A parable describing a man traveling abroad, turning over his stuff to personal servants. This is the moral of the story.
Matthew 25:29 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.
Matthew 25:29 For whoever has will be given more, and they will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what they have will be taken from them.
Because to all the ones having, it will be given, and it will be more than enough. However, from the one not thinking he has, even what he has will be lifted away from him.
This verse resembles Matthew 13:12 but the differences in phrasing are creative, beautiful, and ruined in English translation. It is another example of Jesus working and perfecting his teaching over time.
The most interesting change is the negative used. The negative used here is the Greek negative of a subjective opinion, commands, and requests. The sense is that "you don't want" or "don't think" to do something. If it wasn't done, the objective negative of fact would be used as it was in the earlier verse. So it isn't that this person doesn't have. The problem is that he doesn't "think he has" or "doesn't want to have." So this poverty is one of the mind, not seeing what we have so we can grow it. We are all pregnant with possibilities but see ourselves as barren. The choice of seeing ourselves as empty rather than full.
Having and not having are states of mind, not descriptions of reality.
For unto every(WP) one that(IW) hath(WF) shall be given, and he shall have(WW) abundance: but from(OS) him(CW) that(IW) hath(WF) not(CW) shall be taken away (MW) even that which he hath.
- WP -- Wrongly Placed -- The word "every" doesn't appear here but before the verb for "have."
- IW - Inserted Word -- The word "that" doesn't exist in the source.
- WF - Wrong Form - The "hath" is not an active verb but a participle, "having."
- WW - Wrong Word -- The word translated as "have" should be something more like "be."
- OS -- Outdated Source -- The Greek word translated as "from" existed in the KJV Greek source but not the source we use today.
- CW - Confusing Word -- The "him" is not the common word usually translated as "him."
- IW - Inserted Word -- The word "that" doesn't exist in the source.
- WF - Wrong Form - The "hath" is not an active verb but a participle, "having."
- CW - Confusing Word -- The "not" is the subjective negative of opinion with the sense of "not wanting," "not thinking" or not seeming when used with a non-opinion verb.
- MW - Missing Word -- The word "him" is not shown in the English translation.
For whoever(WF) has(WF) will be given more(CW,WF), and they(WN) will have(WF) an(IW) abundance. (MW) Whoever(WF) does not(CW) have(WF), (MW) even what they(WN) have will be taken(WW) from them(WN).
- WF - Wrong Form - The "whoever" is not a subject but an indirect object, "to whomever."
- WF - Wrong Form - The "has" is not an active verb but a participle, "having."
- CW - Confusing Word -- The "more" is not the common word usually translated as "more."
- WF - Wrong Form - The "more" is not an object but an indirect object, "to everyone."
- WN - Wrong Number- The word "they" is translated as plural but the Greek word is singular.
- WF - Wrong Form - The "have" is not an active verb but a participle, "having."
- IW - Inserted Word -- The word "an" doesn't exist in the source.
- WW - Wrong Word -- The word translated as "have" should be something more like "be."
- MW - Missing Word -- The word "however" is not shown in the English translation.
- WF - Wrong Form - The "whoever" is not a subject but an indirect object, "to whomever."
- WF - Wrong Form - The "hath" is not an active verb but a participle, "having."
- CW - Confusing Word -- The "not" is the subjective negative of opinion with the sense of "not wanting," "not thinking" or not seeming when used with a non-opinion verb.
- WN - Wrong Number- The word "they" is translated as plural but the Greek word is singular.
- WW - Wrong Word -- The word translated as "take" should be something more like "lift."
- WN - Wrong Number- The word "them" is translated as plural but the Greek word is singular.
For --The word translated as "for" introduces a reason or explanation so "because" and, in questions, "why." However, since this word always appears in the second position, it is more like an aside remark like, "consequently" or "as a cause."
unto -- This word "to" comes from the dative case of the following word that requires the addition of a preposition in English. The most common is a "to" for the English indirect object. However, the translator can choose other prepositions: "with," "in," "of," "as," "by," "for," "at," or "on" depending on the context.
every - (WP) The word translated as "every" is the Greek adjective meaning "all," "the whole," "every," and similar ideas. When it is used as a noun, we would say "everyone" or "everything." This word is physically separated from the word translated as "one" with a verbal adjective in between. It also is in the form of an indirect object but its position would make it the indirect object of the following verb "given."
one -- The word translated as "the" is the Greek definite article, "the," which usually precedes a noun or changes the word it precedes (adjective, infinitive, participle, etc.) to act like a noun. The Greek article is much closer to our demonstrative pronouns ("this," "that," "these," "those") than the English "the." When not preceding noun, it can take the meaning of "the one" or, in the plural, "the ones." See this article for more.
that -- (IW) There is nothing that can be translated as "that" in the Greek source. It was added because the next verb was translated as active rather than a participle.
hath - (WF) The word translated as "hath" is from the verb meaning "to have" or "to possesses," but it is in the form of an adjective, so, "having."
shall - This helping verb "shall" indicates that the verb is the future tense. Helping or auxiliary verbs are needed to translate the Greek verb forms into English.
be -- This helping verb "be" indicates that the verb is passive. Helping or auxiliary verbs are needed to translate the Greek verb forms into English.
given, - "Shall be given" is a verb which means "to give," "to grant," and "to deliver." It is the world almost always translated as "give" in the Gospels. It is in the future, passive form so "he shall be given" or "it shall be given." Notice, neither of the two previous "one" not "every" were in the form of a subject so the sense is "it."
and -- The Greek word translated as "and" is used as the conjunction "and," but it also is used to add emphasis ("also").
he -- This is from the third-person, singular form of the verb.
shall - - This helping verb "shall" indicates that the verb is the future tense. Helping or auxiliary verbs are needed to translate the Greek verb forms into English.
have - (WW) There is no verb "have" here. The verb is actually passive, so this should be a "be." However,
abundance: - " abundance" is the verb that means "to be over and above," "to be superior," and, in a negative sense, "to be superfluous." It is in the future, passive, so "he will be made superior," "he will abound," and "he will overflow. " Again, there is no clear subject so "he will" or "it will."
but -- The Greek word translated as "but" means "but," "however," and "on the other hand." It joins phrases in an adversarial way. Since it always falls in the second position, translating it as "however" often captures its feeling better.
from ---- (OS) There is nothing in the Greek that can be translated as "from" in the source we use today but it does exist in the source that the KJV translators used. The form of this word in todays source can mean "of, "belonging to," "part of," "which is," "than" (in comparisons), or "for," "concerning" or "about" with transitive verbs or it can be a special form where a genitive noun/pronoun with a genitive participle that acts like an active noun/verb.
him - (CW) This is the either the pronoun used to start the previous phrase or the article. It means either means "anyone," "someone," and "anything" or "the one." However, the form is different, being a possessive form, that, again, has a lot of different uses but more are covered by "of anyone." Here the sense seems to be "concerning."
that -- (IW) There is nothing that can be translated as "that" in the Greek source. It was added because the next verb was translated as active rather than a participle.
hath - (WF) The word translated as "hath" is from the verb meaning "to have" or "to possesses," but it is in the form of an adjective, so, "having."
not -- (CW) The negative used here is the Greek negative of a subjective opinion, commands, and requests. The sense is that "you don't want" or "think" something, not that it isn't done or thought. With the verb "to be," the sense is "doesn't seem." The idea is that this person doesn't think he has.
shall - - This helping verb "shall" indicates that the verb is the future tense. Helping or auxiliary verbs are needed to translate the Greek verb forms into English.
be -- This helping verb "be" indicates that the verb is passive. Helping or auxiliary verbs are needed to translate the Greek verb forms into English.
taken - - (CW) "Taken" is one of Christ's favorite "multiple meaning" words. It is a verb that means "to raise up," "elevate," "to bear," "to carry off," "to take and apply to any use," "lifted" in the sense of "removed," and "to cause to cease." Jesus uses this verb to refer to what will happen to "the son of man," which can apply either to his being raised from the dead or lifted up on the cross. The verb also came to mean "remove" in the same way we describe stealing as "shoplifting." In the previous verse, Matthew 25:28, it was translated as "take."
away -- The word translated as "away" means "from" in both locations and when referring to a source or a cause. It also means the instrument "by" which a thing is done and "away from."
missing "him" -- (MW) The untranslated word "him" is the Greek word commonly translated as third-person pronouns in English. This is the object of the pronoun, "away from him."
even - The Greek word translated as "even" is usually used as the conjunction "and," but it also is used to add emphasis ("also") and, In a series, it is can be translated as "not only...but also." When used in writing, it creates complex sentences, but when spoken, it makes a good pausing point so that an important or humorous word can follow.
that which -- The word translated as "that which" is a demonstrative pronoun ("this" "that"), but it often acts as a pronoun ("the one that), especially a connective pronoun ("the one that") introducing a dependent clause.
he -- This is from the third-person, singular form of the verb.
hath. - The word translated as "hath" is from the verb meaning "to have" or "to possesses," but it is in the form of an adjective, so, "having."
For --The word translated as "for" introduces a reason or explanation so "because" and, in questions, "why." However, since this word always appears in the second position, it is more like an aside remark like, "consequently" or "as a cause."
whoever - (WF) "Whoever " is a pronoun that means primarily "anything" or "anyone." It is in the form of an indirect object, which is where the "unto" comes from but in Greek, this form can also be used to describe a benefit, "for anyone" or possession, "of anyone's own.
has - (WF) The word translated as "has" is from the verb meaning "to have" or "to possesses," but it is in the form of an adjective, so, "having."
will - This helping verb "will " indicates that the verb is the future tense. Helping or auxiliary verbs are needed to translate the Greek verb forms into English.
be -- This helping verb "be" indicates that the verb is passive. Helping or auxiliary verbs are needed to translate the Greek verb forms into English.
given, - "Shall be given" is a verb which means "to give," "to grant," and "to deliver." It is the world almost always translated as "give" in the Gospels. It is in the future, passive form so "he shall be given" or "it shall be given." Notice, neither of the two previous "one" not "every" were in the form of a subject so the sense is "it."
more, - (CW, WF) "More" is the Greek adjective meaning "all," "the whole," "every," and similar ideas. When it is used as a noun, we would say "everyone" or "everything." It also is in the form of an indirect object but its position would make it the indirect object of the following verb "given." It is not a Greek word meaning "more."
and -- The Greek word translated as "and" is used as the conjunction "and," but it also is used to add emphasis ("also").
they -- (WN) This is from the third-person, singular form of the verb.
will - - This helping verb "will " indicates that the verb is the future tense. Helping or auxiliary verbs are needed to translate the Greek verb forms into English.
have - (WW) There is no verb "have" here. The verb is actually passive, so this should be a "be." However,
an -- (IW) This word can be used before a noun, but the following word is a verb, not a noun.
abundance: - " abundance" is the verb that means "to be over and above," "to be superior," and, in a negative sense, "to be superfluous." It is in the future, passive, so "he will be made superior," "he will abound," and "he will overflow. " Again, there is no clear subject so "he will" or "it will."
missing "however" -- (MW) The untranslated word "however" means "but," "however," and "on the other hand." It joins phrases in an adversarial way. Since it always falls in the second position, translating it as "however" often captures its feeling better.
Whoever - (WF) This is the pronoun used to start the previous phrase, the one that means "anyone," "someone," and "anything." However, the form is different, being a possessive form, that, again, has a lot of different uses but more are covered by "of anyone." Here the sense seems to be "concerning." The form of this word in today's source can mean "of, "belonging to," "part of," "which is," "than" (in comparisons), or "for," "concerning" or "about" with transitive verbs or it can be a special form where a genitive noun/pronoun with a genitive participle that acts like an active noun/verb, "someone doen
does -- This helping verb is used to create questions, commands, negative statements, and smooth word flow in English, but the Greek could be either a question or a statement.
not -- (CW) The negative used here is the Greek negative of a subjective opinion, commands, and requests. The sense is that "you don't want" or "think" something, not that it isn't done or thought. With the verb "to be," the sense is "doesn't seem." When a negative precedes the verb, it affects the whole clause. When it precedes other words, its force is limited to those words. This is the negative used with commands or requests.-
have - (WF) The word translated as "have" is from the verb meaning "to have" or "to possesses," but it is in the form of an adjective, so, "having."
even - The Greek word translated as "even" is usually used as the conjunction "and," but it also is used to add emphasis ("also") and, In a series, it is can be translated as "not only...but also." When used in writing, it creates complex sentences, but when spoken, it makes a good pausing point so that an important or humorous word can follow.
what -- The word translated as "what" is a demonstrative pronoun ("this" "that"), but it often acts as a pronoun ("the one that), especially a connective pronoun ("the one that") introducing a dependent clause.
they -- (WN) This is from the third-person, singular form of the verb.
have- The word translated as "have" is from the verb meaning "to have" or "to possesses," but it is in the form of an adjective, so, "having." The form follows the "of him" above.
will - - This helping verb "will " indicates that the verb is the future tense. Helping or auxiliary verbs are needed to translate the Greek verb forms into English.
be -- This helping verb "be" indicates that the verb is passive. Helping or auxiliary verbs are needed to translate the Greek verb forms into English.
taken - - (WW) "Taken" is one of Christ's favorite "multiple meaning" words. It is a verb that means "to raise up," "elevate," "to bear," "to carry off," "to take and apply to any use," "lifted" in the sense of "removed," and "to cause to cease." Jesus uses this verb to refer to what will happen to "the son of man," which can apply either to his being raised from the dead or lifted up on the cross. The verb also came to mean "remove" in the same way we describe stealing as "shoplifting." In the previous verse, Matthew 25:28, it was translated as "take."
from -- The word translated as "away" means "from" in both locations and when referring to a source or a cause. It also means the instrument "by" which a thing is done and "away from."
them -- (WN) The untranslated word "them" is the Greek word commonly translated as third-person pronouns in English. It is singular. This is the object of the pronoun, "away from him."
τῷ [821 verses](article sg masc dat) "The" is the Greek definite article, hos, ("the"). It usually precedes a noun or changes the word it precedes (adjective, infinitive, participle, etc.) to act like a noun. When not preceding a a word that can become a noun, takes the meaning of "the one" or, in the plural, "the ones." OR [252 verses](pron sg dat) "Unto...one" is from tis which can mean "someone," "any one," "everyone," "they [indefinite]," "many a one," "whoever," "anyone," "anything," "some sort," "some sort of," "each," "any," "the individual," "such," and so on. In a question, it can mean "who," "why," or "what."
γὰρ [205 verses](partic)For" comes from gar which is the introduction of a clause explaining a reason or explanation: "for," "since," and "as." In an abrupt question it means "why" and "what."
ἔχιοντ [181 verses](part sg pres act masc dat) "That hath" is echo, which means "to have," "to hold," "to possess," "to keep," "to have charge of," "to maintain," "to hold fast," "to bear," "to keep close," "to keep safe," and "to have means to do."
παντὶ [212 verses](adj sg masc dat) "Every" is from pas, which means "all," "the whole," "every," "anyone," "all kinds," and "anything." In the adverbial form, it means "every way," "on every side," "in every way," and "altogether."
δοθήσεται [147 verses](3rd sg fut ind pass) "Shall be given" is from didomi, which means "to give," "to grant," "to hand over," "appoint," "establish," and "to describe."
καὶ [1089 verses](conj/adv) "And" is from kai, which is the conjunction joining phrases and clauses, "and," or "also." After words implying sameness, "as" (the same opinion as you). Used in series, joins positive with negative "Not only...but also." Also used to give emphasis, "even," "also," and "just."
