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Matthew 13:45-46 Sixth kingdom parable: pearl of great price
1. Matthew 13:45-46 Sixth kingdom parable: pearl of great price
2. Matthew 7:6
KJV: Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you.
Greek: μη δωτε το αγιον τοις κυσιν μηδε βαλητε τους μαργαριτας υμων εμπροσθεν των χοιρων μηποτε καταπατησωσιν καταπατησουσιν αυτους εν τοις ποσιν αυτων και στραφεντες ρηξωσιν υμας
Latin: nolite dare sanctum canibus neque mittatis margaritas vestras ante porcos ne forte conculcent eas pedibus suis et conversi disrumpant vos
Wessex: Nellen ge syl þaet hilige (sic) hunden. ne ge-wurpen eowre mere-groten to-foren eowren swinen. þy laes hye mid hyra fotan hyo tofortredan. & hyo þanne ne on-gean ne wend eow to-slyten.
Wycliffe: Nile ye yyue hooli thing to houndis, nethir caste ye youre margaritis bifore swyne, lest perauenture thei defoulen hem with her feet, and the houndis be turned, and al to-tere you.
Tyndale: Geve not that which is holy to dogges nether cast ye youre pearles before swyne lest they treade them vnder their fete and ye other tourne agayne and all to rent you.
Luther: Ihr sollt das Heiligtum nicht den Hunden geben und eure Perlen sollt ihr nicht vor die Säue werfen, auf daß sie dieselbigen nicht zertreten mit ihren Füßen und sich wenden und euch zerreißen.
Spanish: No deis lo santo a los perros; ni echéis vuestras perlas delante de los puercos, no sea que las pisoteen, y se vuelvan y os despedacen.
3. Matthew 13
4. Model of the kingdoms and births
John 3:3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he can not see the kingdom of God. [kjv]
απεκριθη ιησους και ειπεν αυτω αμην αμην λεγω σοι εαν μη τις γεννηθη ανωθεν ου δυναται ιδειν την βασιλειαν του θεου [gnt]
1 Kingdoms 1
2 Kingdoms 2
3 Kingdoms 3
4 Kingdoms 4
5 Kingdoms 5
Four parts: "
earth", "
air", "
fire", "
water".
The "
ask", "
seek", "
knock" sequence is part of the "
flame" and "
sword" progression.
5. Details
Put the Kingdom of God outside of space and time and (since the fall) includes the "tree of life". The creation is inside space and time.
The "flaming sword" both protects and keeps the way open.
The "Kingdom of Earth" is for those "of the world".
The "Kingdom of Heaven" is for those "in the world".
The "flaming sword" is provided by Jesus who "throws" the "sword". The Holy Spirit provides the "flame".
Birth#3 is the regeneration or in-processing into the Kingdom of God.
6. Matthew 13:44 Fifth kingdom parable: treasure in a field
Matthew 13:44 Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field. [kjv]
ομοια εστιν η βασιλεια των ουρανων θησαυρω κεκρυμμενω εν τω αγρω ον ευρων ανθρωπος εκρυψεν και απο της χαρας αυτου υπαγει και πωλει οσα εχει και αγοραζει τον αγρον εκεινον [gnt]
The fourth kingdom parable in Matthew 13, just
one verse, has treasure hidden in a field. What is the "
treasure"? Why is the "
treasure" hid
again? When does the "
sell" and "
buy" take place?
In the parables, the "
man" is "
Jesus as God". Is the "
kingdom of heaven" the same as the "
kingdom of God"?
How might these parable relate to John 3:16? Can we, in addition, make reference to the story of Ruth?
