Matthew 13:46
New International Version
When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it.

New Living Translation
When he discovered a pearl of great value, he sold everything he owned and bought it!

English Standard Version
who, on finding one pearl of great value, went and sold all that he had and bought it.

Berean Standard Bible
When he found one very precious pearl, he went away and sold all he had and bought it.

Berean Literal Bible
And having found one very precious pearl, having gone away, he has sold all things as many as he had, and bought it.

King James Bible
Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it.

New King James Version
who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had and bought it.

New American Standard Bible
and upon finding one pearl of great value, he went and sold everything that he had and bought it.

NASB 1995
and upon finding one pearl of great value, he went and sold all that he had and bought it.

NASB 1977
and upon finding one pearl of great value, he went and sold all that he had, and bought it.

Legacy Standard Bible
and upon finding one pearl of great value, he went and sold all that he had and bought it.

Amplified Bible
and upon finding a single pearl of great value, he went and sold all that he had and bought it.

Christian Standard Bible
When he found one priceless pearl, he went and sold everything he had and bought it.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
When he found one priceless pearl, he went and sold everything he had, and bought it.

American Standard Version
and having found one pearl of great price, he went and sold all that he had, and bought it.

Contemporary English Version
After finding a very valuable one, the owner goes and sells everything in order to buy that pearl.

English Revised Version
and having found one pearl of great price, he went and sold all that he had, and bought it.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
When he found a valuable pearl, he went away, sold everything he had, and bought it.

Good News Translation
and when he finds one that is unusually fine, he goes and sells everything he has, and buys that pearl.

International Standard Version
When he found a very valuable pearl, he went and sold everything he had and bought it."

Majority Standard Bible
When he found one very precious pearl, he went away and sold all he had and bought it.

NET Bible
When he found a pearl of great value, he went out and sold everything he had and bought it.

New Heart English Bible
and having found one pearl of great price, he went and sold all that he had, and bought it.

Webster's Bible Translation
Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it.

Weymouth New Testament
He finds one most costly pearl; he goes away; and though it costs all he has, he buys it.

World English Bible
who having found one pearl of great price, he went and sold all that he had and bought it.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
who having found one pearl of great price, having gone away, has sold all, as much as he had, and bought it.

Berean Literal Bible
And having found one very precious pearl, having gone away, he has sold all things as many as he had, and bought it.

Young's Literal Translation
who having found one pearl of great price, having gone away, hath sold all, as much as he had, and bought it.

Smith's Literal Translation
Who, finding one pearl of great value, having departed, he sold all things which he had, and purchased it.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Who when he had found one pearl of great price, went his way, and sold all that he had, and bought it.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Having found one pearl of great value, he went away and sold all that he had, and he bought it.

New American Bible
When he finds a pearl of great price, he goes and sells all that he has and buys it.

New Revised Standard Version
on finding one pearl of great value, he went and sold all that he had and bought it.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And when he had found one costly pearl, he went and sold everything he had, and bought it.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
But when he found a certain obviously valuable pearl, he went and sold everything he had and bought it.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
When he finds one pearl of great value, he goes and sells all that he has, and buys it.

Godbey New Testament
and having found one pearl of great price, having gone away he sold all things, so many as he had, and bought it.

Haweis New Testament
who, having discovered one of vast price, went away and sold all that he possessed, and bought it.

Mace New Testament
and meeting with one of great value, presently sells all that he has to make the purchase.

Weymouth New Testament
He finds one most costly pearl; he goes away; and though it costs all he has, he buys it.

Worrell New Testament
and, having found one pearl of great price, departing, he has sold all that he had, and bought it.

Worsley New Testament
who, having found one of great value, went and sold all that he had, and bought it.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Parables of the Treasure and Pearl
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. 47Once again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was cast into the sea and caught all kinds of fish.…

Cross References
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

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

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

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 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.

1 Peter 1:18-19
For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life you inherited from your forefathers, / but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or spot.

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

Matthew 6:19-21
Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. / But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. / For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Proverbs 3:13-15
Blessed is the man who finds wisdom, the man who acquires understanding, / 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.

1 Kings 3:11-14
So God said to him, “Since you have asked for this instead of requesting long life or wealth for yourself or death for your enemies—but you have asked for discernment to administer justice— / behold, I will do what you have asked. I will give you a wise and discerning heart, so that there will never have been another like you, nor will there ever be. / Moreover, I will give you what you did not request—both riches and honor—so that during all your days no man in any kingdom will be your equal. ...

Job 28:12-19
But where can wisdom be found, and where does understanding dwell? / No man can know its value, nor is it found in the land of the living. / The ocean depths say, ‘It is not in me,’ while the sea declares, ‘It is not with me.’ ...

Luke 18:22
On hearing this, Jesus told him, “You still lack one thing: Sell everything you own and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow Me.”

Hebrews 11:24-26
By faith Moses, when he was grown, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter. / He chose to suffer oppression with God’s people rather than to experience the fleeting enjoyment of sin. / He valued disgrace for Christ above the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking ahead to his reward.

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

1 Timothy 6:17-19
Instruct those who are rich in the present age not to be conceited and not to put their hope in the uncertainty of wealth, but in God, who richly provides all things for us to enjoy. / 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.


Treasury of Scripture

Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it.

one.

Proverbs 2:4
If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures;

Isaiah 33:6
And wisdom and knowledge shall be the stability of thy times, and strength of salvation: the fear of the LORD is his treasure.

