<P> Rav Sheishet of Nehardea applies the same aphorism to the convoluted reasoning for which the sages of Pumbedita were evidently famous: "Are you from Pumbedita, where they push an elephant through the eye of a needle?" (Baba Metzia, 38b). </P> <P> "The eye of a needle" is scripture quoting Jesus recorded in the synoptic gospels: </P> <Dl> <Dd> I tell you the truth, it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven . Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God . When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished and asked, "Who then can be saved?" Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible ." Matthew 19: 23 - 26 </Dd> </Dl> <Dd> I tell you the truth, it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven . Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God . When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished and asked, "Who then can be saved?" Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible ." Matthew 19: 23 - 26 </Dd>

What does the eye of the needle refer to in the bible