7. Historical interpretation of church history
1 Churches
2 Parables
3 Beatitudes
4 Time periods
| Interpretations |
| ☐ Literal |
☐ Christian living |
| ☐ Figurative |
☐ Heresies over time |
| ☐ Historical |
☐ Prophetic details |
|
Note that the time of Roman persecutions was that of the universal church as a collection of small "mustard seeds" while the time of Roman acceptance was that of the universal church as "tree with birds making a home in the branches".
|
8. Letters to churches in Revelation
Interpretations:
Literal
Figurative
Christian living
Historical
Prophetic details
9. Beatitudes
Interpretations:
Literal
Figurative
Historical
Christian living
10. Kingdom parables
Interpretations:
Literal
Figurative
Historical
Christian living
11. Matthew 13:45-46 Pearl of great price
Matthew 13:45 Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls: [kjv]
παλιν ομοια εστιν η βασιλεια των ουρανων εμπορω ζητουντι καλους μαργαριτας [gnt]
… margaritas [v]
13:46 Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it. [kjv]
ευρων δε ενα πολυτιμον μαργαριτην απελθων πεπρακεν παντα οσα ειχεν και ηγορασεν αυτον [gnt]
This web site
crosswalk.com quotes Matthew Henry and adds their own take on it.
This is a parable about what matters most to God and to us. Christ was “seeking, finding, and purchasing his elect” writes Matthew Henry. His people were “lost and going astray” but he valued them. Jesus “took much pains” to buy his people back. God’s people are a “pearl of great price; ... very precious to God, so highly esteemed by Christ, as his portion, his inheritance, and his jewels.” Christ was willing to give up everything—even his life—to buy us back, to redeem us, for eternal life with the Father in heaven. (as of 2023-09-23)
https://www.crosswalk.com/faith/bible-study/what-is-the-pearl-of-great-price-in-scripture.html
12. Matthew 13:45-46 Sixth kingdom parable: pearl of great price
Matthew 13:45 Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls: [kjv]
παλιν ομοια εστιν η βασιλεια των ουρανων εμπορω ζητουντι καλους μαργαριτας [gnt]
… margaritas [v]
13:46 Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it. [kjv]
ευρων δε ενα πολυτιμον μαργαριτην απελθων πεπρακεν παντα οσα ειχεν και ηγορασεν αυτον [gnt]
The name "
Margaret" comes from the ancient Greek word
"μαργαρίτης" ≈ "pearl". The word "
pearl" appears in the
GNT (Greek New Testament) but not in the
LXX (Septuagint), although the
KJV (King James Version) uses "
pearl" in Job.
It is easy to confuse the "
pearl of great price" parable with the "
treasure in a field" parable (one verse earlier). To what or who does the "
pearl of great price" refer?
To understand the "
merchant" and "
selling" and "
buying", it helps to have an understanding of "
business".
The word "
pearls" in Matthew 7:6 appears to be used in a figurative or code-word sense.
13. Review of taking care of business
Question: Should the
church be run as a
business?
Answer:
Yes. The church is already being run as a business.
Appropriate questions:
Who are the customers?
What is the objective function to be maximized (or minimized)?
What value is being provided to the customers?
More questions:
Is Jesus the primary customer?
Is Jesus always right?
What value does Jesus really desire?
What should the objective function be?
14. Programming books
A popular applied computer science series of books by Jon Bentley was called "
Programming pearls" in the 1980's.
Bentley, J. 1982. Writing efficient programs. NJ: Prentice-Hall: Englewood Cliffs, NJ.
Bentley, J. 1986. Programming pearls. Addison-Wesley: Reading, MA.
Bentley, J. 1988. More programming pearls. Addison-Wesley: Reading, MA.
He did a long-time column for the
ACM (Association of Computing Machinery) called "
Programming pearls".
15. Perl
Note: The programming language
PERL (Practical Extraction and Reporting Language), now called just Perl, is
not related to the word "
pearl".
Here is a Perl program to output "
Hello World".
#!/usr/bin/perl
# Modules used
use strict;
use warnings;
# Print function
print("Hello World\n");
The symbol of Perl is the camel. The Bible has many references to camels.
16. Pearls
An English saying is that of a "
pearl of wisdom".
Pearls come in various shades.
white
black
pink
We are interested in the "
Pearl of great price".
17. The adornment of people in the cosmos
1 Timothy 2:9 In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; [kjv]
ωσαυτως γυναικας εν καταστολη κοσμιω μετα αιδους και σωφροσυνης κοσμειν εαυτας μη εν πλεγμασιν και χρυσιω η μαργαριταις η ιματισμω πολυτελει [gnt]
Pearls have been used throughout time as an adornment in the jewelry sense.
