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Scholarly Quotes

Gerd Ludemann writes: “These verses have parllels in Mark 4.25 and Matt. 25.29/Luke 19.26 (= Q). Thomas diverges from them in two points: (a) in v. 1 he reads ‘in his hand’ (cf. 9.1; 17; 21.10; 22.6; 35.1; 98.2) and (b) in v. 2 ‘the little’. The saying is a common proverb. How it was read by Gnostics is shown for example by Gospel of Philip 105: ‘Is it not fitting for all who have all this also to know themselves? But some, if they do not know themselves, will not enjoy what they have. The others, who have come to know themselves, will enjoy them (= their possessions).’” (Jesus After 2000 Years, p. 610)

J. D. Crossan writes: “The addition of ‘in his hand’ may be redactional, since Thomas seems to have a particular liking for ‘hand’ (17, 21c, 22b, 35, 98; see Menard, 1975: 142). The other change is of more significance. The negative stich is again qualified: ‘even the little he has.’ It is also possible that Gos. Thom. 70 is a much more gnostic version of this saying (Grant and Freedman: 147).” (In Fragments, p. 201)

Funk and Hoover write: “This saying in Thomas betrays no dependence on the canonical gospels; it represents an independent tradition. The Q form is recorded by Luke at the conclusion of the parable of the money in trust (Luke 19:26): ‘I tell you, to everyone who has, more will be given; and from those who don’t have, even what they do have will be taken away.’ Mark has a slightly different version in Mark 4:25: ‘In fact, to those who have, mre will be given, and from those who don’t have, even what they do have will be taken away!’ Thomas exhibits two minor additions: the words ‘in hand’ in the first line, and the phrase ‘the little’ in the last line are unique to Thomas. The additional words do not help clarify the original context of the saying, if indeed it is more than a general maxim that was universally applicable.” (The Five Gospels, p. 496)