Mark 4:25
New International Version
Whoever has will be given more; whoever does not have, even what they have will be taken from them.”

New Living Translation
To those who listen to my teaching, more understanding will be given. But for those who are not listening, even what little understanding they have will be taken away from them.”

English Standard Version
For to the one who has, more will be given, and from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away.”

Berean Standard Bible
For whoever has will be given more. But whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him.”

Berean Literal Bible
For whoever may have, it will be given to him; and he who does not have, even that which he has will be taken away from him."

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

New King James Version
For whoever has, to him more will be given; but whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him.”

New American Standard Bible
For whoever has, to him more will be given; and whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him.”

NASB 1995
“For whoever has, to him more shall be given; and whoever does not have, even what he has shall be taken away from him.”

NASB 1977
“For whoever has, to him shall more be given; and whoever does not have, even what he has shall be taken away from him.”

Legacy Standard Bible
For whoever has, to him more shall be given; and whoever does not have, even what he has shall be taken away from him.”

Amplified Bible
For whoever has [a teachable heart], to him more [understanding] will be given; and whoever does not have [a yearning for truth], even what he has will be taken away from him.”

Christian Standard Bible
For whoever has, more will be given to him, and whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him.”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
For to the one who has, it will be given, and from the one who does not have, even what he has will be taken away.”

American Standard Version
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.

Contemporary English Version
Everyone who has something will be given more. But people who don't have anything will lose what little they have.

English Revised Version
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.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Those who understand [these mysteries] will be given [more knowledge]. However, some people don't understand [these mysteries]. Even what they understand will be taken away from them."

Good News Translation
Those who have something will be given more, and those who have nothing will have taken away from them even the little they have."

International Standard Version
because whoever has something, will have more given to him. But whoever has nothing, even what he has will be taken away."

NET Bible
For whoever has will be given more, but whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken from him."

New Heart English Bible
For whoever has, more will be given, and he who does not have, even that which he has will be taken away from him."

Webster's Bible Translation
For he that hath, to him shall be given: and he that hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he hath.

Weymouth New Testament
For those who have will have more given them; and from those who have not, even what they have will be taken away."
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
For whoever has will be given more. But whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him.”

World English Bible
For whoever has, to him more will be given; and he who doesn’t have, even that which he has will be taken away from him.”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
for whoever may have, there will be given to him, and whoever has not, also that which he has will be taken from him.”

Berean Literal Bible
For whoever may have, it will be given to him; and he who does not have, even that which he has will be taken away from him."

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

Smith's Literal Translation
For whoever should have, to him shall be given: and whoever has not, also what he has shall be taken away from him.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
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.

Catholic Public Domain Version
For whoever has, to him it shall be given. And whoever has not, from him even what he has shall be taken away.”

New American Bible
To the one who has, more will be given; from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away.”

New Revised Standard Version
For to those who have, more will be given; and from those who have nothing, even what they have will be taken away.”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
For he who has, to him will be given; and he who has not, even that which he has will be taken away from him.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
For whoever has it, it shall be given to him; and whoever does not have it, from him shall be taken even that which he has.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
for whoever has, to him shall be given; and whoever has not, even that which he has shall be taken from him.

Godbey New Testament
For whosoever has, it shall be given unto him: and he who has not, it shall be taken from him even that which he has.

Haweis New Testament
For to him that hath, there shall more be given to him; but he that hath not, even that which he hath shall be taken away from him.

Mace New Testament
for he that makes use of what he has shall have more, but he that does not, shall be stript of what he has.

Weymouth New Testament
For those who have will have more given them; and from those who have not, even what they have will be taken away."

Worrell New Testament
For he that has, to him shall be given; and he that has not, from him shall be taken away even what he has."

Worsley New Testament
for whosoever hath, to him more shall be given; and he that hath not, even what he hath, or seemeth to have, shall be taken from him.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Lesson of the Lamp
24He went on to say, “Pay attention to what you hear. With the measure you use, it will be measured to you, and even more will be added to you. 25For whoever has will be given more. But whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him.” 26Jesus also said, “The kingdom of God is like a man who scatters seed on the ground.…

Cross References
Matthew 13:12
Whoever has will be given more, and he will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him.

Luke 8:18
Pay attention, therefore, to how you listen. Whoever has will be given more, but whoever does not have, even what he thinks he has will be taken away from him.”