Jokes are made about
"cosmology" (astronomy and stars) and
"cosmetology" (make-up and adorning). The words are related.
The Greek word
"cosmos" can mean adornments, the universe and everything in it, people in the world or a crowd of people (e.g., at a night club or a sporting event).
Why is a cosmetology class easier than a cosmology class?
Cosmetology classes give lots of make-up exams. Cosmology is over everyone's head.
18. 1 Timothy 2:9
KJV: In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array;
Greek: ωσαυτως και τας γυναικας εν καταστολη κοσμιω μετα αιδους και σωφροσυνης κοσμειν εαυτας μη εν πλεγμασιν η χρυσω και χρυσιω η μαργαριταις η ιματισμω πολυτελει
Latin: similiter et mulieres in habitu ornato cum verecundia et sobrietate ornantes se non in tortis crinibus aut auro aut margaritis vel veste pretiosa
Spanish: Asimismo también, que las mujeres se adornen con atavío decoroso, con vergüenza y modestia; no con cabellos encrespados, u oro, o perlas, o vestidos costosos;
19. Matthew 13:45-46
Matthew 13:45 Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls: [kjv]
13:46 Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it. [kjv]
The sixth Kingdom Parable in Matthew 13 concerns a "
merchant man" and "
pearls". The "
code word" for "
merchant man" does not appear to be a reference to "
Jesus". This misconception appears to come from the similarity of this parable to the previous parable, the "
treasure hidden in a field".
20. Passageway
21. Matthew 13:51 Asking for directions
Matthew 13:51 Jesus saith unto them, Have ye understood all these things? They say unto him, Yea, Lord. [kjv]
συνηκατε ταυτα παντα λεγουσιν αυτω ναι [gnt]
Immediately after the last of the seven parables, as a good teacher does, Jesus (teacher) asks his disciples (students) a question. Student to teacher:
Is this going to be on the test?
When you said it was not going to be on the test, I stopped listening. (even if the teacher then says it would be on the test)
Note the use of "
all these things" in the question. This means "
all the parables" including those not explained.
22. Revelation
Like many men (and some women), the disciples say they understand, not wanting to ask for directions (or more information). It would have been nice if Jesus had explained the other parables.
It appears that Jesus comes back in Revelation to supply some of the code word meanings for some nouns in the kingdom parables such as "
merchant man", "
pearl", etc.
23. Amazon Alexa
Matthew 13:51 Jesus saith unto them, Have ye understood all these things? They say unto him, Yea, Lord. [kjv]
συνηκατε ταυτα παντα λεγουσιν αυτω ναι [gnt]
Amazon Echo is a listening and speaking device, with the
Alexa (female) voice, that listens to commands and then does Internet searches, purchases, etc., and responds as if talking to a real person.
Some people worry about security and privacy since Alexa is always listening to what is said.
Why did Amazon use Alexa as a female personality?
They tried a male personality, Alex, but he did not listen to anything.
24. Listening
Matthew 13:51 Jesus saith unto them, Have ye understood all these things? They say unto him, Yea, Lord. [kjv]
συνηκατε ταυτα παντα λεγουσιν αυτω ναι [gnt]
Man to wife:
No, you're wrong... It doesn't even go in one ear!
hearing
listening
Mother to (three) sons:
You can all hear just fine, but you don't listen.
[German voice for
GPS (Global Positioning System) map directions]
25. Revelation 21:21 Pearly gates
Revelation 21:21 And the twelve gates were twelve pearls; every several gate was of one pearl: and the street of the city was pure gold, as it were transparent glass. [kjv]
και οι δωδεκα πυλωνες δωδεκα μαργαριται ανα εις εκαστος των πυλωνων ην εξ ενος μαργαριτου και η πλατεια της πολεως χρυσιον καθαρον ως υαλος διαυγης [gnt]
… portae … margaritae … portae … margaritis … platea … perlucidum [v]
In Revelation, we find the verse from which the idea of the "
Pearly Gates" originates. The Latin word
"margarita" ≈ "pearl" and comes from the ancient Greek word
"μαργαρίτης" ≈ "pearl".
