Devine Scripture

Mark 4:25

What does Mark 4:25 mean?

A plain-English look at Mark 4:25 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Mark 4:25 means

Jesus stated a principle of spiritual economics: those who actively possess and utilize what they have been given (spiritual understanding and responsiveness) will receive even more. Conversely, those who neglect or fail to use what they have will find even that meager possession taken away from them. This highlights the dynamic nature of spiritual growth and the consequences of either fruitful stewardship or spiritual passivity.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

For he that hath, to him shall be given: and he that hath not, from him shall be taken away even that which he hath.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

For he that hath, to him shall be given: and he that hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he hath.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

For he that hath, to him shall be given: and he that hath not, from him shall be taken away even that which he hath.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

He who has, to him will be given: and he who has not, from him will be taken even that which he has.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

for whoever may have, there shall be given to him, and whoever hath not, also that which he hath shall be taken from him.'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

For he that hath, to him shall be given: and he that hath not, that also which he hath shall be taken away from him.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

For whosoever has, to him shall be given; and he who has not, even what he has shall be taken from him.

Context

This verse states a general spiritual principle that immediately follows the exhortation to "Take heed what ye hear" and the notion of reciprocal measurement. It reinforces the idea that spiritual receptivity and application lead to increase, while neglect leads to loss. This principle ties into both the previous parables about hearing the Word and the subsequent parables illustrating the growth of the Kingdom, emphasizing the importance of active engagement.

v.24And he said unto them, Take heed what ye hear: with what measure ye mete it shall be measured unto you; and more shall be given unto you.

v.25This passage

v.26And he said, So is the kingdom of God, as if a man should cast seed upon the earth;

Cross references

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

  • 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.

  • Matthew 25:28

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

  • Luke 19:24

    And he said unto them that stood by, Take away from him the pound, and give it unto him that hath the ten pounds.

  • Matthew 13:12

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

  • 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.

  • John 15:2

    Every branch in me that beareth not fruit, he taketh it away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he cleanseth it, that it may bear more fruit.

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