Matthew 13:44
What does Matthew 13:44 mean?
A plain-English look at Matthew 13:44 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Matthew 13:44 means
The kingdom is like hidden treasure found in a field; a man hides it again and sells all he has to buy the field. The parable emphasizes the kingdom’s immense, surpassing worth that compels total commitment. The man’s joy and willingness to give everything highlight how discovery of God’s reign yields willing sacrifice. The hidden nature of the treasure reminds readers that the kingdom’s value often appears concealed to the world but fully reveals itself to those who find and secure it through decisive, costly devotion.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000The kingdom of heaven is like unto a treasure hidden in the field; which a man found, and hid; and in his joy he goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901The kingdom of heaven is like unto a treasure hidden in the field; which a man found, and hid; and in his joy he goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949The kingdom of heaven is like a secret store of wealth in a field, which a man came across and put back again; and in his joy he goes and gives all he has, to get that field.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862`Again, the reign of the heavens is like to treasure hid in the field, which a man having found did hide, and from his joy goeth, and all, as much as he hath, he selleth, and buyeth that field.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752The kingdom of heaven is like unto a treasure hidden in a field. Which a man having found, hid it, and for joy thereof goeth, and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890The kingdom of the heavens is like a treasure hid in the field, which a man having found has hid, and for the joy of it goes and sells all whatever he has, and buys that field.
Context
Following the tares parable’s eschatological focus, this parable shifts to personal response: the kingdom’s value demands radical investment. It begins a trio of short parables (treasure, pearl, net) illustrating the kingdom’s worth and the reality of final sorting, reinforcing themes of discovery and decisive commitment.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Proverbs 18:1
He that separateth himself seeketh his own desire, And rageth against all sound wisdom.
- Matthew 19:29
And every one that hath left houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or children, or lands, for my name’s sake, shall receive a hundredfold, and shall inherit eternal life.
- John 6:35
Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall not hunger, and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.
- Isaiah 55:1
Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.
- Matthew 19:21
Jesus said unto him, If thou wouldest be perfect, go, sell that which thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me.
- Acts 2:44
And all that believed were together, and had all things common;
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