Matthew 25:29
For everyone who has will be given more, and he will have an abundance. But the one who does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him.

Luke 19:26
He replied, ‘I tell you that everyone who has will be given more; but the one who does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him.

Proverbs 9:9
Instruct a wise man, and he will be wiser still; teach a righteous man, and he will increase his learning.

Proverbs 1:5
let the wise listen and gain instruction, and the discerning acquire wise counsel

James 1:5
Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.

Matthew 5:6
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.

John 15:2
He cuts off every branch in Me that bears no fruit, and every branch that does bear fruit, He prunes to make it even more fruitful.

2 Corinthians 9:6
Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.

Proverbs 11:24-25
One gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds what is right, only to become poor. / A generous soul will prosper, and he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.

Isaiah 55:2-3
Why spend money on that which is not bread, and your labor on that which does not satisfy? Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good, and your soul will delight in the richest of foods. / Incline your ear and come to Me; listen, so that your soul may live. I will make with you an everlasting covenant—My loving devotion promised to David.

Matthew 7:2
For with the same judgment you pronounce, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.

Romans 8:28
And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose.

1 Corinthians 3:18
Let no one deceive himself. If any of you thinks he is wise in this age, he should become a fool, so that he may become wise.


Treasury of Scripture

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

Matthew 13:12
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 25:28,29
Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him which hath ten talents…

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 even that which he seemeth to have.

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Mark 4
1. The parable of the sower,
14. and the meaning thereof.
21. We must communicate the light of our knowledge to others.
26. The parable of the seed growing secretly;
30. and of the mustard seed.
35. Jesus stills the storm on the sea.














For whoever has will be given more.
This phrase reflects a principle of spiritual abundance and stewardship. In the context of Jesus' teachings, it emphasizes the importance of using one's gifts and understanding wisely. The idea is that those who are faithful with what they have been given, whether it be knowledge, spiritual insight, or material resources, will receive even more. This principle is echoed in the Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30), where the servants who wisely invest their talents are rewarded with greater responsibility and blessings. It underscores the biblical theme that God rewards faithfulness and diligence. Theologically, it suggests that spiritual growth and understanding are dynamic processes, where engagement and application lead to greater revelation and blessing.

But whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him.”
This part of the verse serves as a warning about neglect and complacency. It suggests that those who fail to utilize or appreciate their spiritual or material resources may lose them. This principle is seen in the broader biblical narrative, where neglect of God's gifts leads to loss or judgment. For example, in the Parable of the Talents, the servant who buries his talent out of fear loses it to the one who has more. This reflects a spiritual truth that stagnation or failure to act on God's word can lead to spiritual decline. Historically, this principle can be seen in the life of Israel, where periods of unfaithfulness led to loss and exile. Culturally, it challenges believers to actively engage with their faith and resources, ensuring they are not squandered. This phrase also connects to the broader biblical theme of accountability and the call to be proactive in one's spiritual journey.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jesus Christ
The speaker of this parable, Jesus is teaching His disciples and the crowd about the Kingdom of God through parables.

2. Disciples
The primary audience of Jesus' teachings, who are being prepared to understand and spread the message of the Kingdom.

3. Crowd
The larger group of people who are listening to Jesus' teachings, representing a diverse audience with varying levels of understanding and receptivity.
Teaching Points
Spiritual Receptivity and Growth
Those who are open and receptive to God's Word will experience spiritual growth and abundance.

Spiritual understanding and insight are gifts that increase with faithful stewardship.

The Principle of Stewardship
Believers are called to be faithful stewards of the knowledge and gifts they have received.

Neglecting spiritual growth can lead to a loss of understanding and opportunity.

The Consequences of Neglect
Ignoring or rejecting spiritual truths can result in a diminishing of what one already possesses.

This principle serves as a warning to remain diligent and attentive to God's Word.

Encouragement to Seek More
Believers are encouraged to actively seek more of God's wisdom and understanding.

The pursuit of spiritual growth is a continuous journey that requires dedication and effort.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of Mark 4:25?

2. How can we apply "whoever has will be given more" in daily life?

3. What does Mark 4:25 teach about spiritual growth and responsibility?

4. How does Mark 4:25 relate to the Parable of the Talents?

5. In what ways can we ensure we are "given more" spiritually?

6. How does Mark 4:25 challenge our understanding of God's justice and generosity?

7. How does Mark 4:25 align with the concept of divine justice and fairness?

8. What does Mark 4:25 reveal about God's expectations for stewardship and responsibility?

9. How can Mark 4:25 be reconciled with the idea of grace and mercy?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Mark 4?

