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 does not fail, where no moth comes to eat and no worm destroys.
Commentary
Thomas welds the pearl parable to the imperishable-treasure saying, so the parable is immediately given a moral the synoptics keep separate.
Parallels
Matthew 13:45–46; Matthew 6:19–20; Luke 12:33
Sayings on the same themes
- Saying 41 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.
- Saying 57 Saying 57: The Wheat and the Weeds A man sowed good seed; his enemy sowed weeds among it at night. He would not let his workers pull the weeds…
- Saying 40 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…
- Saying 63 Saying 63: The Rich Fool A rich man planned to invest his money, sow, reap and fill his barns so he would lack nothing — and died…
- Saying 81 Saying 81: Let the Powerful Renounce Let whoever has become rich reign, and let whoever has power renounce it.
- Saying 110 Saying 110: Finding the World and Renouncing It Whoever has found the world and become rich should renounce the world.