King James Version

What Does Matthew 13:44 Mean?

Matthew 13:44 in the King James Version says “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for j... — study this verse from Matthew chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

Again, 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.

Matthew 13:44 · KJV


Context

42

And shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.

43

Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Who hath ears to hear, let him hear.

44

Again, 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.

45

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

46

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


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The parable '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' teaches the kingdom's surpassing value. The finder sells everything to buy the field containing the treasure, showing total commitment. The phrase 'for joy' demonstrates that kingdom commitment isn't grim duty but joyful privilege. The kingdom is worth any sacrifice.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

In the ancient world, hiding treasure in fields was common due to lack of banks and frequent warfare. Accidental discovery while plowing or digging was plausible. The man's total liquidation of assets to secure the treasure parallels giving up all for Christ (Philippians 3:7-8).

Reflection Questions

  1. What treasures compete with the kingdom for your supreme affection?
  2. How does joy motivate your sacrifice for Christ?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 32 words
Πάλιν1 of 32

Again

G3825

(adverbially) anew, i.e., (of place) back, (of time) once more, or (conjunctionally) furthermore or on the other hand

Ὁμοία2 of 32

like

G3664

similar (in appearance or character)

ἐστὶν3 of 32

is

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

4 of 32
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

βασιλεία5 of 32

the kingdom

G932

properly, royalty, i.e., (abstractly) rule, or (concretely) a realm (literally or figuratively)

τῶν6 of 32
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

οὐρανῶν7 of 32

of heaven

G3772

the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of god); by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the gospel (christianity)

θησαυρῷ8 of 32

unto treasure

G2344

a deposit, i.e., wealth (literally or figuratively)

ἔκρυψεν9 of 32

he hideth

G2928

to conceal (properly, by covering)

ἐν10 of 32

in

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

τῷ11 of 32
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἀγρὸν12 of 32

a field

G68

a field (as a drive for cattle); genitive case, the country; specially, a farm, i.e., hamlet

ὃν13 of 32

the which

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

εὑρὼν14 of 32

hath found

G2147

to find (literally or figuratively)

ἄνθρωπος15 of 32

when a man

G444

man-faced, i.e., a human being

ἔκρυψεν16 of 32

he hideth

G2928

to conceal (properly, by covering)

καὶ17 of 32

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἀπὸ18 of 32

for

G575

"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)

τῆς19 of 32
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

χαρᾶς20 of 32

joy

G5479

cheerfulness, i.e., calm delight

αὐτοῦ21 of 32

thereof

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

ὑπάγει22 of 32

goeth

G5217

to lead (oneself) under, i.e., withdraw or retire (as if sinking out of sight), literally or figuratively

καὶ23 of 32

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

πάντα24 of 32

all

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

ὅσα25 of 32

that

G3745

as (much, great, long, etc.) as

ἔχει26 of 32

he hath

G2192

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

πωλεῖ27 of 32

selleth

G4453

to barter (as a pedlar), i.e., to sell

καὶ28 of 32

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἀγοράζει29 of 32

buyeth

G59

properly, to go to market, i.e., (by implication) to purchase; specially, to redeem

τὸν30 of 32
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἀγρὸν31 of 32

a field

G68

a field (as a drive for cattle); genitive case, the country; specially, a farm, i.e., hamlet

ἐκεῖνον32 of 32

that

G1565

that one (or (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Matthew. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Matthew 13:44 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Matthew 13:44 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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