Matthew 13:44

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis

Πάλιν

G3825

Again

(adverbially) anew, i.e., (of place) back, (of time) once more, or (conjunctionally) furthermore or on the other hand

Ὁμοία

G3664

similar (in appearance or character)

ἐστὶν

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

ἡ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

βασιλεία

G932

the kingdom

properly, royalty, i.e., (abstractly) rule, or (concretely) a realm (literally or figuratively)

τῶν

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

οὐρανῶν

G3772

of heaven

the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of god); by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the gospel (christianity)

θησαυρῷ

G2344

unto treasure

a deposit, i.e., wealth (literally or figuratively)

ἔκρυψεν

G2928

he hideth

to conceal (properly, by covering)

#10

ἐν

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

#11

τῷ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#12

ἀγρὸν

G68

a field

a field (as a drive for cattle); genitive case, the country; specially, a farm, i.e., hamlet

#13

ὃν

G3739

the which

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

#14

εὑρὼν

G2147

hath found

to find (literally or figuratively)

#15

ἄνθρωπος

G444

when a man

man-faced, i.e., a human being

#16

ἔκρυψεν

G2928

he hideth

to conceal (properly, by covering)

#17

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#18

ἀπὸ

G575

for

"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)

#19

τῆς

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#20

χαρᾶς

G5479

joy

cheerfulness, i.e., calm delight

#21

αὐτοῦ

G846

thereof

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

#22

ὑπάγει

G5217

goeth

to lead (oneself) under, i.e., withdraw or retire (as if sinking out of sight), literally or figuratively

#23

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#24

πάντα

G3956

all

all, any, every, the whole

#25

ὅσα

G3745

that

as (much, great, long, etc.) as

#26

ἔχει

G2192

he hath

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

#27

πωλεῖ

G4453

selleth

to barter (as a pedlar), i.e., to sell

#28

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#29

ἀγοράζει

G59

buyeth

properly, to go to market, i.e., (by implication) to purchase; specially, to redeem

#30

τὸν

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#31

ἀγρὸν

G68

a field

a field (as a drive for cattle); genitive case, the country; specially, a farm, i.e., hamlet

#32

ἐκεῖνον

G1565

that

that one (or (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed

Analysis

The kingdom of God theme here intersects with the progressive revelation of God's rule from creation to consummation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of development from creation mandate through Davidic kingdom to eschatological fulfillment. The phrase emphasizing kingdom relates to eschatology and the ultimate purpose of God's redemptive plan and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's reign from creation through the millennial kingdom.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within Roman imperial rule over Jewish Palestine with messianic expectations. The author writes to address Jewish Christians seeking to understand Jesus as Messiah, making the emphasis on kingdom of God particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show imperial and royal imagery familiar to subjects of ancient monarchies, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

How might the original audience's understanding of kingdom differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of kingdom of God, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of eschatology and the doctrine of last things?
How does this verse's literary context within Matthew chapter 13 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?

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Matthew 13:44

Analysis

Historical Context

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

Topics

People

Study Resources