Matthew 13 44

Matthew 13:44 kjv

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.

Matthew 13:44 nkjv

"Again, the kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and hid; and for joy over it he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.

Matthew 13:44 niv

"The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field.

Matthew 13:44 esv

"The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.

Matthew 13:44 nlt

"The Kingdom of Heaven is like a treasure that a man discovered hidden in a field. In his excitement, he hid it again and sold everything he owned to get enough money to buy the field.

Matthew 13 verses

Matthew 13 44 Meaning

Matthew 13:44 vividly illustrates the incomparable value of the Kingdom of Heaven. It is so supremely precious that, upon recognizing its true worth, an individual is filled with such profound joy that they willingly, even eagerly, divest themselves of all their earthly possessions to acquire it. The parable underscores that the Kingdom's discovery may be serendipitous, but its acquisition demands complete and unreserved commitment, born not of obligation, but of overwhelming joy.

Matthew 13 44 Context

This parable, the Parable of the Hidden Treasure, is part of a series of seven parables in Matthew 13, all of which describe different facets of "the kingdom of heaven." Preceded by parables about the Kingdom's sowing (Sower), coexistence with evil (Weeds), and humble beginnings and growth (Mustard Seed, Leaven), this parable (along with the Pearl of Great Price) shifts focus to the immense value of the Kingdom. These parables were delivered by Jesus to both the crowds and then privately explained to His disciples. The historical and cultural context for Jesus' audience included a common practice of burying valuables in fields due to a lack of secure banking systems and frequent invasions. If a landowner died or was forced to flee, their buried wealth might remain hidden for years. Legally, finding such treasure usually meant it belonged to the landowner, making the man's act of buying the field a pragmatic and legally recognized means of acquiring the discovered wealth. The narrative underscores decisive action in a culture where property and wealth defined one's status.

Matthew 13 44 Word analysis

• Again (Πάλιν - Palin): Signifies a continuation or another example within the series of Kingdom parables. It emphasizes that the teaching is part of a coherent discourse about the nature of God's reign, highlighting its consistency across different illustrations.
• the kingdom of heaven (ἡ βασιλεία τῶν οὐρανῶν - hē basileia tōn ouranōn): Matthew's preferred term for "Kingdom of God." It speaks not just of a physical realm but of God's active, sovereign rule—present now in Christ's work and future in its full manifestation. It underscores the divine origin and authority.
• is like (ὁμοία ἐστίν - homoia estin): A simile, introducing a parable. This phrase indicates that the following story is an analogy or comparison, illuminating the spiritual reality of the Kingdom through a relatable earthly scenario.
• treasure (θησαυρῷ - thēsauros): Denotes something of extraordinary and invaluable worth, whether material riches or spiritual assets. In the ancient world, "treasure" was literally gold, silver, or jewels often buried for safety. Here, it symbolizes the unsurpassed preciousness of experiencing God's reign and salvation.
• hidden (κεκρυμμένῳ - kekrymmenō): Past participle, indicating that the treasure was already concealed, perhaps accidentally or intentionally by a previous owner. It suggests that the full worth of the Kingdom of Heaven is not immediately obvious to everyone; it requires discovery or divine revelation to be recognized. It's not advertised but waiting to be found.
• in a field (ἐν ἀγρῷ - en agrō): A common, ordinary place. This implies that the Kingdom's value is often discovered amidst everyday life, not exclusively in grand or sacred settings. It is accessible, yet the treasure within is unique.
• which a man found (ὃν εὑρὼν ἄνθρωπος - hon heurōn anthrōpos): The act of finding is portrayed as spontaneous or unexpected. Unlike the merchant seeking pearls, this man seems to stumble upon the treasure, suggesting a divine disclosure or an unmerited encounter with the truth of the Kingdom. The initiative might seem human, but often God "finds" us first.
• and hid (ἔκρυψεν - ekrypsen): To re-conceal or keep secret. This is a shrewd and lawful action within the cultural context; according to Roman and Jewish law, ownership of found treasure was often tied to land ownership. To secure the treasure, the man had to first own the field. It highlights the immediate, strategic action taken to ensure possession of the recognized valuable asset. It's not deception but acquisition strategy.
• and for joy (ἀπὸ τῆς χαρᾶς - apo tēs charas): This phrase reveals the profound emotion that drives the man's subsequent radical action. The overwhelming joy from discovering the immense value of the treasure (Kingdom) is the primary motivator for his willingness to sacrifice everything. It's a joyful giving, not a mournful loss.
• over it (αὐτῆς - autēs): Refers to the treasure, confirming that the joy directly stems from its discovery.
• he goes (ὑπάγει - hypagei): Denotes decisive, immediate action. There is no hesitation; the recognition of value leads to an instant, determined pursuit.
• and sells (καὶ πωλεῖ - kai pōlei): Represents the act of divesting oneself of all worldly possessions. This is an active choice, a complete and total sacrifice, giving up everything else.
• all that he has (ὅσα ἔχει - hosa echei): Emphasizes the radical, unconditional nature of the commitment. No earthly possession is held back or valued more than the found treasure.
• and buys that field (καὶ ἀγοράζει ἐκεῖνον τὸν ἀγρόν - kai agorazei ekeinon ton agron): The culminating action of possession. To own the field is to legally own the treasure. This signifies taking full possession of the Kingdom of Heaven, accepting all that it entails – not just the benefits, but also the ground in which it is found (the Christian life, the Body of Christ).

