Matthew 13 46

Matthew 13:46 kjv

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

Matthew 13:46 nkjv

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

Matthew 13:46 niv

When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it.

Matthew 13:46 esv

who, on finding one pearl of great value, went and sold all that he had and bought it.

Matthew 13:46 nlt

When he discovered a pearl of great value, he sold everything he owned and bought it!

Matthew 13 verses

Matthew 13 46 Meaning

This verse describes the climactic action of the merchant in the Parable of the Pearl of Great Price. Upon discovering a single, supremely valuable pearl, he recognized its incomparable worth. Consequently, driven by this profound realization, he went and sold every possession he owned, without hesitation or regret, in order to acquire this one extraordinary pearl. This illustrates the infinite value of the Kingdom of Heaven (or salvation, Christ Himself, or eternal life) and the absolute, unreserved commitment and joyful sacrifice required by anyone who truly comprehends its matchless worth.

Matthew 13 46 Context

Matthew chapter 13 is often called the "Parables Chapter," where Jesus extensively teaches about the Kingdom of Heaven using various analogies. These parables are presented sequentially to progressively reveal different facets of the Kingdom. The Parable of the Pearl of Great Price (Matthew 13:45-46) immediately follows the Parable of the Hidden Treasure (Matthew 13:44) and is very similar in theme. Both parables highlight the extraordinary value of the Kingdom and the radical, joyous response required by those who truly recognize it. While the hidden treasure implies a chance discovery, the pearl describes a deliberate, lifelong quest by a discerning merchant. The broader context includes other parables such as the Sower, the Weeds, the Mustard Seed, and the Leaven, all elucidating the nature, growth, and ultimate destiny of the Kingdom.

Matthew 13 46 Word analysis

• who, when he had found: (ὁς εὑρὼν – hos heurōn). The Greek "who" points back to the "merchant" (ἔμπορος – emporos) mentioned in the preceding verse (Mt 13:45). "Found" (εὑρὼν) implies that the merchant actively sought and, through his expertise, recognized the unparalleled worth of this particular pearl. This is not an accidental stumble but the culmination of a deliberate search for the finest.
• one pearl: (ἕνα μαργαρίτην – hena margaritēn). The singular "one" emphasizes its unique perfection, unrivaled beauty, and peerless value. In the ancient world, pearls were among the most precious commodities, highly prized and rare, often considered more valuable than gold. This "one" pearl signifies that nothing else compares to it; it is the ultimate treasure.
• of great price: (πολυτίμου – polytimou). This Greek adjective signifies "very costly," "very precious," or "of much honor." It underscores the extreme monetary and intrinsic value of the pearl. The value is not just high, but exceedingly high, far surpassing any other acquisition.
• went and sold: (ἀπελθὼν πέπρακεν – apelthōn pepraken). "Went" indicates immediate action. "Sold" is in the perfect tense in Greek, emphasizing the completed, decisive nature of the transaction. There was no hesitation; the decision was firm and executed. This demonstrates a deep conviction about the pearl's value.
• all that he had: (πάντα ὅσα εἶχεν – panta hosa eichen). "All" leaves no room for reservation or compromise. The merchant liquidated every single possession, his entire life's assets and accumulation. This signifies total, unqualified sacrifice, holding nothing back.
• and bought it: (καὶ ἠγόρασεν αὐτόν – kai ēgorasen auton). "Bought" indicates a complete and successful acquisition. The selling was for the purpose of buying; the cost was paid in full. This implies securing exclusive ownership, confirming the profound personal commitment to possess this ultimate treasure.

Words-group by words-group analysis

• who, when he had found one pearl of great price: This phrase highlights the discovery and immediate recognition of supreme value. It speaks to a discerning eye that could distinguish this peerless pearl from all others. This finding is the catalyst for everything that follows, emphasizing the intrinsic, perceived worth of the Kingdom of God.
• went and sold all that he had, and bought it: This sequence of actions demonstrates the profound, joyous, and uncompromising response to realizing that supreme value. It illustrates radical commitment: the pearl is worth sacrificing everything for, implying a reorientation of one's entire life and priorities. It’s a purposeful, determined act driven by overwhelming joy in the prospect of gaining something immeasurably valuable.

Matthew 13 46 Bonus section

The Parable of the Pearl, particularly verse 46, serves as a profound challenge to worldly value systems. While the world chases transient riches and fleeting pleasures, Jesus points to an eternal reality of infinite value. The merchant's radical action signifies that earthly security, comfort, and possessions fade in significance when confronted with the incomparable worth of the Kingdom. The emphasis is on recognizing the singular and ultimate "good" to be found in God's reign and accepting nothing less. The sacrifice involved is not one of grim obligation, but of overwhelming joy for a gain that infinitely surpasses any loss. This parable underscores that commitment to the Kingdom involves a complete change in perspective on what constitutes true wealth and fulfillment.

Matthew 13 46 Commentary

Matthew 13:46 culminates the Parable of the Pearl, illustrating the singular, overwhelming value of the Kingdom of Heaven. The merchant, who symbolizes one diligently seeking truth or ultimate fulfillment, discovers something of unparalleled worth in this "one pearl of great price." Unlike earthly pursuits that often promise much but deliver little lasting satisfaction, the Kingdom offers enduring and supreme value.

The merchant's response—selling "all that he had"—is a depiction of the total devotion and radical reorientation of priorities required of those who genuinely recognize Christ and His Kingdom. It's not a legalistic earning of salvation, for salvation is a gift of grace (Eph 2:8-9), but rather a depiction of the joyful, willing abandonment of lesser things for the greater, incomparable treasure. The cost of true discipleship is high, demanding one's primary allegiance, possessions, ambitions, and even life itself to be subordinate to the Kingdom. However, this "cost" is paradoxically a gain, for what is acquired far exceeds what is given up. The joy of finding the treasure (as implied by the previous parable) enables this profound sacrifice. This parable calls believers to count the true cost of discipleship and, with great delight, invest their entire lives in Christ, understanding that He is worthy of every sacrifice.

Examples of practical application include:

• Prioritizing time with God and spiritual growth over career advancements.
• Being willing to relocate or change lifestyle for Gospel ministry.
• Releasing material possessions or financial security for Kingdom purposes when called.