Parable of the Pearl
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The Parable of the Pearl or the Pearl of Great Price is a parable told by Jesus in explaining the value of the Kingdom of Heaven, according to Matthew 13:45-46. Other uses of this title refer to this parable.
In explaining the value of the Kingdom of Heaven, Jesus relates the story of a trader who discovered an extremely valuable pearl. The trader sold all that he had to raise money to purchase the pearl; with the final result that he was wealthier than before. The implied analogy was that the Kingdom of Heaven was of such worth that his disciples should gladly be willing to give up their wealth and comfort to obtain it.
The meaning of the parable is that the heavenly riches are far greater than the full total of all worldly riches, and that Jesus is the way into this kingdom of heaven. In a way, he is the pearl that some men found, and sold all for, and became his disciples, hoping for an eternal kingdom.
From the Gospel of Matthew (KJV):
- 13:45 Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls:
- 13:46 Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it.
From the Gospel of Thomas (Patterson-Meyer Translation):
- 76. Jesus said, "The Father's kingdom is like a merchant who had a supply of merchandise and found a pearl. That merchant was prudent; he sold the merchandise and bought the single pearl for himself. So also with you, seek his treasure that is unfailing, that is enduring, where no moth comes to eat and no worm destroys."
