Bible Strands
Matthew 13:46
When he found one very precious pearl, he went away and sold all he had and bought it.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Jesus addresses the crowds gathered by the sea, delivering this saying as the immediate conclusion to the parable of the merchant introduced in Matthew 13:45. He frames the moment as a direct illustration within a sequence of kingdom comparisons.
The words — The text emphasizes εὑρὼν (heurōn), translated literally as "having found," and πολύτιμον (polutimon), meaning "very precious." These terms describe the merchant's discovery of a single item whose value triggers his subsequent financial actions.
The thread — The pattern of total liquidation for a single discovery appears in the merchant's sale in Matthew 13:46 and the disciples' renunciation in Luke 18:28. It aligns with the pursuit motif in Proverbs 2:4, which instructs seekers to search for hidden treasure as one would for silver.
Why it lands — The verse records a merchant going away, selling his entire holdings, and purchasing one pearl. It requires the reader to identify what object or truth would justify the complete divestment of their current assets and commitments.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it.
Cross-references
- Luke 18:28 “Look,” said Peter, “we have left all we had to follow You.”
- Ephesians 3:8 Though I am less than the least of all the saints, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ,
- Proverbs 2:4 if you seek it like silver and search it out like hidden treasure,
- Matthew 13:44 The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and in his joy he went and sold all he had and bought that field.
- Acts 20:24 But I consider my life of no value to me, if only I may finish my course and complete the ministry I have received from the Lord Jesus—the ministry of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.
- Colossians 2:3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
- Isaiah 33:6 He will be the sure foundation for your times, a storehouse of salvation, wisdom, and knowledge. The fear of the LORD is Zion’s treasure.
- Mark 10:28 Peter began to say to Him, “Look, we have left everything and followed You.”
- 1 Corinthians 3:21 Therefore, stop boasting in men. All things are yours,
- 1 John 5:11 And this is that testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son.