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.

LUKE 8:18KJV
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Luke 8:18 (KJV)

What does Luke 8:18 mean?

Luke 8:18 warns listeners to pay careful attention to how they hear and respond to Jesus’ words, because those who truly receive and use what they have will be given more, but those who do not will lose even what they think they have. This verse highlights the importance of genuine listening and response to spiritual truth.

In this scene, Jesus is speaking to a crowd after telling the parable of the sower, which is all about how people receive God’s message. Jesus urges the crowd to be mindful (“take heed”) of their attitude and openness when they hear his teaching. The saying about having and losing points to a spiritual principle: those who value and act on God’s word will grow, while those who ignore or only pretend to receive it will lose out, even on what little understanding they seem to possess.

The Greek behind Luke 8:18

  • ἀκούω (akouō, “hear”): This word means more than just listening with the ears; it often carries the sense of truly taking in and responding to what is heard. Jesus is calling for active, thoughtful listening.
  • δοκέω (dokeō, “seemeth”): This word means “to appear” or “to seem.” The verse points out that some people may look like they have understanding or spiritual riches, but if they are not truly receptive, even this appearance will be taken away.
  • ἔχω (echō, “hath”/“have”): This verb is used several times and refers to possessing something—in this context, spiritual understanding or receptiveness. The repetition stresses the difference between truly having and only seeming to have.

Why Luke 8:18 matters

  • Luke 8:18 clarifies that spiritual growth depends on how a person receives and responds to God’s message, not just on hearing it outwardly.
  • The verse warns against complacency or false confidence; simply appearing to understand or belong is not enough if there is no real engagement.
  • This teaching connects closely to the parable of the sower, reinforcing the idea that the condition of one’s heart determines the fruitfulness of God’s word in a person’s life.

Where else these words appear

“seemeth” Greek G1380 · used in 62 verses

  • Matthew 3:9 And think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.
  • Luke 22:24 And there was also a strife among them, which of them should be accounted the greatest.
  • 1 Corinthians 7:40 But she is happier if she so abide, after my judgment: and I think also that I have the Spirit of God.

“taken” Greek G142 · used in 98 verses

  • Matthew 4:6 And saith unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone.
  • Mark 8:20 And when the seven among four thousand, how many baskets full of fragments took ye up? And they said, Seven.
  • John 5:10 The Jews therefore said unto him that was cured, It is the sabbath day: it is not lawful for thee to carry thy bed.

“how” Greek G4459 · used in 100 verses

  • Matthew 6:28 And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin:
  • Luke 12:11 And when they bring you unto the synagogues, and unto magistrates, and powers, take ye no thought how or what thing ye shall answer, or what ye shall say:
  • Acts 9:27 But Barnabas took him, and brought him to the apostles, and declared unto them how he had seen the Lord in the way, and that he had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus.

“heed” Greek G991 · used in 119 verses

  • Matthew 5:28 But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.
  • Luke 10:24 For I tell you, that many prophets and kings have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them.
  • 1 Corinthians 8:9 But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak.