1. Mark 4:25 (ESV)
  2. Exposition

What does the word “has” mean?

Mark 4:25 (ESV)

25 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.”

The word “has” is used here with a twofold meaning. When you listen to Jesus’ word, in a certain sense you “have” the word, the seed, the light. But when you don’t acknowledge and adopt it in your life, and honour it in your house, you don’t really “have” it. And then you will later also lose the external preaching. But when you adopt, hold fast to, and honour Jesus’ word, you “have” it and God will give you has grace and fruitfulness in his kingdom. If you don’t want to listen, you’re on your own. But when you understand what you hear, you get to see even more!1