What does Matthew chapter 13 verse 12 mean when it says that whosoever has to him more will be given?

Answer 1

Matthew 13:10-14ff: "And the disciples came, and said unto him, Why speakest thou unto them in parables? He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given. 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. Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand. And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Esaias, which saith, By hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and shall not perceive: "

This is an elaboration of a passage (4:10-12) in Mark's gospel, which the author of Matthew's Gospel used as his main source on the life and sayings of Jesus: "And when he was alone, they that were about him with the twelve asked of him the parable. And he said unto them, Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all these things are done in parables: That seeing they may see, and not perceive; and hearing they may hear, and not understand; lest at any time they should be converted, and their sins should be forgiven them."

The passage does not refer to worldly goods or wealth, but to knowledge of the mysteries of heaven. The disciples already have some of this knowledge and will receive more, while those who have little knowledge of these mysteies will lose even that knowledge. In its original, simpler form (Mark), this can be seen with greater clarity. Matthew's author frequently found Old Testament references to back up his Gospel, and thus the statement about the "prophecy" of Esaiah, which Mark's author had omitted.