Movatterモバイル変換

The Parables of the Treasure and Pearl
44The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and in his joy he went and sold all he had and bought that field.45Again,thekingdomofheavenislikea merchantin search offinepearls.46When he found one very precious pearl, he went away and sold all he had and bought it.…

Treasury of Scripture

Again, the kingdom of heaven is like to a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls:

like.

Matthew 16:26
For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?

Matthew 22:5
But they made light ofit, and went their ways, one to his farm, another to his merchandise:

Proverbs 3:13-18
Happyis the manthat findeth wisdom, and the manthat getteth understanding…

seeking.

Job 28:18
No mention shall be made of coral, or of pearls: for the price of wisdomis above rubies.

Psalm 4:6,7
There be many that say, Who will shew usany good? LORD, lift thou up the light of thy countenance upon us…

Psalm 39:6,7
Surely every man walketh in a vain shew: surely they are disquieted in vain: he heapeth upriches, and knoweth not who shall gather them…

BeautifulChoiceFineGoodlyHeavenHeavensJewelJewelsKingdomMerchantPearlsQuestReignSearchSearchingSeekingTraderBeautifulChoiceFineGoodlyHeavenHeavensJewelJewelsKingdomMerchantPearlsQuestReignSearchSearchingSeekingTrader1.The parable of the sower and the seed;
18.the explanation of it.
24.The parable of the weeds;
31.of the mustard seed;
33.of the leaven;
36.explanation of the parable of the weeds.
44.The parable of the hidden treasure;
45.of the pearl;
47.of the drag net cast into the sea.
53.Jesus is a prophet without honor in his own country.

Again,
This word indicates a continuation of a series of parables Jesus is teaching. It connects this parable to the previous ones inMatthew 13, emphasizing the varied aspects of the kingdom of heaven. The repetition underscores the importance of understanding the multifaceted nature of God's kingdom.

the kingdom of heaven
This phrase is a central theme in Jesus' teachings, referring to God's sovereign rule and reign. It is a spiritual kingdom that Jesus inaugurated through His ministry, death, and resurrection. The kingdom of heaven is both a present reality and a future hope, as seen in the Lord's Prayer (Matthew 6:10) where believers pray for God's kingdom to come.

is like a merchant
The merchant represents someone who is actively seeking something of great value. In the ancient world, merchants were often seen as shrewd and discerning, traveling great distances to find and trade valuable goods. This imagery suggests the intentional and diligent pursuit of spiritual truth and the kingdom of God.

in search of fine pearls.
Pearls were highly prized in the ancient world, often more valuable than gold. They symbolize something of immense worth and beauty. The merchant's search for fine pearls illustrates the quest for the ultimate truth and the incomparable value of the kingdom of heaven. This can be connected toProverbs 2:4-5, which speaks of seeking wisdom as one would search for hidden treasures. The parable highlights the idea that the kingdom of heaven is worth any sacrifice, as seen in the merchant's willingness to seek diligently for the finest pearls.

1.Merchant
Represents a person who is actively seeking something of great value. In the context of this parable, the merchant symbolizes those who are earnestly seeking the kingdom of heaven.

2.Fine Pearls
Symbolize the kingdom of heaven or the truths and values of God's kingdom. Pearls were highly valued in ancient times, representing something precious and worth sacrificing for.

3.Kingdom of Heaven
A central theme in Jesus' teachings, representing God's reign and rule, both in the present spiritual sense and in the future fulfillment.The Value of the Kingdom
The kingdom of heaven is of incomparable worth, deserving our utmost pursuit and sacrifice.

Active Seeking
Like the merchant, we are called to actively seek God's kingdom and His truths, not passively wait for them to come to us.

Sacrificial Commitment
True discipleship may require us to give up earthly treasures or comforts to gain the eternal value of God's kingdom.

Discernment in Pursuit
Just as the merchant discerns the value of fine pearls, we must discern what is truly valuable in our spiritual journey.1.What is the meaning of Matthew 13:45?

2.How does Matthew 13:45 illustrate the value of the Kingdom of Heaven?

3.What sacrifices might we make to obtain the "pearl of great value"?

4.How can we discern what is truly valuable in our spiritual lives?

5.Connect Matthew 13:45 to Proverbs 2:4-5 about seeking wisdom and understanding.

6.How can we prioritize God's Kingdom in our daily decisions and actions?

7.What does Matthew 13:45 reveal about the value of the Kingdom of Heaven?

8.How does the parable of the pearl challenge materialistic worldviews?

9.Why is the merchant's sacrifice significant in Matthew 13:45?

10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Matthew 13?

11.What are the pearly gates?

12.Why did Jesus advise against casting pearls before swine?

13.What does the Bible say about wearing jewelry?

14.What is sacred in Matthew 7:6?Again

- Jesus repeats the same teaching method He has just used, linking this parable to the ones in verses 44–46.Matthew 13:44 introduces treasure; verse 45 adds another picture to deepen that lesson.

- Repetition underscores certainty (Genesis 41:32) and invites stronger attention (John 16:25).

- By saying “again,” He makes clear that every parable in this cluster sheds light on the one reality of God’s reign.

---

the kingdom of heaven

- This phrase points to God’s rule breaking into human life through Christ (Matthew 4:17; 12:28).

- Jesus consistently presents the kingdom as present and priceless: “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field” (Matthew 13:44) and “is like a mustard seed” (Matthew 13:31).

- The stress is on God’s sovereign, saving dominion rather than a geographic realm (Romans 14:17).

