Parable of the Pearl of Great Price — KJV Bible Study Guide
A free 10-lesson Bible study guide on parable of the pearl of great price, drawn entirely from the King James Version. Each lesson opens with a study question, gives the verse reference, and offers a short teaching note. Use it for personal devotions, a small group, or a Sunday school class.
The 10 lessons
Lesson 1 · Matthew 13:45 (KJV)
To whom is the kingdom of heaven likened in this parable?
Answer: A merchant man
Study note. The kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man.
Lesson 2 · Matthew 13:45 (KJV)
What was the merchant seeking?
Answer: Goodly pearls
Study note. Seeking goodly pearls.
Lesson 3 · Matthew 13:46 (KJV)
What did he do when he found one of great price?
Answer: Sold all that he had, and bought it
Study note. Sold all that he had, and bought it.
Lesson 4 · Matthew 13:44 (KJV)
What parable comes just before this one?
Answer: The Hidden Treasure
Study note. The kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field.
Lesson 5 · Matthew 13:44 (KJV)
What did the man find hidden in the field?
Answer: A treasure
Study note. The which when a man hath found, he hideth.
Lesson 6 · Matthew 13:44 (KJV)
What did he do upon finding the treasure?
Answer: Went and sold all that he had, and bought that field
Study note. For joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field.
Lesson 7 · Matthew 13:47 (KJV)
What parable follows the pearl in Matthew 13?
Answer: The net cast into the sea
Study note. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a net.
Lesson 8 · Matthew 13 (KJV)
What does the pearl chiefly teach?
Answer: The kingdom is worth everything
Study note. The kingdom of God is the supreme treasure.
Lesson 9 · Matthew 6:19 (KJV)
Which verse warns about laying up treasures on earth?
Answer: Matthew 6:19
Study note. Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth.
Lesson 10 · Revelation 21:21 (KJV)
What twelve gates of the New Jerusalem are made of pearls?
Answer: Twelve pearls, one pearl per gate
Study note. The twelve gates were twelve pearls; every several gate was of one pearl.
Key verses to memorize
The passages this study returns to most often — pick one or two and commit them to memory this week.
Discussion questions
- Which lesson in this study surprised you the most, and why?
- How does parable of the pearl of great price point us to Jesus Christ and the gospel?
- Pick one verse from the key passages above. How does it shape the way you will pray, read, or live this week?
- Who in your life could you share one of these truths with in the next seven days?