The ancient Greek word
"πλατύς" ≈ "wide, flat" and is related to the English word
"flat". The Greek word is the first part of the English word
"platypus" which means, literally, "
flat feet". The Greek in this verse means less of a
"street" and more of a
"plaza" or
"plateau".
26. Pearly gates
|
|
Can you take your treasure with you?
Can you take that treasure through the "pearly gates"?
Have you ever seen a hearse (on the way to a graveyard) pulling a U-Haul (with possessions, etc.)?
Is treasure mental or physical (or both)? Jesus talks of a way to take you "treasure" with you.
|
27. Revelation 21:21 Pearly gates
Revelation 21:21 And the twelve gates were twelve pearls; every several gate was of one pearl: and the street of the city was pure gold, as it were transparent glass. [kjv]
και οι δωδεκα πυλωνες δωδεκα μαργαριται ανα εις εκαστος των πυλωνων ην εξ ενος μαργαριτου και η πλατεια της πολεως χρυσιον καθαρον ως υαλος διαυγης [gnt]
A
"gate" is a passage way from one side to the other. Each
"gate" is a
"pearl". One might conclude that a
"pearl" represents a
"gate" or "
access mechanism" to that passage way. It appears that there are
12 pearls but not
12 different pearls.
The ancient Greek word "πυλών" ≈ "gateway".
The ancient Greek word "πύλη" ≈ "wing of gates, entrance".
28. Locked pearly gates
|
|
The gates would appear to be "narrow" gates to "life" and not the "wide" gate to "destruction" in Matthew 7.
Are the gates open or locked? Who has the "key"?
|
29. Strongs - gate
- *G4439 *10 πύλη (poo'-lay) : apparently a primary word; a gate, i.e. the leaf or wing of a folding entrance (literally or figuratively):--gate.
- πυλη *4
- Matthew 7:13 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad ...
- Matthew 7:14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, ...
- Luke 7:12 Now when he came nigh to the gate of the city, behold, there was ...
- Acts 3:10 ... alms at the Beautiful gate of the temple: and they were filled ...
- πυλης *3
- Matthew 7:13 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad ...
- Acts 16:13 And on the sabbath we went out of the city by ...
- Hebrews 13:12 ... blood, suffered without the gate.
- πυλαι
- Matthew 16:18 ... my church; and the gates of hell shall not ...
- πυλας
- Acts 9:24 ... of Saul. And they watched the gates day and night ...
- πυλην
- Acts 12:10 ... they came unto the iron gate that leadeth unto the city; ...
- *G4440 *18 πυλών (poo-lone') : from G4439 πύλη; a gate-way, door-way of a building or city; by implication, a portal or vestibule:--gate, porch.
- πυλωνες *6
- Revelation 21:13 On the east three gates; on the north three gates; on the south ...
- Revelation 21:21 And the twelve gates were twelve pearls; every several gate was of ...
- Revelation 21:25 And the gates of it shall not be shut ...
- πυλωνα *4
- Matthew 26:71 ... he was gone out into the porch, another maid saw him, ...
- Luke 16:20 ... was laid at his gate, full of sores,
- Acts 10:17 ... and stood before the gate,
- Acts 12:14 ... she opened not the gate for gladness, but ran in, and told how Peter stood before the gate.
- πυλωνας *3
- Acts 14:13 ... and garlands unto the gates, and would have done sacrifice with the people.
- Revelation 21:12 ... and had twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, ...
- Revelation 21:15 ... measure the city, and the gates thereof, and the wall thereof.
- πυλωνος *2
- Acts 12:13 And as Peter knocked at the door of the gate, a damsel came to hearken, ...
- Acts 12:14 ... she opened not the gate for gladness, but ran in, and told how Peter stood before the gate.
- πυλωσιν *2
- Revelation 21:12 ... and had twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, ...
