Matthew 13:46

Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it.

Who {G3739}, when he had found {G2147} one {G1520} pearl {G3135} of great price {G4186}, went {G565} and sold {G4097} all {G3956} that {G3745} he had {G2192}, and {G2532} bought {G59} it {G846}.

On finding one very valuable pearl he went away, sold everything he owned and bought it.

When he found one very precious pearl, he went away and sold all he had and bought it.

and having found one pearl of great price, he went and sold all that he had, and bought it.

Matthew 13:46 is part of Jesus' Parables of the Kingdom of Heaven, specifically the Parable of the Pearl of Great Price. This short but profound parable immediately follows the Parable of the Hidden Treasure (Matthew 13:44), sharing a similar core message about the supreme value and worth of God's Kingdom.

Historical and Cultural Context

In ancient times, pearls were among the most valuable commodities, often exceeding the price of precious metals. A large, perfect pearl was a rare and highly sought-after gem, symbolizing wealth, beauty, and status. Merchants would travel extensively and dedicate their lives to finding such treasures. Jesus uses this familiar scenario to illustrate a spiritual truth that transcends material wealth. His audience, accustomed to the immense value placed on such a rare discovery, would immediately grasp the significance of a "pearl of great price."

Key Themes and Messages

  • The Supreme Value of the Kingdom of Heaven: The central message is that the Kingdom of God—which encompasses salvation, eternal life, a relationship with God, and His reign in one's life—is of incomparable worth. It is the ultimate treasure, far exceeding anything the world offers.
  • Radical Commitment and Sacrifice: The merchant's action of selling "all that he had" highlights the necessary and joyful sacrifice required to obtain this supreme treasure. It signifies a total surrender and reordering of priorities, placing the Kingdom above all earthly possessions, ambitions, and comforts. This resonates with the call to forsake all for Christ and count the cost of discipleship.
  • Discovery and Recognition: The parable emphasizes that the merchant *found* the pearl, suggesting a recognition of its immense value that leads to decisive action. It's not about earning the Kingdom but recognizing its inherent worth and responding with appropriate zeal.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek phrase for "pearl of great price" (μαργαρίτην πολύτιμον - margaritēn polytimon) literally means "very valuable pearl" or "precious pearl." The emphasis is on its singular, unmatched worth. It's not just *a* pearl, but *the* pearl of supreme value, implying that once found, nothing else compares.

Practical Application

For believers today, the "pearl of great price" can represent Jesus Christ Himself, the truth of the Gospel, or the full experience of salvation and eternal life in God's Kingdom. This parable challenges us to examine our own priorities: what do we truly value above all else? Are we willing to "sell all"—meaning to surrender our desires, ambitions, and even our lives—to fully embrace God's will and experience the richness of His Kingdom? It's a call to wholehearted devotion, recognizing that in gaining this ultimate treasure, we lose nothing of true worth but gain everything that truly matters. As Jesus taught, we should seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Luke 18:28

    Then Peter said, Lo, we have left all, and followed thee.

  • Luke 18:30

    Who shall not receive manifold more in this present time, and in the world to come life everlasting.

  • Ephesians 3:8

    Unto 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 2:3

    In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

  • Mark 10:28

    Then Peter began to say unto him, Lo, we have left all, and have followed thee.

  • Mark 10:31

    But many [that are] first shall be last; and the last first.

  • 1 John 5:11

    And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.
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