The Pearl of Great Price
Parables of JesusMeaning: “One pearl of supreme worth”
The kingdom worth everything you have.
The priceless pearl a merchant sold everything to buy — Jesus’ picture of the worth of the kingdom.
What It Was
Jesus said 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” (Matthew 13:45–46).
Biblical Significance & Symbolism
The parable measures the surpassing worth of the kingdom — and of Christ himself. To gain him is worth the loss of all things (Philippians 3:8). The wise “sell all” not as loss but as the best of bargains.
Timeline
Jesus tells the parable of the pearl
Scripture References
2 versesMatthew2 verses
Matthew 13:45
Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls:
Matthew 13:46
Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it.
Topics & Symbolism
Biblical themes this object points to and helps interpret.
Related people
Frequently asked about The Pearl of Great Price
What was The Pearl of Great Price in the Bible?
The priceless pearl a merchant sold everything to buy — Jesus’ picture of the worth of the kingdom.
What does The Pearl of Great Price symbolize?
The kingdom worth everything you have.
What does the name The Pearl of Great Price mean?
The name The Pearl of Great Price means “One pearl of supreme worth”.
Where is The Pearl of Great Price first mentioned in the Bible?
The Pearl of Great Price is first mentioned in Matthew 13:45.
How often is The Pearl of Great Price mentioned in the Bible?
The Pearl of Great Price is mentioned in 2 verses across 1 book: Matthew.
What is the pearl of great price?
In Jesus’ parable, the kingdom of heaven — so valuable that a wise merchant sells everything he has to obtain it (Matthew 13:45–46).
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