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    What Is the Parable of the Hidden Treasure?

    What Is the Parable of the Hidden Treasure? The Hidden Treasure is Jesus' parable about a man who discovers treasure in a field and joyfully sells everything to buy the field and gain the treasure.

    Key verse: Matthew 13:44 (KJV)

    The Hidden Treasure is Jesus' parable about a man who discovers treasure in a field and joyfully sells everything to buy the field and gain the treasure.

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    Quick Answer

    The Hidden Treasure is Jesus' parable about a man who discovers treasure in a field and joyfully sells everything to buy the field and gain the treasure.

    "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 (KJV)

    The Biblical Answer

    In Matthew 13:44, Jesus says the kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and hid again. In his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. Unlike the Pearl merchant who was actively searching, this man stumbled upon the treasure unexpectedly — perhaps while plowing. Yet his response is the same: immediate, joyful, total surrender of everything else to obtain it. The field is the world; the treasure is the people God has chosen for Himself. Christ saw the treasure, gave all He had to purchase the field, and gained His people. The parable also applies to individual conversion: when the Spirit opens a sinner's eyes to see the value of Christ, no cost is too great.

    Key Scripture References

    "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."
    "Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price."

    Frequently asked questions

    Frequently asked questions

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    Deep Dive Commentary

    For a more in-depth study, read our verse-by-verse commentary:

    Related Reading

    Continue your study with related content from across our library:

    Read it in context

    The answer above sits inside Matthew. The 365-day chronological plan reads it in the order the events happened.

    Read Matthew on day 284 of the chronological Bible reading plan

    Keep the verses to hand

    Every verse quoted in “What Is the Parable of the Hidden Treasure?” comes from the King James Version, free to download and print.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    In Matthew 13:44, Jesus says the kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and hid again. In his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. Unlike the Pearl merchant who was actively searching, this man stumbled upon the treasure unexpectedly — perhaps while plowing. Yet his response is the same: immediate, joyful, total surrender of everything else to obtain it. The field is the world; the treasure is the people God has chosen for Himself. Christ saw the treasure, gave all He had to purchase the field, and gained His people. The parable also applies to individual conversion: when the Spirit opens a sinner's eyes to see the value of Christ, no cost is too great.

    The Pearl of Great Price is Jesus' parable about a merchant who sold everything to buy one supremely valuable pearl — a picture of the worth of God's kingdom.

    The kingdom of God is the sovereign rule of God over all creation, manifested in Christ's reign and extending to the hearts of all who submit to Him.