Paragraph 13:45–46

In this paragraph, Jesus compared the kingdom of heaven to a pearl of great value (in 13:46a). The comparison is not to the merchant in the next phrase (13:45b).

In order to make the comparison clear, it may be necessary in some languages to change the order of some of the clauses in 13:45–46. For example:

45aAgain, the kingdom of heaven is like 46aa pearl of great value. 45bWhen a merchant who was searching for one 46afound one, 46bhe went and sold all that he had and bought it.

This parable teaches us the same lesson as the parable of the hidden treasure: the most important thing in a person’s life is to belong to God’s kingdom. A person should seek to belong to God’s kingdom at all cost.

13:45a

Again: This word refers to the fact that Jesus spoke another parable about God’s kingdom. The teaching of this parable is similar to the teaching of the parable of the treasure. It does not mean that he repeated what he had already said.

Here are some other ways to translate this word:

Also (Good News Translation)
-or-
Furthermore

the kingdom of heaven is like: This clause begins a simile. This simile compares the kingdom of heaven to a pearl of great value (in 13:46a). (As mentioned above, the comparison is not to the merchant.) The point of similarity is that both the kingdom of heaven and a valuable pearl are worth much more than everything that a person owns. A person should do anything necessary to get them.

Here are some other ways to begin this simile:

the Kingdom of heaven is like this: (Good News Translation)
-or-
Here is what the kingdom of heaven can be compared to:

13:45b

merchant: This word refers to someone who buys and sells goods.

Here are some other ways to translate this word:

trader
-or-
businessman
-or-
man (Good News Translation)

fine pearls: The word pearls refers to round, stone-like beads about 5–10 millimeters across. Pearls are found in a kind of shellfish called an “oyster.” Pearls are often very beautiful, and good ones are very valuable. People wear them in necklaces and as other jewelry.

Here are some other ways to translate this phrase:

• Use a descriptive phrase. For example:

expensive beads
-or-
precious/costly stones

• Use the major language word for “pearl” and explain it in the text. For example:

⌊expensive jewels called⌋ pearls

This word also occurs in 7:6b.

fine: This word means “beautiful” or “free from defects” here.

Here are some other ways to translate this word:

beautiful

-or-

choice (New Living Translation (2004))

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