- Revelation 22:14 ... of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.
- πυλωνων
- Revelation 21:21 And the twelve gates were twelve pearls; every several gate was of ...
30. Usage - gate
*G4439 *10 πύλη (poo'-lay) : apparently a primary word; a gate, i.e. the leaf or wing of a folding entrance (literally or figuratively):--gate.
*G4440 *18 πυλών (poo-lone') : from G4439 πύλη; a gate-way, door-way of a building or city; by implication, a portal or vestibule:--gate, porch.
 |
Words: πυλαι πυλας πυλη=4 πυλην πυλης=3 πυλωνα=4 πυλωνας=3 πυλωνες=6 πυλωνος=2 πυλωνων πυλωσιν=2
|
The ancient Greek word "πυλών" ≈ "gateway".
The ancient Greek word "πύλη" ≈ "wing of gates, door, entrance".
31. Revelation 21:21
KJV: And the twelve gates were twelve pearls; every several gate was of one pearl: and the streeet of the city was pure gold, as it were transparent glass.
Greek: και οι δωδεκα πυλωνες δωδεκα μαργαριται ανα εις εκαστος των πυλωνων ην εξ ενος μαργαριτου και η πλατεια της πολεως χρυσιον καθαρον ως υαλος διαφανης διαυγης
Latin: et duodecim portae duodecim margaritae sunt per singulas et singulae portae erant ex singulis margaritis et platea civitatis aurum mundum tamquam vitrum perlucidum
Wycliffe: And twelue yatis ben twelue margaritis, bi ech; `and ech yate was of ech margarete. And the stretis of the citee weren clene gold, as of glas ful schynynge.
Tyndale: The xii. gates were xii pearles every gate was of one pearle and the strete of the cite was pure golde as thorowe shynynge glasse.
Luther: Und die zwölf Tore waren zwölf Perlen, und ein jeglich Tor war von einer Perle. Und die Gassen der Stadt waren lauter Gold, als ein durchscheinend Glas.
32. Strongs - pearl
- *G3135 *9 μαργαρίτης (mar-gar-ee'-tace) : from margaros (a pearl-oyster); a pearl:--pearl.
- μαργαριτας *2
- Matthew 7:6 ... neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest ...
- Matthew 13:45 ... man, seeking goodly pearls:
- μαργαριταις *2
- 1 Timothy 2:9 ... or gold, or pearls, or costly array;
- Revelation 17:4 ... precious stones and pearls, having a golden cup ...
- μαργαριτην
- Matthew 13:46 Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold ...
- μαργαριτων
- Revelation 18:12 ... precious stones, and of pearls, and fine linen, and ...
- μαργαριτη
- Revelation 18:16 ... precious stones, and pearls!
- μαργαριται
- Revelation 21:21 ... gates were twelve pearls; every several gate was of one pearl: and the street ...
- μαργαριτου
- Revelation 21:21 ... gates were twelve pearls; every several gate was of one pearl: and the street ...
33. Usage - pearl
*G3135 *9 μαργαρίτης (mar-gar-ee'-tace) : from margaros (a pearl-oyster); a pearl:--pearl.
 |
Words: μαργαριται μαργαριταις=2 μαργαριτας=2 μαργαριτη μαργαριτην μαργαριτου μαργαριτων
|
The name "
Margaret" comes from the ancient Greek word
"μαργαρίτης" ≈ "pearl". The etymology is uncertain.
The drink called a "
Margarita" was originally created by a bartender for someone named "
Margaret".
34. Red herring distraction
It is often said that "
pearls" are not valued by Jews.
One should think of the word "
pearl" as a code word without any other meaning.
Once candidates for the code word fit a given model, one can go back and see if any original meaning of the word "
pearl" makes sense in that model.
35. Code words
As a "
code word", such as in the parables of Jesus saying, for example, "
casting pearls before swine", etc., it appears that the "
pearl" can be interpreted as a "
passageway" or "
access method" though a "
gate" or "
door" to some objective.
Can we make some other code word associations for nouns?
