Devine Scripture

Matthew 25:29

What does Matthew 25:29 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 25:29 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 25:29 means

Jesus articulates a profound principle: "For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not, even that which he hath shall be taken away." This means those who faithfully use and multiply what God has given them will receive more blessings and opportunities. Conversely, those who neglect or fail to use their gifts will ultimately lose even what they seemingly possessed. It speaks to the ongoing dynamic of spiritual growth and responsibility.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not, even that which he hath shall be taken away.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not, even that which he hath shall be taken away.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

For to everyone who has will be given, and he will have more: but from him who has not, even what he has will be taken away.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

for to every one having shall be given, and he shall have overabundance, and from him who is not having, even that which he hath shall be taken from him;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

For to every one that hath shall be given, and he shall abound: but from him that hath not, that also which he seemeth to have shall be taken away.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

for to every one that has shall be given, and he shall be in abundance; but from him that has not, that even which he has shall be taken from him.

Context

This verse presents a foundational theological principle, clearly stated by Jesus, that encapsulates the ethical lesson demonstrated by the master's judgment in verse 28. It directly follows the reallocation of the talent, explaining the spiritual logic behind that action. This principle profoundly impacts the understanding of divine reward and consequence and sets the stage for the final punishment of the unprofitable servant, which follows immediately.

v.28Take ye away therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him that hath the ten talents.

v.29This passage

v.30And cast ye out the unprofitable servant into the outer darkness: there shall be the weeping and the gnashing of teeth.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Luke 16:1

    And he said also unto the disciples, There was a certain rich man, who had a steward; and the same was accused unto him that he was wasting his goods.

  • Luke 10:42

    but one thing is needful: for Mary hath chosen the good part, which shall not be taken away from her.

  • Luke 16:9

    And I say unto you, Make to yourselves friends by means of the mammon of unrighteousness; that, when it shall fail, they may receive you into the eternal tabernacles.

  • Luke 19:25

    And they said unto him, Lord, he hath ten pounds.

  • Hosea 2:9

    Therefore will I take back my grain in the time thereof, and my new wine in the season thereof, and will pluck away my wool and my flax which should have covered her nakedness.

  • Luke 8:18

    Take heed therefore how ye hear: for whosoever hath, to him shall be given; and whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken away even that which he thinketh he hath.

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