Matthew 13:45
New International Version
“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls.

New Living Translation
“Again, the Kingdom of Heaven is like a merchant on the lookout for choice pearls.

English Standard Version
“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls,

Berean Standard Bible
Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls.

Berean Literal Bible
Again, the kingdom of the heavens is like a merchant seeking fine pearls.

King James Bible
Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls:

New King James Version
“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking beautiful pearls,

New American Standard Bible
“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking fine pearls,

NASB 1995
“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking fine pearls,

NASB 1977
“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking fine pearls,

Legacy Standard Bible
“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking fine pearls,

Amplified Bible
“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls,

Christian Standard Bible
“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls.

American Standard Version
Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is a merchant seeking goodly pearls:

Contemporary English Version
The kingdom of heaven is like what happens when a shop owner is looking for fine pearls.

English Revised Version
Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is a merchant seeking goodly pearls:

GOD'S WORD® Translation
"Also, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant who was searching for fine pearls.

Good News Translation
"Also, the Kingdom of heaven is like this. A man is looking for fine pearls,

International Standard Version
"Again, the kingdom from heaven is like a merchant searching for fine pearls.

Majority Standard Bible
Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls.

NET Bible
"Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant searching for fine pearls.

New Heart English Bible
"Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a man who is a merchant seeking fine pearls,

Webster's Bible Translation
Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking goodly pearls:

Weymouth New Testament
"Again the Kingdom of the Heavens is like a jewel merchant who is in quest of choice pearls.

World English Bible
“Again, the Kingdom of Heaven is like a man who is a merchant seeking fine pearls,
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
Again, the kingdom of the heavens is like to a man, a merchant, seeking good pearls,

Berean Literal Bible
Again, the kingdom of the heavens is like a merchant seeking fine pearls.

Young's Literal Translation
'Again, the reign of the heavens is like to a man, a merchant, seeking goodly pearls,

Smith's Literal Translation
Again, the kingdom of the heavens is like to a man, a wholesale merchant, seeking beautiful pearls:
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Again the kingdom of heaven is like to a merchant seeking good pearls.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking good pearls.

New American Bible
Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant searching for fine pearls.

New Revised Standard Version
“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls;
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant, who was seeking good pearls.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
But again the Kingdom of Heaven is likened to the merchant man who was searching for precious pearls.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking goodly pearls.

Godbey New Testament
Again, the kingdom of the heavens is like unto a man seeking beautiful pearls:

Haweis New Testament
Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchantman in search of beautiful pearls:

Mace New Testament
Again, the heavenly kingdom is like a merchant-man, who is in quest of curious pearls:

Weymouth New Testament
"Again the Kingdom of the Heavens is like a jewel merchant who is in quest of choice pearls.

Worrell New Testament
"Again, the Kingdom of Heaven is like a merchant seeking beautiful pearls;

Worsley New Testament
Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking precious pearls,

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Parables of the Treasure and Pearl
44The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and in his joy he went and sold all he had and bought that field. 45Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls. 46When he found one very precious pearl, he went away and sold all he had and bought it.…

Cross References
Matthew 13:46
When he found one very precious pearl, he went away and sold all he had and bought it.

Proverbs 2:4
if you seek it like silver and search it out like hidden treasure,

Philippians 3:7-8
But whatever was gain to me I count as loss for the sake of Christ. / More than that, I count all things as loss compared to the surpassing excellence of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ

Isaiah 55:1-2
“Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you without money, come, buy, and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost! / Why spend money on that which is not bread, and your labor on that which does not satisfy? Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good, and your soul will delight in the richest of foods.

Revelation 21:21
And the twelve gates were twelve pearls, with each gate consisting of a single pearl. The main street of the city was pure gold, as clear as glass.

Luke 14:33
In the same way, any one of you who does not give up everything he has cannot be My disciple.

1 Kings 10:2
She arrived in Jerusalem with a very large caravan—with camels bearing spices, gold in great abundance, and precious stones. And she came to Solomon and spoke to him all that was on her mind.

Colossians 2:3
in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

Job 28:18
Coral and quartz are unworthy of mention; the price of wisdom is beyond rubies.

1 Peter 1:7
so that the proven character of your faith—more precious than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.

1 Timothy 6:18-19
Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, and to be generous and ready to share, / treasuring up for themselves a firm foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.

Proverbs 3:14-15
for she is more profitable than silver, and her gain is better than fine gold. / She is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire compares with her.

Revelation 3:18
I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined by fire so that you may become rich, white garments so that you may be clothed and your shameful nakedness not exposed, and salve to anoint your eyes so that you may see.

Psalm 119:72
The law from Your mouth is more precious to me than thousands of pieces of gold and silver.

1 Corinthians 2:9
Rather, as it is written: “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no heart has imagined, what God has prepared for those who love Him.”


Treasury of Scripture

Again, the kingdom of heaven is like to a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls:

like.

Matthew 16:26
For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?

Matthew 22:5
But they made light of it, and went their ways, one to his farm, another to his merchandise:

Proverbs 3:13-18
Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding…

seeking.

Job 28:18
No mention shall be made of coral, or of pearls: for the price of wisdom is above rubies.

Psalm 4:6,7
There be many that say, Who will shew us any good? LORD, lift thou up the light of thy countenance upon us…

Psalm 39:6,7
Surely every man walketh in a vain shew: surely they are disquieted in vain: he heapeth up riches, and knoweth not who shall gather them…

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Matthew 13
1. The parable of the sower and the seed;
18. the explanation of it.
24. The parable of the weeds;
31. of the mustard seed;
33. of the leaven;
36. explanation of the parable of the weeds.
44. The parable of the hidden treasure;
45. of the pearl;
47. of the drag net cast into the sea.
53. Jesus is a prophet without honor in his own country.














Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls
Again
The use of "Again" indicates a continuation or reinforcement of a previous teaching. In Matthew 13, Jesus uses a series of parables to describe the kingdom of heaven. This word suggests that the parable of the merchant and the pearl is part of a larger tapestry of teachings, each offering a unique perspective on the kingdom. The repetition emphasizes the importance and multifaceted nature of the kingdom of heaven.

the kingdom of heaven
This phrase is central to Jesus' teachings and appears frequently in the Gospel of Matthew. The "kingdom of heaven" refers to God's sovereign rule and reign, both in the present and in the future. It is a spiritual realm where God's will is fulfilled. Theologically, it represents the ultimate goal of Christian life, where believers are called to live under God's authority and experience His blessings.

is like
The phrase "is like" introduces a simile, a common teaching method used by Jesus. By comparing the kingdom of heaven to everyday experiences, Jesus makes profound spiritual truths accessible and relatable. This method invites listeners to reflect deeply on the nature of God's kingdom and its implications for their lives.

a merchant
The "merchant" in this parable is a seeker, someone actively pursuing something of great value. In the historical context, merchants were traders who traveled extensively, often risking much to acquire and sell goods. This portrayal suggests diligence, discernment, and a willingness to invest in what is truly valuable. Spiritually, the merchant represents those who earnestly seek the truth and the kingdom of God.

in search of
The phrase "in search of" implies intentionality and purpose. It suggests a proactive pursuit, not a passive or accidental discovery. This reflects the Christian call to actively seek God's kingdom and righteousness, as emphasized in Matthew 6:33. The search is a journey of faith, requiring commitment and perseverance.

fine pearls
"Fine pearls" symbolize something of immense value and beauty. In ancient times, pearls were highly prized and considered among the most valuable of treasures. They were often associated with wisdom and purity. In the context of this parable, the fine pearls represent the incomparable worth of the kingdom of heaven. The pursuit of these pearls signifies the believer's quest for spiritual truth and the ultimate fulfillment found in a relationship with God.

(45) Like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls.--Here again the illustration would commend itself to the thoughts of the fishermen of Galilee. The caprices of luxury in the Roman empire had given a prominence to pearls, as an article of commerce, which they had never had before, and have probably never had since. They, rather than emeralds and sapphires, were the typical instance of all costliest adornments (Matthew 7:6; 1Timothy 2:9). The story of Cleopatra, the fact that the opening of a new pearl market was one of the alleged motives which led the Emperor Claudius to invade Britain, are indications of the value that was then set on the "goodly pearls" of the parable. Such a merchant seeking them, either on the shores of the Mediterranean, or as brought by caravans to other traders from the Persian Gulf or the Indian Ocean, must have been a familiar presence to the fishermen of Capernaum. The parable in its spiritual bearing, has, of course, much that is common with the preceding. But there is this marked and suggestive difference. The "search" is presupposed, The man has been seeking the "goodly pearls" of wisdom, holiness, and truth, and has found them in at least some of their lower forms. Then he is led to the higher knowledge of communion with the life of Christ, and for that is content to resign all that he had before prized most highly. Such, in the records of the New Testament, was the history of St. Paul when he counted "all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus our Lord" (Philippians 3:8). Such, in after days, was the history of Justin Martyr and Augustine. Such, in our own time, has been that of many noble and true-hearted seekers after truth and holiness. Such will evermore be the history of those who are faithful in a very little, and who, "willing to do the will of God, shall know of the doctrine whether it be of God" (John 7:17).

Verses 45, 46. - The parable of the pearl merchant, Matthew only. Observe in this parable that the merchant is accustomed to deal in pearls, and is searching for good ones, when he meets with one worth more than the others he possesses all put together. If the former parable described one who finds the gospel as it were by chance (e.g. the woman of Samaria), this speaks of one who has long been searching for truth (e.g. Andrew and John, the Ethiopian eunuch). Verse 45. - Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man. Evidently no poor man, but a rich wholesale dealer (ἔμπορος: cf. Revelation 18:23; not κάπηλος, "a retailer;" cf. 2 Corinthians 2:17). Seeking. According to the usual manner of his life. Goodly pearls. He eared nothing about the inferior kinds or specimens. The man aimed high; he got more than he can have thought possible (Matthew 7:7, 8). Origen (Commentary, in loc.; Huet, 1. p. 210) has much curious matter about the different kinds of pearls.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
Again,
Πάλιν (Palin)
Adverb
Strong's 3825: Probably from the same as pale; anew, i.e. back, once more, or furthermore or on the other hand.

the
(hē)
Article - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

kingdom
βασιλεία (basileia)
Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 932: From basileus; properly, royalty, i.e. rule, or a realm.

of
τῶν (tōn)
Article - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

heaven
οὐρανῶν (ouranōn)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 3772: Perhaps from the same as oros; the sky; by extension, heaven; by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the Gospel.

is
ἐστὶν (estin)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.

like
ὁμοία (homoia)
Adjective - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3664: Like, similar to, resembling, of equal rank. From the base of homou; similar.

a merchant
ἐμπόρῳ (emporō)
Noun - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 1713: A merchant, trader; one on a journey. From en and the base of poreuomai; a tradesman.

in search of
ζητοῦντι (zētounti)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2212: To seek, search for, desire, require, demand. Of uncertain affinity; to seek; specially, to worship, or to plot.

fine
καλοὺς (kalous)
Adjective - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 2570: Properly, beautiful, but chiefly good, i.e. Valuable or virtuous.

pearls.
μαργαρίτας (margaritas)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3135: A pearl. From margaros; a pearl.


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