Devine Scripture

Matthew 13:46

What does Matthew 13:46 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 13:46 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 13:46 means

Having found one pearl of great price, the merchant sells all he has to buy it. Like the treasure, this parable underscores the kingdom’s supreme value requiring total surrender. The merchant’s single-pearl focus suggests that finding true spiritual worth eliminates competing claims. The action of selling all indicates that discipleship may demand sacrificial renunciation of former securities. The verse encourages readers to prioritize the kingdom above everything else, recognizing its incomparable and lasting worth.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And having come across one jewel of great price, he went and gave all he had in exchange for it.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

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

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

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

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

and having found one pearl of great value, he went and sold all whatever he had and bought it.

Context

This completes the pearl image, paralleling the treasure parable. It reinforces the theme that the proper response to discovering the kingdom is wholehearted commitment. The chapter then shifts to a net parable that returns to judgment and sorting.

v.45Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is a merchant seeking goodly pearls:

v.46This passage

v.47Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a net, that was cast into the sea, and gathered of every kind:

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Acts 20:24

    But I hold not my life of any account as dear unto myself, so that I may accomplish my course, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.

  • Matthew 13:44

    The 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.

  • Isaiah 33:6

    And there shall be stability in thy times, abundance of salvation, wisdom, and knowledge: the fear of Jehovah is thy treasure.

  • Proverbs 2:4

    If thou seek her as silver, And search for her as for hid treasures:

  • Colossians 2:3

    in whom are all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge hidden.

  • Galatians 6:14

    But far be it from me to glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world hath been crucified unto me, and I unto the world.

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