What Is the Parable of the Pearl of Great Price?
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.
Key verse: Matthew 13:45-46 (KJV)
Jesus compared the kingdom of heaven to a merchant who found one pearl of great value and sold everything he had to buy it.
Jesus compared the kingdom of heaven to a merchant who found one pearl of great value and sold everything he had to buy it.
"Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls: Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it." — Matthew 13:45-46 (KJV)
Meaning
Plain-language explanation
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The Biblical Answer
In Matthew 13:45-46, Jesus described a merchant seeking beautiful pearls. When he found one of extraordinary value, he sold everything he had to purchase it. This parable, paired with the hidden treasure, emphasizes the supreme worth of the kingdom of God. While the hidden treasure parable suggests someone who stumbles upon the kingdom unexpectedly, the pearl parable suggests a deliberate seeker who recognizes ultimate value when found. Both teach the same truth: the kingdom of heaven is worth any cost. Nothing in this world compares to the surpassing value of knowing Christ and being part of God's eternal kingdom.
Key Scripture References
"Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls: Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it."
Frequently asked questions
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Related Questions
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.
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
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The Parable of the Pearl of Great Price
Matthew 13:45-46 • Kingdom of God
Parable of the Pearl of Great Price Quiz
A merchant who sold all to gain one priceless pearl (Matthew 13).
The Pearl of Great Price Parable Quiz
A merchant finds the one pearl worth everything — Matthew 13:45-46.
What Are the Parables of Jesus?
Theology & Doctrine
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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 Pearl of Great Price?” comes from the King James Version, free to download and print.
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