Matthew 13:46
Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it.
Original Language Analysis
ὃς
Who
G3739
ὃς
Who
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
1 of 13
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
ἀπελθὼν
went
G565
ἀπελθὼν
went
Strong's:
G565
Word #:
6 of 13
to go off (i.e., depart), aside (i.e., apart) or behind (i.e., follow), literally or figuratively
πέπρακεν
and sold
G4097
πέπρακεν
and sold
Strong's:
G4097
Word #:
7 of 13
from the base of g4008); to traffic (by travelling), i.e., dispose of as merchandise or into slavery (literally or figuratively)
εἶχεν
he had
G2192
εἶχεν
he had
Strong's:
G2192
Word #:
10 of 13
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 #:
11 of 13
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Cross References
Ephesians 3:8Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ;Colossians 2:3In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.Isaiah 33:6And wisdom and knowledge shall be the stability of thy times, and strength of salvation: the fear of the LORD is his treasure.Acts 20:24But 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.Proverbs 2:4If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures;Matthew 13:44Again, 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.
Historical Context
Pearls were the most valuable gems in the ancient world (beyond gold or silver), sourced from the Red Sea, Persian Gulf, or Indian Ocean through dangerous diving. For Jesus's audience, a 'pearl of great price' represented incomprehensible wealth. Merchant trading in fine pearls would be a wealthy, knowledgeable expert—yet even he sells everything for one supreme find.
Questions for Reflection
- What 'all that he had' might Jesus be calling you to 'sell' to fully possess the kingdom?
- Do you approach Christianity as one option among many, or as the pearl that relativizes all other values?
- How does this parable challenge consumer Christianity that seeks Jesus's benefits without surrendering all?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Who, when he had found one pearl of great price (ἕνα πολύτιμον μαργαρίτην, hena polytimon margaritēn—'one very precious pearl'), went and sold all that he had, and bought it. This is the second 'hidden treasure' parable (cf. v. 44), but with key differences: the merchant was actively searching (v. 45), whereas the first man stumbled upon treasure. Both, however, joyfully sacrifice everything for surpassing value.
The kingdom's worth demands total commitment—no half-hearted discipleship. Some interpret the merchant as Christ purchasing the church (pearl) at infinite cost (His blood), but context suggests the seeker is the believer recognizing the kingdom's supremacy and surrendering all (Luke 14:33, Philippians 3:7-8). The singularity—one pearl—emphasizes the kingdom's uniqueness: nothing rivals Christ's worth.