36. Animal crackers
37. Matthew 5:13 Salt and irritation
Matthew 5:13 Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. [kjv]
υμεις εστε το αλας της γης εαν δε το αλας μωρανθη εν τινι αλισθησεται εις ουδεν ισχυει ετι ει μη βληθεν εξω καταπατεισθαι υπο των ανθρωπων [gnt]
An ancient way to
clean pearls, still used today, is that of
salt. English
"sea-alt" became
"salt".
Some pastors will preach that
"salt" "
provides flavor" and that
"salt" "
preserves things". The reality is that
"salt" "
preserves dead things". Just like
vitamins, you need some
"salt" but not too much
"salt".
These analogies result in what can be called a "
refrigerator magnet" sermon.
Salt can
irritate, as a grain of
sand irritates an oyster to produce a
pearl. Teachers sometimes do this to students in the learning process. Sadly, some schools no longer permit this. Whatever the student wants, the student gets. Does this ever happen in churches?
38. Matthew 5:13 Salt and irritation
Matthew 5:13 Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. [kjv]
υμεις εστε το αλας της γης εαν δε το αλας μωρανθη εν τινι αλισθησεται εις ουδεν ισχυει ετι ει μη βληθεν εξω καταπατεισθαι υπο των ανθρωπων [gnt]
Ross Perot (1930-2019), an American businessman and third party Presidential candidate in 1992, once described himself as the "
grain of sand" that irritates the clam to produce a beautiful "
pearl".
39. Matthew 7:6 Pearls before swine
Matthew 7:6 Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you. [kjv]
μη δωτε το αγιον τοις κυσιν μηδε βαλητε τους μαργαριτας υμων εμπροσθεν των χοιρων μηποτε καταπατησουσιν αυτους εν τοις ποσιν αυτων και στραφεντες ρηξωσιν υμας [gnt]
40. Salt and pearls and pigs
Matthew 5:13 Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. [kjv]
υμεις εστε το αλας της γης εαν δε το αλας μωρανθη εν τινι αλισθησεται εις ουδεν ισχυει ετι ει μη βληθεν εξω καταπατεισθαι υπο των ανθρωπων [gnt]
7:6 Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you. [kjv]
μη δωτε το αγιον τοις κυσιν μηδε βαλητε τους μαργαριτας υμων εμπροσθεν των χοιρων μηποτε καταπατησουσιν αυτους εν τοις ποσιν αυτων και στραφεντες ρηξωσιν υμας [gnt]
The
"salt" and
"pearls" can be connected with
"pigs" and "
people" via the connecting word of
"trodden" or
"trample" which is the same word in Greek (different verb tense ending). The
"cast" and
"before" words connect with
"salt" of the "
earth".
41. Salt and pearls and pigs
Matthew 5:13 Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. [kjv]
υμεις εστε το αλας της γης εαν δε το αλας μωρανθη εν τινι αλισθησεται εις ουδεν ισχυει ετι ει μη βληθεν εξω καταπατεισθαι υπο των ανθρωπων [gnt]
7:6 Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you. [kjv]
μη δωτε το αγιον τοις κυσιν μηδε βαλητε τους μαργαριτας υμων εμπροσθεν των χοιρων μηποτε καταπατησουσιν αυτους εν τοις ποσιν αυτων και στραφεντες ρηξωσιν υμας [gnt]
These are the only two verses where Matthew uses this word - as spoken by Jesus. If, as
"salt" one does not keep the
"pearls" clean and white, the end result is being literally
"trodden" down by "
men" and figuratively
"trodden" down by
"pigs".
Since ancient times,
"salt" has been used to clean
"pearls". The
"salt" is associated with
"pearls" via the
"trodden/trample". The
"swine" are then associated with "
people".
