Matthew 13:45
Again, the kingdom of heaven
is like unto a merchant man,
seeking goodly pearls
Study
Other translations
New International Version
Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls.
New Living Translation
Again, the Kingdom of Heaven is like a merchant on the lookout for choice pearls.
Amplified Bible — Berean Study Bible — English Standard Version
Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls.
Berean Literal Bible
Again, the kingdom of the heavens is like a merchant seeking fine pearls.
New King James Version
Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking beautiful pearls,
New American Standard Bible — NASB 1977 — NASB 1995
Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking fine pearls,
Word by word
Like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls.
Here again the illustration would commend itself to the thoughts of the fishermen of Galilee.
The caprices of luxury in the Roman empire had given a prominence to pearls, as an article of commerce, which they had never had before, and have probably never had since.
They, rather than emeralds and sapphires, were the typical instance of all costliest adornments (Matthew 7:6; 1Timothy 2:9).
The story of Cleopatra, the fact that the opening of a new pearl market was one of the alleged motives which led the Emperor Claudius to invade Britain, are indications of the value that was then set on the “goodly pearls” of the parable.
Such a merchant seeking them, either on the shores of the Mediterranean, or as brought by caravans to other traders from the Persian Gulf or the Indian Ocean, must have been a familiar presence to the fishermen of Capernaum.
The parable in its spiritual bearing, has, of course, much that is common with the preceding. But there is this marked and suggestive difference. The “search” is presupposed.
Man has been seeking the “goodly pearls” of wisdom, holiness, and truth, and has found them in at least some of their lower forms.
Then he is led to the higher knowledge of communion with the life of Christ, and for that is content to resign all that he had before prized most highly.
Such, in the records of the New Testament, was the history of St. Paul when he counted “all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus our Lord” (Philippians 3:8).
▪︎ Such, in later days, was the history of Justin Martyr and Augustine.
▪︎ Such, in our own time, has been that of many noble and true-hearted seekers after truth and holiness.
▪︎ Such will evermore be the history of those who are faithful in a very little, and who, “willing to do the will of God, shall know of the doctrine whether it be of God” (John 7:17).
Greek
Again,
Πάλιν (Palin)
Adverb
Probably from the same as pale; anew, i.e. back, once more, or furthermore or on the other hand.
the
ἡ (hē)
Article – Nominative Feminine Singular
The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.
kingdom
βασιλεία (basileia)
Noun – Nominative Feminine Singular
From basileus; properly, royalty, i.e. rule, or a realm.
of
τῶν (tōn)
Article – Genitive Masculine Plural
The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.
heaven
οὐρανῶν (ouranōn)
Noun – Genitive Masculine Plural
Perhaps from the same as oros; the sky; by extension, heaven; by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the Gospel.
is
ἐστὶν (estin)
Verb – Present Indicative Active – 3rd Person Singular
I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.
like
ὁμοία (homoia)
Adjective – Nominative Feminine Singular
Like, similar to, resembling, of equal rank. From the base of homou; similar.
a merchant
ἐμπόρῳ (emporō)
Noun – Dative Masculine Singular
A merchant, trader; one on a journey. From en and the base of poreuomai; a tradesman.
in search of
ζητοῦντι (zētounti)
Verb – Present Participle Active – Dative Masculine Singular
To seek, search for, desire, require, demand. Of uncertain affinity; to seek; specially, to worship, or to plot.
fine
καλοὺς (kalous)
Adjective – Accusative Masculine Plural
Properly, beautiful, but chiefly good, i.e. Valuable or virtuous.
pearls.
μαργαρίτας (margaritas)
Noun – Accusative Masculine Plural
A pearl. From margaros; a pearl.
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