Matthew 13:44
Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field.
Original Language Analysis
Πάλιν
Again
G3825
Πάλιν
Again
Strong's:
G3825
Word #:
1 of 32
(adverbially) anew, i.e., (of place) back, (of time) once more, or (conjunctionally) furthermore or on the other hand
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 32
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
βασιλεία
the kingdom
G932
βασιλεία
the kingdom
Strong's:
G932
Word #:
5 of 32
properly, royalty, i.e., (abstractly) rule, or (concretely) a realm (literally or figuratively)
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 32
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
οὐρανῶν
of heaven
G3772
οὐρανῶν
of heaven
Strong's:
G3772
Word #:
7 of 32
the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of god); by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the gospel (christianity)
θησαυρῷ
unto treasure
G2344
θησαυρῷ
unto treasure
Strong's:
G2344
Word #:
8 of 32
a deposit, i.e., wealth (literally or figuratively)
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 32
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀγρὸν
a field
G68
ἀγρὸν
a field
Strong's:
G68
Word #:
12 of 32
a field (as a drive for cattle); genitive case, the country; specially, a farm, i.e., hamlet
ὃν
the which
G3739
ὃν
the which
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
13 of 32
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
17 of 32
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἀπὸ
for
G575
ἀπὸ
for
Strong's:
G575
Word #:
18 of 32
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
19 of 32
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αὐτοῦ
thereof
G846
αὐτοῦ
thereof
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
21 of 32
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
ὑπάγει
goeth
G5217
ὑπάγει
goeth
Strong's:
G5217
Word #:
22 of 32
to lead (oneself) under, i.e., withdraw or retire (as if sinking out of sight), literally or figuratively
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
23 of 32
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἔχει
he hath
G2192
ἔχει
he hath
Strong's:
G2192
Word #:
26 of 32
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
28 of 32
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἀγοράζει
buyeth
G59
ἀγοράζει
buyeth
Strong's:
G59
Word #:
29 of 32
properly, to go to market, i.e., (by implication) to purchase; specially, to redeem
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
30 of 32
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Colossians 2:3In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.Luke 14:33So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple.Matthew 6:21For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.Proverbs 16:16How much better is it to get wisdom than gold! and to get understanding rather to be chosen than silver!Matthew 19:29And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name's sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life.Proverbs 23:23Buy the truth, and sell it not; also wisdom, and instruction, and understanding.Revelation 3:18I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.Matthew 19:27Then answered Peter and said unto him, Behold, we have forsaken all, and followed thee; what shall we have therefore?Isaiah 55:1Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.Matthew 19:21Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me.
Historical Context
In the ancient world, hiding treasure in fields was common due to lack of banks and frequent warfare. Accidental discovery while plowing or digging was plausible. The man's total liquidation of assets to secure the treasure parallels giving up all for Christ (Philippians 3:7-8).
Questions for Reflection
- What treasures compete with the kingdom for your supreme affection?
- How does joy motivate your sacrifice for Christ?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The parable 'The kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field' teaches the kingdom's surpassing value. The finder sells everything to buy the field containing the treasure, showing total commitment. The phrase 'for joy' demonstrates that kingdom commitment isn't grim duty but joyful privilege. The kingdom is worth any sacrifice.