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 13:12KJV
Know the Bible

Matthew 13:12 (KJV)

What does Matthew 13:12 mean?

Matthew 13:12 says that those who already have something will receive even more, while those who lack it will lose even what little they have. This verse is about the way understanding or spiritual insight grows for those who are open to it, but fades for those who reject or ignore it.

Jesus is speaking to His disciples after telling a parable, explaining why He teaches in this way. The verse highlights a principle: people who are receptive to Jesus' teaching (and the truths of God) will gain deeper understanding, but those who are not receptive will become even more confused or closed off. This saying comes in the context of Jesus explaining why some people grasp His message and others do not.

The Greek behind Matthew 13:12

  • The word "hath" (ἔχει, ekhei) is often understood as "to possess" or "to hold." Here, it points to having understanding or openness to Jesus' message, not just physical possessions.
  • "Abundance" (περισσεύω, perisseuō) means "to overflow" or "to have more than enough." This shows that those who are receptive will not just receive a little more, but will be richly supplied.
  • "Taken away" (αἴρω, airō) means "to remove" or "to take away." The sense is that even the small amount of understanding or openness someone has can be lost if they are not receptive.

Why Matthew 13:12 matters

  • This verse clears up the idea that Jesus’ teachings are only for a select few; instead, it shows that willingness to listen and respond is what makes the difference.
  • Matthew 13:12 emphasizes personal responsibility in responding to spiritual truth—growth or loss depends on how a person receives what is offered.
  • The verse connects to the wider passage about parables, helping explain why Jesus sometimes speaks in ways that are clear to some but puzzling to others.

Where else these words appear

“abundance” Greek G4052 · used in 35 verses

  • Matthew 5:20 For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.
  • Acts 16:5 And so were the churches established in the faith, and increased in number daily.
  • 2 Corinthians 8:7 Therefore, as ye abound in every thing, in faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love to us, see that ye abound in this grace also.

“away” 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 8:34 And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.
  • 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.

“whosoever” Greek G3748 · used in 148 verses

  • Matthew 2:6 And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.
  • John 14:13 And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.
  • Galatians 5:19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,