A sociologist named a Bible-based pattern: success tends to create more success

Sociologist Robert K. Merton coined the term 'Matthew effect' in 1968 after noticing that famous scientists tend to get disproportionate credit for discoveries, even in collaborations with lesser-known colleagues, simply because of their existing reputation. He named it after a verse in the Gospel of Matthew: 'For unto every one that hath shall be given... but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath.'

— Robert K. Merton, The Matthew Effect in Science — Science, 1968