. Where have you seen this principle at work—gifts exercised multiplying, gifts buried atrophying?
  2. What spiritual 'muscles' have weakened from disuse in your life?
  3. How does this verse motivate you to actively deploy your gifts before the opportunity is taken away?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 18 words
τῷ1 of 18
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

γὰρ2 of 18

For

G1063

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

ἔχει3 of 18

he hath

G2192

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

παντὶ4 of 18

unto every one

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

δοθήσεται5 of 18

shall be given

G1325

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

καὶ6 of 18

and

G2532

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

περισσευθήσεται7 of 18

he shall have abundance

G4052

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

ἀπ'8 of 18

from

G575

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

δὲ9 of 18

but

G1161

but, and, etc

τοῦ10 of 18
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

μὴ11 of 18

not

G3361

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

ἔχει12 of 18

he hath

G2192

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

καὶ13 of 18

and

G2532

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

14 of 18

that which

G3739

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

ἔχει15 of 18

he hath

G2192

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

ἀρθήσεται16 of 18

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'17 of 18

from

G575

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

αὐτοῦ18 of 18

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 25:29 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 25:29 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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