42. House built on sand
Matthew 9:17 Neither do men put new wine into old bottles: else the bottles break, and the wine runneth out, and the bottles perish: but they put new wine into new bottles, and both are preserved. [kjv]
ουδε βαλλουσιν οινον νεον εις ασκους παλαιους ει δε μηγε ρηγνυνται οι ασκοι και ο οινος εκχειται και οι ασκοι απολλυνται αλλα βαλλουσιν οινον νεον εις ασκους καινους και συντηρουνται [gnt]
Luke 6:49 But he that heareth, and doeth not, is like a man that without a foundation built an house upon the earth; against which the stream did beat vehemently, and immediately it fell; and the ruin of that house was great. [kjv]
ο δε ακουσας και μη ποιησας ομοιος εστιν ανθρωπω οικοδομησαντι οικιαν επι την γην χωρις θεμελιου η προσερηξεν ο ποταμος και συνεπεσεν και εγενετο το ρηγμα της οικιας εκεινης μεγα [gnt]
In Luke, the house is built on "
earth". The
"ruin" of that house is the same root word as that of
"burst" for the wineskins and that of
"rend" for the swine to whom pearls are thrown.
43. Worse than swine
Matthew 9:16 No man putteth a piece of new cloth unto an old garment, for that which is put in to fill it up taketh from the garment, and the rent is made worse. [kjv]
ουδεις δε επιβαλλει επιβλημα ρακους αγναφου επι ιματιω παλαιω αιρει γαρ το πληρωμα αυτου απο του ιματιου και χειρον σχισμα γινεται [gnt]
7:6 Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you. [kjv]
μη δωτε το αγιον τοις κυσιν μηδε βαλητε τους μαργαριτας υμων εμπροσθεν των χοιρων μηποτε καταπατησουσιν αυτους εν τοις ποσιν αυτων και στραφεντες ρηξωσιν υμας [gnt]
The play on words of
"worse" and
"swine" has an interesting connection to
"rupture" in the verse of throwing "
pearls" to "
swine". Today the words are pronounced the same.
"χείρον" ≈ "worse in quality, inferior" (accusative case).
"χοῖρον" ≈ "young pig, swine" (accusative case).
The words
"rent" as in
"schism" and
"rend" have about the
same semantic meaning.
Might the play on words with "
young swine" have any connection with the "
young goats" in the parable of the "
sheep" and "
goats"?
44. Pigs and old bottles
Matthew 9:17 Neither do men put new wine into old bottles: else the bottles break, and the wine runneth out, and the bottles perish: but they put new wine into new bottles, and both are preserved. [kjv]
ουδε βαλλουσιν οινον νεον εις ασκους παλαιους ει δε μηγε ρηγνυνται οι ασκοι και ο οινος εκχειται και οι ασκοι απολλυνται αλλα βαλλουσιν οινον νεον εις ασκους καινους και συντηρουνται [gnt]
7:6 Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you. [kjv]
μη δωτε το αγιον τοις κυσιν μηδε βαλητε τους μαργαριτας υμων εμπροσθεν των χοιρων μηποτε καταπατησουσιν αυτους εν τοις ποσιν αυτων και στραφεντες ρηξωσιν υμας [gnt]
The
"burst" for the wineskins is has the same root as the
"rend" for the swine to whom pearls are thrown. This appears to relate the "
pigs" to the "
old bottles".
45. Throwing pearls build
1 Gates
2 Gates with ask
3 Gates with sheep-dog
4 Gates with wolf-dog
5 Gates with thrown pearls
6 Gates with swine
This chart build is to summarize Matthew 7.
The end result of giving what is "
holy", control of the group, to a wolf-dog and having white and then gray "
pearls" cast to "
swine" to be trodden down to become black pearls is to divide the group into "
few" and "
some". Only the "
few" who have otherwise ignored the "
wolf" will find and knock on the gate to life and have it opened.
46. Strongs - trample
- *G2662 *5 καταπατέω (kat-ap-at-eh'-o) : from G2596 and G3961; to trample down; figuratively, to reject with disdain:--trample, tread (down, underfoot).
- καταπατεισθαι
- Matthew 5:13 ... to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.
- καταπατησουσιν
- Matthew 7:6 ... before swine, lest they trample them under their ...
- κατεπατηθη
- Luke 8:5 ... by the way side; and it was trodden down, and the fowls of the air ...