11. Are all sins considered equal in severity?

12. How can we wisely manage our resources and finances?

13. Mark 12:25: If people 'neither marry nor are given in marriage' in the resurrection, what does that mean for the importance of earthly relationships?

14. What did the mark of Cain signify?
What Does Mark 4:25 Mean
For whoever has

- Jesus is speaking to people who already possess something of spiritual value—faith, receptivity, and the light of truth He has just compared to a lamp (Mark 4:21–23).

- “Has” points to a heart that welcomes the Word and acts on it, like the good soil earlier in the chapter (Mark 4:20).

- Cross references highlight this principle: Matthew 13:12; Luke 8:18; Proverbs 4:18—all speak of light or understanding increasing for the responsive.

- In practical terms, if I cling to what Christ has shown me, I truly “have.” That possession is evidenced by obedience (James 1:22).


will be given more

- God rewards responsiveness with greater insight, joy, and usefulness. “The path of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, shining ever brighter” (Proverbs 4:18).

- Jesus promises, “To the one who has, more will be given” (Matthew 25:29), emphasizing grace that multiplies.

- Examples:

• The servant entrusted with five talents receives five more (Matthew 25:20–23).

• The faithful steward in Luke 19:17 is given authority over ten cities.

- Abundance isn’t merely intellectual; it is spiritual fruit (John 15:2, 5) and life “to the full” (John 10:10).


But whoever does not have

- “Does not have” describes a heart that hears yet resists, remaining barren like the pathway or rocky soil (Mark 4:15–17).

- Neglect, apathy, or outright rejection can all leave a person functionally “without.” Hebrews 2:1 warns against drifting away from what we have heard.

- Cross references: Luke 8:18 shows the same warning; James 1:23–24 illustrates hearing without doing.


even what he has will be taken away from him

- Truth unused becomes truth lost. The servant who buried his talent loses it to another (Matthew 25:28–29).

- Spiritual dullness intensifies if ignored: “Take care how you listen… from the one who does not have, even what he thinks he has will be taken away” (Luke 8:18).

- This is not arbitrary; it is righteous judgment. Persistent rejection leaves only what Hebrews 10:26–27 calls “a fearful expectation.”

- God’s desire is restoration (2 Peter 3:9), yet He honors human choice, allowing forfeiture of light when it is despised (Romans 1:21–24).


summary

Mark 4:25 teaches a sober, encouraging principle of divine reciprocity. Embrace the light you already possess, and God will amplify it. Resist or neglect that light, and even the faint glimmer you thought you owned will fade. Faithful listening and obedience lead to ever-increasing grace; careless hearts risk irreversible loss.

(25) For he that hath.--See Note on Matthew 13:12.

Verse 25. - For he that hath, to him shall be given. He that uses his gifts, whether of intellect or of goodness, bestowed upon him by God, to him shall be granted an increase of those gifts. But from him who uses them not, God will gradually take them away. Christ here encourages his apostles and disciples to diligent and earnest preaching of his gospel, by promising them in return yet greater influxes of his wisdom and grace.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
For
γὰρ (gar)
Conjunction
Strong's 1063: For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.

whoever
ὃς (hos)
Personal / Relative Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3739: Who, which, what, that.

has
ἔχει (echei)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2192: To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold.

will be given
δοθήσεται (dothēsetai)
Verb - Future Indicative Passive - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1325: To offer, give; I put, place. A prolonged form of a primary verb; to give.

[more],
αὐτῷ (autō)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

[but]
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

whoever
ὃς (hos)
Personal / Relative Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3739: Who, which, what, that.

does not have,
ἔχει (echei)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2192: To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold.

even
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

what
(ho)
Personal / Relative Pronoun - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3739: Who, which, what, that.

he has
ἔχει (echei)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2192: To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold.

will be taken away
ἀρθήσεται (arthēsetai)
Verb - Future Indicative Passive - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 142: To raise, lift up, take away, remove.

from
ἀπ’ (ap’)
Preposition
Strong's 575: From, away from. A primary particle; 'off, ' i.e. Away, in various senses.

him.”
αὐτοῦ (autou)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.


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NT Gospels: Mark 4:25 For whoever has to him will more (Mar Mk Mr)
Mark 4:24
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