What Is the Parable of the Pearl of Great Price — Meaning Explained
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)
What "What Is the Parable of the Pearl of Great Price?" Actually Means
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.
Anchor Verses (KJV)
Matthew 13:45-46
"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."
Explore this question from another angle
Related Reading
Continue your study with related content from across our library:
What Is the Parable of the Pearl of Great Price?
Life of Jesus
What Is the Parable of the Great Supper?
Theology & Doctrine
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
Keep Going
Continue Exploring Scripture
You've found one resource — here are more ways to go deeper into God's Word.
Today's Verse
Start each day with a hand-picked KJV verse and reflection.
Verses by Topic
Find what the Bible says about love, anxiety, strength, and 500+ more topics.
Bible Miracles
Discover the signs and wonders of God recorded in Scripture.
Angels & Spiritual Warfare
Angels, demons, and the armor of God — what the KJV really teaches about the unseen battle.
Bible Genealogies & Family Trees
Visual KJV family trees — the line of Jesus, the sons of Noah, the twelve tribes, and more.
Women of the Bible
Eve, Sarah, Ruth, Esther, Mary — the matriarchs, prophetesses, queens, and disciples of Scripture.