1 Corinthians 3:21-23
Therefore let no man glory in men. For all things are yours; …

went.

Mark 10:28-31
Then Peter began to say unto him, Lo, we have left all, and have followed thee…

Luke 18:28-30
Then Peter said, Lo, we have left all, and followed thee…

Acts 20:24
But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.

Jump to Previous
Bought Buys Costly Costs Exchange Finding Finds Found Goes Great Jewel Pearl Price Sold Value
Jump to Next
Bought Buys Costly Costs Exchange Finding Finds Found Goes Great Jewel Pearl Price Sold Value
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.














When he found
The phrase "when he found" indicates a moment of discovery, a pivotal point in the parable. The Greek word used here is "εὑρών" (heurón), which implies an active search or a diligent quest. This suggests that the kingdom of heaven, represented by the pearl, is not something stumbled upon by chance but is the result of a deliberate and earnest pursuit. Historically, pearls were highly valued in ancient cultures, often symbolizing wisdom and spiritual truth. The seeker in this parable represents those who earnestly seek the truth of God's kingdom.

one very precious pearl
The "one very precious pearl" signifies the unparalleled value of the kingdom of heaven. In Greek, "πολύτιμον" (polytimon) means exceedingly precious or of great worth. Pearls in the ancient world were rare and costly, often more valuable than gold. This imagery underscores the singular and supreme worth of the kingdom of God, which surpasses all earthly treasures. Theologically, this highlights the exclusivity and the ultimate fulfillment found in a relationship with God, which is worth more than any material possession.

he went away
The phrase "he went away" indicates a decisive action taken by the merchant. The Greek word "ἀπελθὼν" (apelthón) suggests a purposeful departure, a turning point where the merchant leaves behind his former pursuits. This reflects the transformative decision one makes when choosing to follow Christ, leaving behind old ways and priorities. It is a call to action, emphasizing the need for a conscious and deliberate choice in the pursuit of spiritual truth.

and sold all he had
"Sold all he had" illustrates the total commitment required to obtain the kingdom of heaven. The Greek "πώλησεν πάντα ὅσα εἶχεν" (pólesen panta hosa eichen) conveys the idea of relinquishing everything. This act of selling all signifies the surrender of worldly attachments and the willingness to sacrifice everything for the sake of gaining Christ. It is a powerful reminder of the cost of discipleship, where one must be willing to forsake all for the surpassing worth of knowing Jesus.

and bought it
The final phrase "and bought it" signifies the acquisition of the kingdom of heaven. The Greek "ἠγόρασεν" (egorasen) means to purchase or acquire. This transaction is not a literal purchase but symbolizes the acceptance and embrace of the kingdom through faith and commitment. It reflects the joy and fulfillment found in possessing the kingdom, which is freely given yet requires the surrender of self. This act of buying the pearl represents the believer's response to God's offer of salvation, where the true treasure is found in a life devoted to Christ.

Verse 46. - Who, when he had found (and having found, Revised Version? εὑρὼν δέ) one pearl of great price (Job 28:18, Revised Version margin, one); hardly the indefinite article (cf. Matthew 8:19, note). Chrysostom's comment is, Μία γάρ ἐστιν ἡ ἀλήθεια καὶ οὐ πολυσχισής. Went (ἀπελθών); i.e. some distance, for he might well have to go much further than the man in the preceding parable (ὑπάγει). Went (aorist)... sold (perfect) ... bought (aorist). He starts without delay; he sells irrevocably; he purchases at once (cf. ver. 44). And sold all that he had, and bought it. All. Genuine here. It may have been a great deal as worldly wealth is reckoned. Thus Saul of Tarsus acted (Philippians 3:7, 8), and Moses (Hebrews 11:26).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
When
δὲ (de)
Conjunction
Strong's 1161: A primary particle; but, and, etc.

he found
εὑρὼν (heurōn)
Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2147: A prolonged form of a primary heuro, which heureo is used for it in all the tenses except the present and imperfect to find.

one
ἕνα (hena)
Adjective - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 1520: One. (including the neuter Hen); a primary numeral; one.

very precious
πολύτιμον (polytimon)
Adjective - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 4186: Of great value, very costly, very precious. From polus and time; extremely valuable.

pearl,
μαργαρίτην (margaritēn)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3135: A pearl. From margaros; a pearl.

he went away
ἀπελθὼν (apelthōn)
Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 565: From apo and erchomai; to go off, aside or behind, literally or figuratively.

[and] sold
πέπρακεν (pepraken)
Verb - Perfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 4097: A reduplicated and prolonged form of prao; contracted from perao; to traffic, i.e. Dispose of as merchandise or into slavery.

all
πάντα (panta)
Adjective - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 3956: All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole.

he had
εἶχεν (eichen)
Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2192: To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

bought
ἠγόρασεν (ēgorasen)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 59: To buy. From agora; properly, to go to market, i.e. to purchase; specially, to redeem.

it.
αὐτόν (auton)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.


Links
Matthew 13:46 NIV
Matthew 13:46 NLT
Matthew 13:46 ESV
Matthew 13:46 NASB
Matthew 13:46 KJV

Matthew 13:46 BibleApps.com
Matthew 13:46 Biblia Paralela
Matthew 13:46 Chinese Bible
Matthew 13:46 French Bible
Matthew 13:46 Catholic Bible

NT Gospels: Matthew 13:46 Who having found one pearl of great (Matt. Mat Mt)
Matthew 13:45
Top of Page
Top of Page