Saying 41: To Whoever Has, More Will Be Given
Whoever has something in hand will be given more; whoever has nothing will lose even the little they have.
Commentary
Harsh in every version. In Thomas the currency is understanding rather than money or talents, which makes the arithmetic feel less like injustice and more like a description of how insight compounds.
Parallels
Mark 4:25; Matthew 13:12; Matthew 25:29; Luke 19:26
Sayings on the same themes
- Saying 54 Saying 54: Blessed Are the Poor Blessed are the poor, for the kingdom of heaven is yours.
- Saying 76 Saying 76: The Pearl and the Treasure A merchant with a load of goods found a pearl, sold the lot and bought the pearl. Look for the treasure that…
- Saying 95 Saying 95: Do Not Lend at Interest If you have money, do not lend it at interest; give it to someone who will not pay you back.
- Saying 81 Saying 81: Let the Powerful Renounce Let whoever has become rich reign, and let whoever has power renounce it.
- Saying 78 Saying 78: Why Did You Go Out to the Countryside? Why did you come out to the country — to see a reed shaken by the wind, or a man in soft…
- Saying 29 Saying 29: Spirit Dwelling in Poverty If flesh came into being because of spirit that is a marvel; if spirit because of the body, a marvel of marvels.…