Matthew 13:46

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
The Parable of the Pearl of Great Price reveals the incomparable and supreme value of the Kingdom of Heaven. It portrays a discerning merchant who, upon discovering a single pearl of extraordinary worth, joyfully sacrifices everything he possesses to acquire it, illustrating the radical commitment and total surrender required to fully embrace God's reign and its transformative blessings in one's life.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This parable is one of seven "parables of the kingdom" presented consecutively by Jesus in [Matthew 13](/matthew/13 "Matthew 13 - Parables of the Kingdom"), immediately following the [Parable of the Hidden Treasure](/matthew/13-44 "Matthew 13:44 - The Parable of the Hidden Treasure"). Both parables are brief, focus on a singular, immensely valuable discovery, and emphasize a radical, all-encompassing response to acquire it. They form a pair, highlighting the intrinsic worth of the Kingdom and the decisive action it demands. Unlike some other parables in the chapter, these two focus on the individual's response to the Kingdom's value rather than its growth or judgment.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient world, pearls were among the most prized and valuable commodities, often considered more precious than gold or silver. Unlike today's cultivated pearls, natural pearls were incredibly rare, found only through arduous and dangerous diving. A large, perfectly formed pearl was a true marvel, a testament to immense wealth, beauty, and status. Merchants specialized in trading these gems, often dedicating their lives to traveling far and wide in search of such treasures. Jesus' audience, familiar with this high-stakes trade and the immense value placed on such a rare discovery, would immediately grasp the profound significance of a "pearl of great price" and the merchant's extreme, yet logical, response.
* **Key Themes:** The central theme is the **supreme value of the Kingdom of Heaven**. The pearl symbolizes the incomparable worth of God's redemptive reign, encompassing salvation, eternal life, and a transformative relationship with God. This value is so great that it justifies and even necessitates **radical commitment and joyful sacrifice**. The merchant's willingness to "sell all that he had" underscores the idea that embracing the Kingdom requires a reordering of priorities, placing God's will and presence above all earthly possessions, ambitions, and comforts. This theme is echoed in Jesus' broader teachings about the cost of discipleship, such as the call to [seek first the Kingdom of God](/matthew/6-33 "Matthew 6:33 - Seek First the Kingdom") and to [forsake all to follow Him](/luke/14-33 "Luke 14:33 - The Cost of Discipleship"). The parable also subtly highlights **discovery and recognition**, as the merchant *found* the pearl, implying a discerning eye that recognized its inherent, unparalleled worth, leading to immediate and decisive action.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **found (Greek, _heurískō'_):** G2147. This verb signifies to "find" or "discover," often implying an unexpected or fortunate discovery. In the context of the parable, it suggests that the merchant did not create or earn the pearl, but rather recognized its pre-existing, immense value. This aligns with the understanding that the Kingdom of God is a gift to be received, not a reward to be achieved through human effort.
* **pearl (Greek, _margarítēs'_):** G3135. Directly referring to a "pearl," this word highlights the specific object of immense value. In antiquity, pearls were highly coveted and represented ultimate beauty, rarity, and wealth. The singular "one pearl" emphasizes its uniqueness and unparalleled quality, distinguishing it from a mere collection of valuable items.
* **great price (Greek, _polýtimos'_):** G4186. A compound word meaning "very costly" or "extremely valuable." This adjective underscores the extraordinary and incomparable worth of the pearl. It is not merely expensive, but of such supreme value that it transcends all other earthly commodities, justifying the merchant's radical action to acquire it.
* **sold (Greek, _pipráskō'_):** G4097. This verb means "to traffic," "dispose of as merchandise," or "sell." The act of selling implies a deliberate and complete divestment of all other assets. Coupled with "all that he had," it emphasizes the totality of the sacrifice made to obtain the singular, supremely valuable object.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Who, when he had found one pearl of great price,"**: This opening clause introduces the central character, a merchant specializing in fine pearls, and the pivotal moment of discovery. The emphasis is on the *finding* of a singular, exceptionally valuable pearl, implying that the merchant, with his expert eye, recognized its unparalleled worth. This discovery is the catalyst for all subsequent action, highlighting the inherent, pre-existing value of the Kingdom of Heaven.
* **"went and sold all that he had,"**: This phrase describes the merchant's immediate and radical response to his discovery. The act of "going" suggests a decisive, unhesitating movement, while "sold all that he had" conveys a total and complete divestment of every other possession. This is not a partial sacrifice but an absolute reordering of his entire life and resources, demonstrating the supreme priority he placed on acquiring this one pearl.
* **"and bought it."**: This concluding action signifies the successful acquisition of the pearl. Despite the immense cost, the merchant willingly and joyfully paid the full price, indicating that the value of the pearl far outweighed the sacrifice. The "it" refers back to the "one pearl of great price," solidifying the idea that this singular treasure was the ultimate object of his desire and the culmination of his life's pursuit.