---

is like a merchant

- A merchant deals in valuable goods, traveling and negotiating until he secures the best.

- This picture highlights intentional, informed pursuit; the man knows quality when he sees it.

- Comparable stewardship imagery appears inMatthew 25:14–15,Luke 19:13 andProverbs 2:4, where wisdom is sought “as hidden treasure.”

- So the kingdom calls for deliberate commitment, not casual interest (Luke 14:28–33).

---

in search of fine pearls

- Pearls were among the most prized jewels of Jesus’ day, often worth fortunes (Job 28:18).

- Jesus has already linked pearls with holy value inMatthew 7:6; here they symbolize the surpassing worth of knowing Him.

- The merchant’s search echoesJeremiah 29:13—“You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart”.

- When the merchant later finds one pearl of great value (Matthew 13:46), he sells everything, mirroring Paul’s testimony: “I consider everything a loss compared with the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord” (Philippians 3:8).

-Revelation 21:21 shows the New Jerusalem’s gates fashioned from single pearls, reinforcing that what God offers is matchless and eternal.

---

summary

Matthew 13:45 portrays the kingdom as so supremely valuable that anyone who truly understands it will pursue it with wholehearted, informed determination. Like a seasoned merchant who recognizes the finest pearl and will spare no expense to possess it, the believer is called to recognize the unrivaled worth of life under God’s reign and respond with total, joyful surrender.

(45)Like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls.--Here again the illustration would commend itself to the thoughts of the fishermen of Galilee. The caprices of luxury in the Roman empire had given a prominence to pearls, as an article of commerce, which they had never had before, and have probably never had since. They, rather than emeralds and sapphires, were the typical instance of all costliest adornments (Matthew 7:6;1Timothy 2:9). The story of Cleopatra, the fact that the opening of a new pearl market was one of the alleged motives which led the Emperor Claudius to invade Britain, are indications of the value that was then set on the "goodly pearls" of the parable. Such a merchant seeking them, either on the shores of the Mediterranean, or as brought bycaravans to other traders from the Persian Gulf or the Indian Ocean, must have been a familiar presence to the fishermen of Capernaum. The parable in its spiritual bearing, has, of course, much that is common with the preceding. But there is this marked and suggestive difference. The "search" is presupposed, The man has been seeking the "goodly pearls" of wisdom, holiness, and truth, and has found them in at least some of their lower forms. Then he is led to the higher knowledge of communion with the life of Christ, and for that is content to resign all that he had before prized most highly. Such, in the records of the New Testament, was the history of St. Paul when he counted "all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus our Lord" (Philippians 3:8). Such, in after days, was the history of Justin Martyr and Augustine. Such, in our own time, has been that of many noble and true-hearted seekers after truth and holiness. Such will evermore be the history of those who are faithful in a very little, and who, "willing to do the will of God, shall know of the doctrine whether it be of God" (John 7:17).

Verses 45, 46. -The parable of the pearl merchant, Matthew only. Observe in this parable that the merchant is accustomed to deal in pearls, and is searching for good ones, when he meets with one worth more than the others he possesses all put together. If the former parable described one who finds the gospel as it were by chance (e.g. the woman of Samaria), this speaks of one who has long been searching for truth (e.g. Andrew and John, the Ethiopian eunuch).Verse 45. -Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto amerchant man. Evidently no poor man, but a rich wholesale dealer (ἔμπορος: cf.Revelation 18:23; notκάπηλος, "a retailer;" cf.2 Corinthians 2:17).Seeking. According to the usual manner of his life.Goodly pearls. He eared nothing about the inferior kinds or specimens. The man aimed high; he got more than he can have thought possible (Matthew 7:7, 8). Origen (Commentary,in loc.; Huet, 1. p. 210) has much curious matter about the different kinds of pearls.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Again,
Πάλιν(Palin)
Adverb
Strong's 3825:Probably from the same as pale; anew, i.e. back, once more, or furthermore or on the other hand.

the
ἡ(hē)
Article - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

kingdom
βασιλεία(basileia)
Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 932:From basileus; properly, royalty, i.e. rule, or a realm.

of
τῶν(tōn)
Article - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

heaven
οὐρανῶν(ouranōn)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 3772:Perhaps from the same as oros; the sky; by extension, heaven; by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the Gospel.

is
ἐστὶν(estin)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1510:I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.

like
ὁμοία(homoia)
Adjective - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3664:Like, similar to, resembling, of equal rank. From the base of homou; similar.

a merchant
ἐμπόρῳ(emporō)
Noun - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 1713:A merchant, trader; one on a journey. From en and the base of poreuomai; a tradesman.

in search of
ζητοῦντι(zētounti)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2212:To seek, search for, desire, require, demand. Of uncertain affinity; to seek; specially, to worship, or to plot.

fine
καλοὺς(kalous)
Adjective - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 2570:Properly, beautiful, but chiefly good, i.e. Valuable or virtuous.

pearls.
μαργαρίτας(margaritas)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3135:A pearl. From margaros; a pearl.


Matthew 13:45 NIV
Matthew 13:45 NLT
Matthew 13:45 ESV
Matthew 13:45 NASB
Matthew 13:45 KJV

Matthew 13:45 BibleApps.com
Matthew 13:45 Biblia Paralela
Matthew 13:45 Chinese Bible
Matthew 13:45 French Bible
Matthew 13:45 Catholic Bible

NT Gospels: Matthew 13:45 Again the Kingdom of Heaven is like (Matt. Mat Mt)