Saying 40: The Vine Planted Apart
A grapevine has been planted away from the Father; it has no strength, and it will be pulled up by the root and destroyed.
Commentary
Probably aimed at a rival religious group, though Thomas never names one. The horticultural test is simple: whatever is not rooted in the source will not last.
Parallels
Matthew 15:13; John 15:1–6
Sayings on the same themes
- Saying 9 Saying 9: The Sower A sower scatters seed: some falls on the road, some on rock, some among thorns, and some on good soil that bears…
- Saying 12 Saying 12: James the Just Asked who will lead them after he goes, Jesus sends the disciples to James the Just, for whose sake heaven and earth…
- Saying 34 Saying 34: The Blind Leading the Blind If a blind person leads a blind person, both of them fall into a pit.
- Saying 43 Saying 43: The Tree and Its Fruit Asked who he is to speak this way, Jesus replies that they do not recognise him from what he says: they have…
- Saying 68 Saying 68: Blessed Are You When You Are Hated Blessed are you when you are hated and persecuted; and no place will be found wherever you have been persecuted.
- Saying 71 Saying 71: I Will Destroy This House I will tear down this house, and no one will be able to build it again.