#### Literary Devices
The Parable of the Pearl of Great Price employs several powerful **literary devices**. Central to its structure is **Parable** itself, a short, illustrative story teaching a moral or spiritual lesson. The **Symbolism** is profound, with the "pearl of great price" representing the Kingdom of Heaven—its inherent worth, its transformative power, and the salvation it offers. The merchant, in turn, symbolizes anyone who discerns the Kingdom's ultimate value. The phrase "sold all that he had" functions as **Hyperbole**, emphasizing the extreme and total commitment required, rather than prescribing literal destitution. It highlights the reordering of one's entire life and priorities. There is also an implicit **Contrast** between the vastness of "all that he had" and the singularity of "one pearl," underscoring the incomparable value of the spiritual over the material.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The Parable of the Pearl of Great Price profoundly illuminates the nature of the Kingdom of Heaven and the appropriate human response to it. Theologically, it asserts the absolute sovereignty and incomparable worth of God's redemptive reign, which is embodied in Christ and experienced through salvation. It is a treasure so magnificent that it demands an all-encompassing, joyful surrender of everything else. This is not a reluctant sacrifice, but a willing exchange, recognizing that in gaining the Kingdom, one gains everything of true, eternal value. The merchant's immediate and total divestment underscores the biblical call to wholehearted devotion, where allegiance to Christ supersedes all earthly attachments and ambitions. It speaks to the radical reorientation of life that occurs when one truly apprehends the glory and goodness of God's Kingdom.

* [Philippians 3:7-8](/philippians/3-7-8 "Philippians 3:7-8 - Paul Counts All as Loss for Christ")
* [Luke 14:33](/luke/14-33 "Luke 14:33 - Renouncing All for Discipleship")
* [Proverbs 3:13-15](/proverbs/3-13-15 "Proverbs 3:13-15 - The Value of Wisdom")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The Parable of the Pearl of Great Price challenges us to deeply examine our own values and priorities. What is the "pearl of great price" in our lives? Is it truly the Kingdom of God, or are there other treasures—whether wealth, status, comfort, or even relationships—that we prioritize above it? The merchant's joyful and immediate action serves as a powerful call to radical discipleship, urging us to surrender anything that hinders our full embrace of God's reign. This doesn't necessarily mean literal poverty, but a willingness to reorder our affections, ambitions, and resources so that Christ and His Kingdom are undeniably supreme. It invites us to consider if we are truly living as if the Kingdom is the most valuable thing, willing to "sell all" (our pride, self-will, comfort zones, or worldly attachments) to gain the immeasurable richness of a life lived fully in God's presence and purpose.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "treasures" in your life currently compete with the supreme value of God's Kingdom?**
* **In what practical ways can you "sell all" (surrender control, reorder priorities, release attachments) to more fully embrace Christ and His Kingdom?**
* **How does recognizing the "great price" of the Kingdom transform your perspective on earthly losses or sacrifices?**
* **What does "finding" the pearl mean for you personally in your spiritual journey? Is it a sudden discovery or an ongoing revelation?**

### FAQ

**Does "selling all that he had" imply that Christians must become literally poor to enter the Kingdom?**

Answer: No, the parable's emphasis is not on literal destitution but on the **radical reordering of one's priorities and affections**. The phrase "sold all that he had" is a hyperbole to illustrate the incomparable value of the Kingdom and the total commitment it demands. It signifies a willingness to surrender anything that competes with God's supreme authority and worth in our lives. For some, this might involve significant material sacrifice, but for all, it means placing Christ and His Kingdom above all earthly possessions, ambitions, and comforts, recognizing that true wealth is found in Him. The focus is on the heart's allegiance and the willingness to give up anything that hinders a full embrace of God's will and presence, as Jesus taught in [Matthew 6:19-21](/matthew/6-19-21 "Matthew 6:19-21 - Lay Up Treasures in Heaven").

**What does the "pearl of great price" symbolize? Is it Jesus, salvation, or the Kingdom of Heaven?**

Answer: The "pearl of great price" primarily symbolizes the **Kingdom of Heaven** in its entirety – its inherent, incomparable worth and the profound blessings it offers. This includes **salvation**, **eternal life**, and a **transformative relationship with God**. Since Jesus Christ is the embodiment and inaugurator of the Kingdom, the pearl can also be understood as ultimately pointing to **Jesus Himself**, for in finding Him, one finds the fullness of God's reign. The parable teaches that whatever aspect of the Kingdom one encounters, its value is so immense that it warrants the most radical and joyful commitment, as seen in the merchant's decisive action to acquire it. It represents the ultimate good that satisfies the deepest longings of the human heart.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While the Parable of the Pearl of Great Price speaks to the supreme value of the Kingdom of Heaven and the radical response it demands, its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment lies in Jesus Himself. He is the very embodiment of that "pearl of great price," the ultimate treasure for which all else is counted as loss. The merchant's joyful sacrifice mirrors Christ's own willingness to "sell all" – to empty Himself of divine prerogatives, take on human form, and endure the cross – to acquire His bride, the Church, and establish His Kingdom (as seen in [Philippians 2:6-8](/philippians/2-6-8 "Philippians 2:6-8 - Christ's Humiliation and Exaltation")). For the believer, "finding" this pearl means encountering Jesus, recognizing His unparalleled worth, and responding with wholehearted devotion. To gain Christ is to gain everything, as Paul eloquently states in [Philippians 3:7-9](/philippians/3-7-9 "Philippians 3:7-9 - Paul's Gain in Christ"), counting all former gains as rubbish for the surpassing worth of knowing Him. Thus, the parable is not just about our pursuit of the Kingdom, but about Christ's own pursuit of us, and the glorious reality that in Him, the Kingdom of God has come, making Him the most precious treasure imaginable, worthy of our complete and joyful surrender.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

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.