New International VersionWhen he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it.
New Living TranslationWhen he discovered a pearl of great value, he sold everything he owned and bought it!
English Standard Versionwho, on finding one pearl of great value, went and sold all that he had and bought it.
Berean Standard BibleWhen he found one very precious pearl, he went away and sold all he had and bought it.
Berean Literal BibleAnd having found one very precious pearl, having gone away, he has sold all things as many as he had, and bought it.
King James BibleWho, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it.
New King James Versionwho, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had and bought it.
New American Standard Bibleand upon finding one pearl of great value, he went and sold everything that he had and bought it.
NASB 1995and upon finding one pearl of great value, he went and sold all that he had and bought it.
NASB 1977and upon finding one pearl of great value, he went and sold all that he had, and bought it.
Legacy Standard Bibleand upon finding one pearl of great value, he went and sold all that he had and bought it.
Amplified Bibleand upon finding a single pearl of great value, he went and sold all that he had and bought it.
Christian Standard BibleWhen he found one priceless pearl, he went and sold everything he had and bought it.
Holman Christian Standard BibleWhen he found one priceless pearl, he went and sold everything he had, and bought it.
American Standard Versionand having found one pearl of great price, he went and sold all that he had, and bought it.
Contemporary English VersionAfter finding a very valuable one, the owner goes and sells everything in order to buy that pearl.
English Revised Versionand having found one pearl of great price, he went and sold all that he had, and bought it.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationWhen he found a valuable pearl, he went away, sold everything he had, and bought it.
Good News Translationand when he finds one that is unusually fine, he goes and sells everything he has, and buys that pearl.
International Standard VersionWhen he found a very valuable pearl, he went and sold everything he had and bought it."
NET BibleWhen he found a pearl of great value, he went out and sold everything he had and bought it.
New Heart English Bibleand having found one pearl of great price, he went and sold all that he had, and bought it.
Webster's Bible TranslationWho, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it.
Weymouth New TestamentHe finds one most costly pearl; he goes away; and though it costs all he has, he buys it. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleWhen he found one very precious pearl, he went away and sold all he had and bought it.
World English Biblewho having found one pearl of great price, he went and sold all that he had and bought it. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionwho having found one pearl of great price, having gone away, has sold all, as much as he had, and bought it.
Berean Literal BibleAnd having found one very precious pearl, having gone away, he has sold all things as many as he had, and bought it.
Young's Literal Translation who having found one pearl of great price, having gone away, hath sold all, as much as he had, and bought it.
Smith's Literal TranslationWho, finding one pearl of great value, having departed, he sold all things which he had, and purchased it. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleWho when he had found one pearl of great price, went his way, and sold all that he had, and bought it.
Catholic Public Domain VersionHaving found one pearl of great value, he went away and sold all that he had, and he bought it.
New American BibleWhen he finds a pearl of great price, he goes and sells all that he has and buys it.
New Revised Standard Versionon finding one pearl of great value, he went and sold all that he had and bought it. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd when he had found one costly pearl, he went and sold everything he had, and bought it.
Aramaic Bible in Plain EnglishBut when he found a certain obviously valuable pearl, he went and sold everything he had and bought it. NT Translations Anderson New TestamentWhen he finds one pearl of great value, he goes and sells all that he has, and buys it.
Godbey New Testament
and having found one pearl of great price, having gone away he sold all things, so many as he had, and bought it.
Haweis New Testament
who, having discovered one of vast price, went away and sold all that he possessed, and bought it.
Mace New Testament
and meeting with one of great value, presently sells all that he has to make the purchase.
Weymouth New Testament
He finds one most costly pearl; he goes away; and though it costs all he has, he buys it.
Worrell New Testament
and, having found one pearl of great price, departing, he has sold all that he had, and bought it.
Worsley New Testament
who, having found one of great value, went and sold all that he had, and bought it.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context The Parables of the Treasure and Pearl… 45Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls. 46Whenhe foundonevery preciouspearl,he went awayand soldallhe hadandboughtit.47Once again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was cast into the sea and caught all kinds of fish.…
Cross References Philippians 3:7-8But whatever was gain to me I count as loss for the sake of Christ. / More than that, I count all things as loss compared to the surpassing excellence of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ
Proverbs 2:4if you seek it like silver and search it out like hidden treasure,
Luke 14:33In the same way, any one of you who does not give up everything he has cannot be My disciple.
Isaiah 55:1-2“Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you without money, come, buy, and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost! / Why spend money on that which is not bread, and your labor on that which does not satisfy? Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good, and your soul will delight in the richest of foods.
Revelation 3:18I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined by fire so that you may become rich, white garments so that you may be clothed and your shameful nakedness not exposed, and salve to anoint your eyes so that you may see.
1 Peter 1:18-19For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life you inherited from your forefathers, / but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or spot.
Colossians 2:3in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
Matthew 6:19-21Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. / But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. / For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
Proverbs 3:13-15Blessed is the man who finds wisdom, the man who acquires understanding, / for she is more profitable than silver, and her gain is better than fine gold. / She is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire compares with her.
1 Kings 3:11-14So God said to him, “Since you have asked for this instead of requesting long life or wealth for yourself or death for your enemies—but you have asked for discernment to administer justice— / behold, I will do what you have asked. I will give you a wise and discerning heart, so that there will never have been another like you, nor will there ever be. / Moreover, I will give you what you did not request—both riches and honor—so that during all your days no man in any kingdom will be your equal. ...
Job 28:12-19But where can wisdom be found, and where does understanding dwell? / No man can know its value, nor is it found in the land of the living. / The ocean depths say, ‘It is not in me,’ while the sea declares, ‘It is not with me.’ ...
Luke 18:22On hearing this, Jesus told him, “You still lack one thing: Sell everything you own and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow Me.”
Hebrews 11:24-26By faith Moses, when he was grown, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter. / He chose to suffer oppression with God’s people rather than to experience the fleeting enjoyment of sin. / He valued disgrace for Christ above the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking ahead to his reward.
Psalm 119:72The law from Your mouth is more precious to me than thousands of pieces of gold and silver.
1 Timothy 6:17-19Instruct those who are rich in the present age not to be conceited and not to put their hope in the uncertainty of wealth, but in God, who richly provides all things for us to enjoy. / Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, and to be generous and ready to share, / treasuring up for themselves a firm foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.
Treasury of Scripture Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it. one. Proverbs 2:4 If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her asfor hid treasures; Isaiah 33:6 And wisdom and knowledge shall be the stability of thy times,and strength of salvation: the fear of the LORDis his treasure. 1 Corinthians 3:21-23 Therefore let no man glory in men. For all things are yours; … went. Mark 10:28-31 Then Peter began to say unto him, Lo, we have left all, and have followed thee… Luke 18:28-30 Then Peter said, Lo, we have left all, and followed thee… Acts 20:24 But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God. Jump to Previous BoughtBuysCostlyCostsExchangeFindingFindsFoundGoesGreatJewelPearlPriceSoldValueJump to Next BoughtBuysCostlyCostsExchangeFindingFindsFoundGoesGreatJewelPearlPriceSoldValueMatthew 13 1.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.When he found one very precious pearlThis phrase highlights the discovery of something of immense value. In the ancient world, pearls were considered extremely valuable, often more so than gold. The rarity and beauty of pearls made them a symbol of wealth and status. In biblical terms, the pearl represents the Kingdom of Heaven, which is of incomparable worth. The singularity of the pearl emphasizes the unique and unparalleled value of the Kingdom. This echoes the biblical theme of seeking and finding, as seen in Proverbs 2:4-5, where wisdom is sought as hidden treasure. he went away and sold all he had
This action signifies total commitment and sacrifice. The merchant's willingness to sell everything underscores the idea that the Kingdom of Heaven is worth any cost. This reflects the call to discipleship found inMatthew 16:24-26, where Jesus speaks of denying oneself and taking up the cross. The act of selling all also parallels the call to prioritize the Kingdom above all earthly possessions and relationships, as seen inMatthew 6:33. and bought it
The purchase of the pearl signifies the acquisition of the Kingdom through personal sacrifice and commitment. This transaction is not about earning salvation through works but rather recognizing the supreme value of the Kingdom and responding appropriately. The concept of buying is metaphorical, illustrating the idea of giving up lesser things for the greater treasure. This aligns withIsaiah 55:1, where the invitation is to buy without money, symbolizing the grace and gift of God’s Kingdom. The merchant's decisive action reflects the urgency and importance of responding to the call of the Kingdom. Persons / Places / Events 1. MerchantRepresents a seeker of truth or the kingdom of heaven, diligently searching for something of great value. 2. PearlSymbolizes the kingdom of heaven, which is of incomparable worth. 3. Selling AllThe act of giving up everything to obtain the kingdom, illustrating total commitment and sacrifice. 4. Buying the PearlRepresents the decision to fully embrace and prioritize the kingdom of heaven above all else. Teaching Points The Value of the KingdomThe kingdom of heaven is of supreme worth, surpassing all earthly possessions and desires. Total CommitmentTrue discipleship requires a willingness to forsake all for the sake of Christ and His kingdom. Discernment in SeekingLike the merchant, believers are called to discern and pursue what is truly valuable in life. Sacrificial LivingThe Christian life involves sacrifices, but the eternal reward far outweighs any temporary loss. Joyful ExchangeThe decision to follow Christ and embrace His kingdom should be made with joy, recognizing the incomparable treasure we gain. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of Matthew 13:46?
2.How can we seek the "pearl of great value" in our lives?
3.What sacrifices might be necessary to obtain the kingdom of heaven?
4.How does Matthew 13:46 connect with Matthew 6:33 about seeking God's kingdom?
5.What worldly distractions hinder us from recognizing the true value of God's kingdom?
