King James Version

What Does Matthew 13:46 Mean?

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

Context

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.

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

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

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

Which, when it was full, they drew to shore, and sat down, and gathered the good into vessels, but cast the bad away.

Read full chapter →

Commentary

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**30-39. Let both grow together--**that is, in the visible Church. **until the harvest--**till the one have ripened for full salvation, the other for destruction. (See on Mt 13:39). **and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers--**(See on Mt 13:39). **Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them--**"in the fire" (Mt 13:40). **but gather the wheat into my barn--**Christ, as the Judge, will separate the two classes (as in Mt 25:32). It will be observed that the tares are burned before the wheat is housed; in the exposition of the parable (Mt 13:41, 43) the same order is observed: and the same in Mt 25:46--as if, in some literal sense, "with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked" (Psa 91:8). Third and Fourth Parables or Second Pair: The Mustard Seed and The Leaven (Mt 13:31-33). **The subject of both these parables, as of the first pair, is the same, but under a slight diversity of aspect, namely--** The GROWTH OF THE KINGDOM FROM THE Smallest Beginnings to Ultimate Universality. The Mustard Seed (Mt 13:31, 32).

Robert Jamieson, A.R. Fausset, David Brown. Public Domain.

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 13:46 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.