Matthew 13:44

New Testament Gospel ASV (1901)

What does Matthew 13:44 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “The kingdom of heaven is like unto a treasure hidden in the field; which a man found, and hid; and in his joy he goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

The kingdom of heaven is like unto a treasure hidden in the field; which a man found, and hid; and in his joy he goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field.
Matthew 13:44 — American Standard Version

Context — Matthew 13

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
44The kingdom of heaven is like unto a treasure hidden in the field; which a man found, and hid; and in his joy he goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“Again the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure, etc.] By which is meant, not eternal life, the incorruptible inheritance, riches of glory, treasure in heaven; nor Christ, in whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge, and all the riches of grace and glory; but the Gospel, which is a treasure consisting of rich truths, comparable to gold, silver, and precious stones; of the most valuable blessings, and of exceeding great, and precious promises; and reveals the riches of God, of Christ, and of the other world; and is a treasure unsearchable, solid, satisfying, and lasting: this is said to be hid in a field. The Gospel was in some measure hid, under the former dispensation, from…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field--no uncommon thing in unsettled and half-civilized countries, even now as well as in ancient times, when there was no other way of securing it from the rapacity of neighbors or marauders. (Jer 41:8; Job 3:21; Pro 2:4). the which when a man hath found--that is, unexpectedly found. he hideth, and for joy thereof--on perceiving what a treasure he had lighted on, surpassing the worth of all he possessed. goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field--in which case, by Jewish law, the treasure would become his own. The Pearl of Great Price (Mat 13:45-46).”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“The kingdom of heaven - The gospel. The new dispensation. The offer of eternal life. See the notes at Matthew 3:2. The Saviour in this parable compares that kingdom to treasure hid in a field; that is, to money concealed; or more likely to a mine of silver or gold that was unknown to the owner of the field. He hideth - That is, he conceals the fact that he has found it; he does not tell of it. With a view of obtaining this, Jesus says that a man would go and sell his property and buy the field. The conduct of the man would be dishonest. It would be his duty to inform the owner of the field of the discovery. He would be really endeavoring to gain property belonging to another at far less than…”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“The three following parables are proposed, not to the multitude, but peculiarly to the apostles: the two former of them relate to those who receive the Gospel; the third, both to those who receive, and those who preach it. The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hid in a field - The kingdom of God within us is a treasure indeed, but a treasure hid from the world, and from the most wise and prudent in it. He that finds this treasure, (perhaps when he thought it far from him,) hides it deep in his heart, and gives up all other happiness for it. Matthew 13:45”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“13:44-46 Another mystery of the Kingdom (13:11) is that its value exceeds all other treasures, and so everything should be forfeited to acquire it (see 19:21, 29; Phil 3:7). 13:44 treasure . . . hidden in a field: Treasures were buried for protection against thieves and military enemies (25:25). • In his excitement: Those who discover the Kingdom find greater joy in it than can be found in any temporal pleasure (see 1 Pet 1:8).”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“like: Mat 6:21; Pro 2:2-5, Pro 16:16, Pro 17:16, Pro 18:1; Joh 6:35; Rom 15:4; Co1 2:9, Co1 2:10; Col 2:3, Col 3:3, Col 3:4, Col 3:16 for joy: Mat 19:21, Mat 19:27, Mat 19:29; Luk 14:33, Luk 18:23, Luk 18:24, Luk 19:6-8; Act 2:44-47, Act 4:32-35; Phi 3:7-9; Heb 10:34, Heb 11:24-26 buyeth: Pro 23:23; Isa 55:1; Rev 3:18 Matthew 13:45”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification