What Is the Parable of the Hidden Treasure?
What Is the Parable of the Hidden Treasure? Jesus said the kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field—when a man found it, he joyfully sold everything he had to buy that field.
Key verse: Matthew 13:44 (KJV)
Jesus said the kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field—when a man found it, he joyfully sold everything he had to buy that field.
Jesus said the kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field—when a man found it, he joyfully sold everything he had to buy that field.
"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)
Meaning
Plain-language explanation
In Context
Surrounding KJV scripture
Related Verses
Cross-reference scriptures
The Biblical Answer
In Matthew 13:44, Jesus used this brief but powerful parable to describe the incomparable value of the kingdom of heaven. A man discovered treasure hidden in a field and, overflowing with joy, sold all his possessions to purchase that field. The parable teaches that the kingdom of God is worth more than anything this world offers. The man's response was not reluctant sacrifice but joyful exchange—he recognized that what he gained far exceeded what he gave up. This mirrors the call to discipleship: following Christ may cost everything, but what is gained—eternal life, fellowship with God, true purpose—is infinitely more valuable.
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."
"Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord."
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Related Questions
What Is the Parable of the Pearl of Great Price?
Jesus compared the kingdom of heaven to a merchant who found one pearl of great value and sold everything he had to buy it.
What Is the Kingdom of Heaven in the Bible?
The kingdom of heaven is God's sovereign rule over all creation, manifested in Christ's present spiritual reign in believers' hearts and to be fulfilled completely when He returns to establish His eternal dominion.
Did Jesus Really Rise from the Dead?
The Bible presents the resurrection as historical fact, supported by eyewitness testimony, an empty tomb, and transformed lives.
Is Jesus God?
Yes — the Bible teaches that Jesus is fully God and fully man, the second person of the Trinity.
What Is the Trinity?
The Trinity is the doctrine that God exists as three persons — Father, Son, and Holy Spirit — in one divine being.
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:
What Is the Parable of the Hidden Treasure?
Life of Jesus
The Parable of the Hidden Treasure
Matthew 13:44 • Kingdom of God
Parable of the Hidden Treasure Quiz
A man finds treasure in a field and sells all he has to buy it.
What Are the Parables of Jesus?
Theology & Doctrine
What is the parable of the prodigal son?
Theology & Doctrine
Treasure (θησαυρός (thēsauros))
A stored-up wealth — what the heart values most and pursues above all else.
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 planKeep 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.
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