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "treasure hidden in a field": The Kingdom's value is unsurpassed, yet its full worth is not overtly displayed. It lies amidst the ordinary but requires insight or revelation to perceive.
• "which a man found and hid": The discovery may be unexpected or unearned, leading to an immediate, strategic action to secure the immense value, demonstrating quick discernment and resolute intent.
• "and for joy over it he goes and sells all that he has": The profound and overwhelming joy stemming from recognizing the Kingdom's value compels an individual to make an absolute and unreserved sacrifice, not out of duress, but out of an eager heart.
• "and buys that field": The ultimate act of commitment to gain possession. This signifies not just belief but actual acquisition of the Kingdom, implying a total embrace and ownership of the spiritual reality at any personal cost.

Matthew 13 44 Bonus section

This parable, alongside the Parable of the Pearl of Great Price (Matt 13:45-46), stands out in Matthew's collection of Kingdom parables for emphasizing the cost of the Kingdom. While many things are freely offered, the act of acquiring them requires total commitment. The difference between the two is often highlighted: the treasure is found, implying grace and serendipity, whereas the pearl is sought, indicating active human pursuit and searching. Yet, both result in the same decisive action: the selling of all to possess the invaluable. This illustrates that regardless of how one encounters the truth of the Kingdom—whether through unexpected revelation or diligent seeking—the appropriate and joyful response is radical devotion and ultimate sacrifice, demonstrating that nothing earthly is worth keeping when compared to the spiritual riches of God's reign. This contrasts sharply with those like the Rich Young Ruler (Matt 19:16-22), who, when faced with the cost, lacked the internal joy necessary to make the full sacrifice, showing that recognizing the Kingdom's value is key.

Matthew 13 44 Commentary

The Parable of the Hidden Treasure highlights the unparalleled value of the Kingdom of Heaven. It's a value so immense that it renders everything else pale in comparison. Unlike the merchant in the following parable who seeks fine pearls, the man here stumbles upon the treasure, suggesting that for some, the revelation of the Kingdom's worth is a surprise, a divine encounter that radically shifts their perspective. However, whether sought or found unexpectedly, the response to such discovery is universal: an overwhelming joy that motivates a radical and total sacrifice. The man's act of selling all he has is not a reluctant burden but a joyful exchange, understanding that what he gains is infinitely more valuable than what he gives up. This teaches that embracing God's rule demands our all—not just a portion of our time or resources, but our entire being. It's an invitation to recognize the supreme good in God's Kingdom and joyfully pay the price for it, knowing the true treasure far exceeds the cost.

Examples for practical usage:

• A student who finds Christ and gives up previous aspirations of worldly fame to serve in ministry, realizing the greater joy and purpose in Christ.
• An individual burdened by sin experiencing true repentance and willingly abandoning old habits, relationships, or lifestyles that are incompatible with their newfound life in the Kingdom.
• Someone with significant wealth choosing to invest all their resources and time into advancing God's Kingdom on earth, seeing it as the ultimate return on investment.