περισσευθήσεται: [7 verses](verb 3rd sg fut ind pass) "He shall have abundance" is a single word, perisseuo, which means "to be over and above," "to go beyond," "more than enough," "to abound in," "to be superior," and, in a negative sense, "to be superfluous." In the passive, "to be made to abound," and, of time, "to be made longer."
τοῦ [252 verses](pron sg gen ) "From him" is from is from tis which can mean "someone," "any one," "everyone," "they [indefinite]," "many a one," "whoever," "anyone," "anything," "some sort," "some sort of," "each," "any," "the individual," "such," and so on. In a question, it can mean "who," "why," or "what." OR [821 verses](article sg masc gen) "The" is the Greek definite article, hos, ("the"). It usually precedes a noun or changes the word it precedes (adjective, infinitive, participle, etc.) to act like a noun. When not preceding a a word that can become a noun, takes the meaning of "the one" or, in the plural, "the ones." This appears to be a subjective genitive form, a noun/pronoun with a genitive participle that acts like an active verb.
δὲ [446 verses](conj)"But" is from de which means "but" and "on the other hand." It is the particle that joins sentences in an adversarial way but can also be an explanation of cause ("so").
μὴ [447 verses](conj)"Not" is me , which is the negative used in prohibitions and expressions of doubt meaning "not" and "no." The negative, μή, rejects, is relative, and subjective. It is used with verbs of subjective action: thinking, feeling, seeing, etc. It is used in imperative and subjunctive clauses because both express opinions. With pres. or aor. subjunctive, it is used in a warning or statement of fear, "take care." The combination of ἵνα μή means "lest." The combination of ὅτι μή, means "except." Used before tis with an imperative to express a will or wish for something in independent sentences and, with subjunctives, to express prohibitions. It is used with infinitives that express a purpose. When used with verbs of physical action, its sense is that "not wanting" or "thinking" something, not that it isn't done or thought. With these verbs, the sense is rejecting the action, rather than simply not doing it. With the verb "to be," the sense is "doesn't seem." When a negative precedes the verb, it affects the whole clause. When it precedes other words, its force is limited to those words. Used with an imperative to express a will or wish. Used in negative conditional "when/if/whoever" clauses. With "have," the sense is "lacks" or "wants."
ἔχοντος [181 verses](part sg pres act masc gen)"That hath" is from echo, which means "to have," "to hold," "to possess," "to keep," "to have charge of," "to maintain," "to hold fast," "to bear," "to keep close," "to keep safe," and "to have means to do." This appears to be a subjective genitive form, a noun/pronoun with a genitive participle that acts like an active verb.
καὶ [1089 verses](conj/adv) "Even" is from kai, which is the conjunction joining phrases and clauses, "and," or "also." After words implying sameness, "as" (the same opinion as you). Used in series, joins positive with negative "Not only...but also." Also used to give emphasis, "even," "also," and "just."
ὃ [294 verses](pron sg neut acc) "That which" is from hos, which means "this," "that," "he," "she," "which," "what," "who," "whosoever," "where," "for which reason," and many similar meanings.
ἔχει [181 verses] (3rd sg pres ind act) "he hath" is from echo, which means "to have," "to hold," "to possess," "to keep," "to have charge of," "to maintain," "to hold fast," "to bear," "to keep close," "to keep safe," and "to have means to do."
ἀρθήσεται [56 verses](3rd sg fut ind pass) "Shall be taken away" is from airo, which means "to lift up," "to raise," "to raise up," "to exalt," "to lift and take away," and "to remove."
ἀπ᾽ [190 verses](prep)"From" is from apo, a preposition of separation which means "from" or "away from" from when referring to place or motion, "from" or "after" when referring to time, "from" as an origin or cause. -
αὐτοῦ. [720 verses](adj sg masc gen) "Him" is from autos, which means "the same," and the reflexive pronouns, "myself," "yourself," "himself," "herself," "itself," or the oblique case of the pronouns, "him," "her," and "it." It also means "one's true self," that is, "the soul" as opposed to the body and "of one's own accord."