To them that hath shall be given 💰➡️➕💰

Meaning

People who already have wealth, success, or advantages tend to accumulate even more.

Origin

This biblical proverb, most famously found in the Gospel of Matthew (and also in Mark and Luke), reflects a fundamental observation about the natural world and human society. It suggests that prosperity breeds more prosperity. Think about it: if you have resources, you can invest them, grow them, and attract even more. If you have influence, people are more likely to listen to you and give you opportunities. The phrase captures this self-perpetuating cycle of advantage, a principle that holds true whether looking at financial markets, social dynamics, or even the accumulation of knowledge.

⛪📖 religious biblical 💰 money 👑⚖️ power 🏆 success 🦉🤔 wisdom

To them that hath shall be given represented with emoji💰➡️➕💰

This playful piece functions as a whimsical proverb, underscoring the cyclical nature of accumulation. Note how the simple visual language of currency and addition, 💰➡️➕💰, brilliantly captures the pithy observation that fortune, once gained, often seeks to multiply itself, echoing the age-old adage that 'to them that hath shall be given.

Examples

  • In the world of finance, it's often said that to them that hath shall be given, as successful investors seem to attract even more capital.
  • The company that already has a strong market presence finds it easier to gain new customers, truly to them that hath shall be given.
  • The king's cornucopia spilled so much gold, it just kept rolling into his coffers; to them that hath shall be given, even in a kingdom of plenty.
  • The wizard's spellbook, already overflowing with ancient scrolls, magically duplicated itself, for to them that hath shall be given, especially when it comes to enchanted literature.

Frequently asked questions

Does 'To them that hath shall be given' imply that the rich *deserve* to get richer?

No, the phrase describes a phenomenon, not a moral judgment. It highlights how existing advantages tend to amplify, a principle observed in various systems, rather than endorsing the fairness of this outcome.

What's the opposite of 'To them that hath shall be given'?

A potential opposite is the concept of 'trickle-down economics' or the idea that advantages can be shared widely, lessening the concentration of wealth or power. However, the original phrase itself doesn't offer a direct antonym, focusing solely on accumulation.

Is 'To them that hath shall be given' a literal statement about wealth, or can it apply to other things?

While often applied to wealth and finance, the principle extends to other areas like knowledge, social capital, or even negative accumulations like debt or bad habits. It is a general observation about how existing states tend to grow.

Who is credited with saying 'To them that hath shall be given'?

The phrase originates from the Bible, most famously appearing in the Gospel of Matthew, Mark, and Luke, attributed as words of Jesus. It reflects a concept present in religious and philosophical thought long before its biblical recording.

Similar to "To them that hath shall be given"

The rich get richer, and the poor get poorer
Both point to the widening gap between the haves and have-nots, but this one's a blunt, almost cynical observation of a social trend, not a pronouncement from the scriptures
To the victor belong the spoils
Both capture the idea that success breeds further success, but this one sounds like a battle cry, celebrating the rewards of winning rather than a divine decree about accumulation
Capital accumulates, and wealth generates more wealth
Both convey that existing assets naturally grow, but this one is a neutral, almost academic statement from economics, stripped of the moral or spiritual undertones of the original biblical quote

Opposite of "To them that hath shall be given"

From each according to his ability, to each according to his need
This Marxist ideal argues for redistribution and support for the less fortunate, directly challenging the 'haves get more' principle by prioritizing need over existing possession
The last shall be first, and the first shall be last
This biblical inversion flips the script, suggesting that those starting with nothing might end up on top and the privileged could be humbled, presenting a radical counterpoint to the idea of perpetual accumulation

Related to "To them that hath shall be given"

Matthew 13:12
This is the direct source of the saying, embedding it in a parable about understanding and spiritual insight, suggesting the original context was about more than just material wealth
It's easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God
While not a direct opposite, this biblical saying shares the same religious/moral sphere but warns of the spiritual dangers of wealth, contrasting with the seemingly natural, even divinely ordained, accumulation described in 'To them that hath shall be given'
The Matthew Effect
This term coins the phenomenon observed in many fields, from science to education, where those already recognized or successful receive disproportionately more resources and recognition, mirroring the 'hath shall be given' principle in secular contexts
The rich man's purse has no bottom
This proverb uses a vivid metaphor of an unfillable container to express the endless desire and capacity for wealth accumulation, resonating with the endless nature of the 'giving' in the original phrase