Phrase Finder

Meaning

It's better to give than to receive

Categorised in: English phrases and sayings that derive from the Bible ·Proverbs from the Bible ·A List Of 720 English Proverbs, With Their Meanings Explained

What's the meaning of the phrase 'It's better to give than to receive'?

The proverb 'It's better to give than to receive' has a straightforward literal meaning which needs no further explanation.

It's better to give than to receive
It's better to give than to receive - caption

What’s the origin of the phrase ‘It’s better to give than to receive’?

‘It’s better to give than to receive’ is from the Bible, Acts 20:35 (King James Version):

I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.

See also: the List of Proverbs.

Historical trend

“better to give than to” in printed material over time

Source: Google Books Ngrams (1800–2020).

180018201840186018801900192019401960198020002020
  • better to give than to