Matthew 13:45
Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls:
Original Language Analysis
Πάλιν
Again
G3825
Πάλιν
Again
Strong's:
G3825
Word #:
1 of 12
(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 12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
βασιλεία
the kingdom
G932
βασιλεία
the kingdom
Strong's:
G932
Word #:
5 of 12
properly, royalty, i.e., (abstractly) rule, or (concretely) a realm (literally or figuratively)
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
οὐρανῶν
of heaven
G3772
οὐρανῶν
of heaven
Strong's:
G3772
Word #:
7 of 12
the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of god); by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the gospel (christianity)
ζητοῦντι
seeking
G2212
ζητοῦντι
seeking
Strong's:
G2212
Word #:
10 of 12
to seek (literally or figuratively); specially, (by hebraism) to worship (god), or (in a bad sense) to plot (against life)
Cross References
Job 28:18No mention shall be made of coral, or of pearls: for the price of wisdom is above rubies.Matthew 13:24Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field:Matthew 16:26For 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?Ecclesiastes 12:13Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.Matthew 22:5But they made light of it, and went their ways, one to his farm, another to his merchandise:
Historical Context
Pearls were among antiquity's most precious gems, valued more than gold. Merchants traveled extensively seeking fine pearls. This man's expertise meant he recognized supreme value when found. His willingness to sell all demonstrated the pearl's incomparable worth.
Questions for Reflection
- How does your life demonstrate that you've found the 'pearl of great price'?
- What lesser 'pearls' distract you from pursuing Christ wholeheartedly?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The parable 'The kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls' presents another picture of the kingdom's supreme value. Unlike the accidental discovery in verse 44, this merchant actively sought pearls, representing intentional spiritual seeking. Finding 'one pearl of great price,' he sold all to buy it. This teaches that when Christ is truly encountered, all other pursuits pale in comparison. The single pearl represents Christ Himself.