For whosoever has, to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance: but whosoever has not, from him shall be taken away even what he has.
All Commentaries on Matthew 13:12 Go To Matthew 13
John Chrysostom
AD 407
And although the saying be full of much obscurity, yet it indicates unspeakable justice. For what He says is like this: When any one has forwardness and zeal, there shall be given unto him all things on God's part also: but if he be void of these, and contribute not his own share, neither are God's gifts bestowed. For even what he seems to have, so He says, shall be taken away from him; God not so much taking it away, as counting him unworthy of His gifts. This we also do; when we see any one listening carelessly, and when with much entreaty we cannot persuade him to attend, it remains for us to be silent. For if we are still to go on, his carelessness is aggravated. But him that is striving to learn, we lead on, and pour in much.
And well said He, Even that which he seems to have. For he has not really even this.
Then He also made what He had said more distinct, pointing out the meaning of, To him that has, shall be given, but from him that has not, even that which he seems to have, shall be taken away.