6.How can we prioritize God's kingdom over material possessions in daily decisions?
7.What does Matthew 13:46 reveal about the value of the kingdom of heaven?
8.How does the parable in Matthew 13:46 challenge materialistic worldviews?
9.Why is the merchant's sacrifice in Matthew 13:46 significant for believers?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Matthew 13?
11.What would you sacrifice for a hidden treasure?
12.Why did Jesus advise against casting pearls before swine?
13.Has the righteous ever been forsaken?
14.What does 'bought with a price' mean?What Does Matthew 13:46 Mean When he found• The merchant’s discovery is intentional, reflecting a heart that seeks rather than stumbles accidentally (Matthew 7:7;Proverbs 2:4-5). • God promises that earnest seekers will locate the priceless reality of His kingdom (Jeremiah 29:13). • The finding moment pictures the spiritual awakening when the Holy Spirit opens eyes to the worth of Christ and His reign (2 Corinthians 4:6).
One very precious pearl• “One” underscores singular worth; the kingdom is not one treasure among many—it stands alone (Ephesians 4:4-6). • “Very precious” points to surpassing value that eclipses every earthly prize (Philippians 3:8). • Scripture often links pearls to beauty and purity (Revelation 21:21); here the kingdom embodies both. • To believers, Christ Himself is “precious” (1 Peter 2:7), the essence of the kingdom’s value.
He went away• The phrase signals deliberate resolve; after revelation comes decisive action (James 1:22). • True discovery of the kingdom compels a break with former priorities (Luke 9:62). • Contrast the rich young ruler who “went away sorrowful” because he clung to possessions (Matthew 19:22); the merchant departs with joy to secure the greater treasure.
Sold all he had• Complete divestment pictures wholehearted surrender (Luke 14:33). • It is not a transactional purchase of salvation—grace is free (Isaiah 55:1)—but illustrates willingness to let go of anything that hinders allegiance to Christ (Hebrews 12:1). • The call echoes Jesus’ word to another seeker: “Go, sell your possessions… then come, follow Me” (Matthew 19:21).
Bought it• Possession shifts: the kingdom becomes the merchant’s present reality, not a distant dream (Colossians 1:13). • Our “buying” is reception by faith that relinquishes competing loyalties (John 1:12). • Underneath is the greater purchase Christ made: “You were bought at a price” (1 Corinthians 6:20;Revelation 5:9). Our costly response mirrors His infinitely costly redemption.
summaryMatthew 13:46 portrays the incomparable worth of the kingdom of heaven embodied in Christ. Genuine seekers, awakened by God, recognize its supreme value, decisively turn from lesser attachments, and embrace the kingdom with undivided hearts. The parable calls each believer to joyful surrender, confident that gaining Christ far outweighs every earthly loss. Verse 46. - Who, when he had found ( and having found, Revised Version? εὑρὼν δέ) one pearl ofgreat price ( Job 28:18, Revised Version margin, one); hardly the indefinite article (cf. Matthew 8:19, note). Chrysostom's comment is, Μία γάρ ἐστιν ἡ ἀλήθειακαὶ οὐ πολυσχισής. Went ( ἀπελθών); i.e. some distance, for he might well have to go much further than the man in the preceding parable ( ὑπάγει). Went (aorist)... sold (perfect) ... bought (aorist). He starts without delay; he sells irrevocably; he purchases at once (cf. ver. 44). And sold all that he had, and bought it.All. Genuine here. It may have been a great deal as worldly wealth is reckoned. Thus Saul of Tarsus acted ( Philippians 3:7, 8), and Moses ( Hebrews 11:26).
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek Whenδὲ(de)Conjunction
Strong's 1161:A primary particle; but, and, etc.he foundεὑρὼν(heurōn)Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2147:A prolonged form of a primary heuro, which heureo is used for it in all the tenses except the present and imperfect to find.oneἕνα(hena)Adjective - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 1520:One. (including the neuter Hen); a primary numeral; one.very preciousπολύτιμον(polytimon)Adjective - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 4186:Of great value, very costly, very precious. From polus and time; extremely valuable.pearl,μαργαρίτην(margaritēn)Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3135:A pearl. From margaros; a pearl.he went awayἀπελθὼν(apelthōn)Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 565:From apo and erchomai; to go off, aside or behind, literally or figuratively.[and] soldπέπρακεν(pepraken)Verb - Perfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 4097:A reduplicated and prolonged form of prao; contracted from perao; to traffic, i.e. Dispose of as merchandise or into slavery.allπάντα(panta)Adjective - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 3956:All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole.he hadεἶχεν(eichen)Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2192:To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold.andκαὶ(kai)Conjunction
Strong's 2532:And, even, also, namely.boughtἠγόρασεν(ēgorasen)Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 59:To buy. From agora; properly, to go to market, i.e. to purchase; specially, to redeem.it.αὐτόν(auton)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846:He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.
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NT Gospels: Matthew 13:46 Who having found one pearl of great (Matt. Mat Mt) |