- καταπατειν
- Luke 12:1 ... an innumerable multitude of people, insomuch that they trode one upon another, he began to say ...
- καταπατησας
- Hebrews 10:29 ... punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and ...
47. Usage - trample
48. Matthew 13:45
KJV: Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls:
Greek: παλιν ομοια εστιν η βασιλεια των ουρανων ανθρωπω εμπορω ζητουντι καλους μαργαριτας
Latin: iterum simile est regnum caelorum homini negotiatori quaerenti bonas margaritas
Wessex: Eft is heofene riche gelic þam mangere þe sohte þt gode meregrot
Wycliffe: Eftsoone the kyngdom of heuenes is lijk to a marchaunt, that sechith good margaritis;
Tyndale: Agayne ye kyngdome of heve is lyke vnto a marchaunt that seketh good pearles
Luther: Abermal ist gleich das Himmelreich einem Kaufmann, der gute Perlen suchte.
Spanish: También el reino de los cielos es semejante a un mercader que busca buenas perlas;
49. Matthew 13:46
KJV: Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it.
Greek: ος ευρων δε ενα πολυτιμον μαργαριτην απελθων πεπρακεν παντα οσα ειχεν και ηγορασεν αυτον
50. Matthew and Revelation
Matthew 13:45 Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls: [kjv]
παλιν ομοια εστιν η βασιλεια των ουρανων εμπορω ζητουντι καλους μαργαριτας [gnt]
Revelation 18:23 … for thy merchants were the great men of the earth; for by thy sorceries were all nations deceived. [kjv]
και φως λυχνου ου μη φανη εν σοι ετι και φωνη νυμφιου και νυμφης ου μη ακουσθη εν σοι ετι οτι οι εμποροι σου ησαν οι μεγιστανες της γης οτι εν τη φαρμακεια σου επλανηθησαν παντα τα εθνη [gnt]
Jesus explains some parable words in Revelation. A
"merchant man" is a
"great one of the earth" who is involved in some "
business" of buying and selling.
A business need not make money. It could be selling ideas, salvation, etc. There are (at least) two Greek words to "
sell" something.
Not used here: Sell oneself for something as a sparrow, Jesus (on the cross), etc.
Used here: Sell something as a business opportunity to make a profit of some form.
51. Matthew 10:29-30 Sell out
Matthew 10:29 Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. [kjv]
ουχι δυο στρουθια ασσαριου πωλειται και εν εξ αυτων ου πεσειται επι την γην ανευ του πατρος υμων [gnt]
10:30 But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. [kjv]
υμων δε και αι τριχες της κεφαλης πασαι ηριθμημεναι εισιν [gnt]
What is the difference in the following?
"Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing (song).".
"Are not two sparrows bought for a farthing (song).".
*G4453 *22 πωλέω (po-leh'-o) : probably ultimately from pelomai (to be busy, to trade); to barter (as a pedlar), i.e. to sell:--sell, whatever is sold.
The ancient Greek word
"πωλέω" ≈ "sell" as in "
levy taxes",
"sell an office" or
"betray". This word often has negative connotations as sometimes does the English phrase
"sell out". A marketing phrase is from the Latin phrase
"caveat emptor" ≈ "let the buyer beware".
52. Strongs - sell out
- *G4453 *22 πωλέω (po-leh'-o) : probably ultimately from pelomai (to be busy, to trade); to barter (as a pedlar), i.e. to sell:--sell, whatever is sold.
- πωλουντας *5
- Matthew 21:12 ... cast out all them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves,
- Matthew 25:9 ... go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves.
- Mark 11:15 ... to cast out them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves;
- Luke 19:45 ... and began to cast out them that sold therein, and them that bought;
- John 2:14 And found in the temple those that sold oxen and sheep ...
- πωλησον *3
- Matthew 19:21 ... be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, ...
- Mark 10:21 ... thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and ...
- Luke 18:22 ... lackest thou one thing: sell all that thou hast, ...
- πωλουντων *2
- Matthew 21:12 ... cast out all them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves,
- Mark 11:15 ... to cast out them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves;
- πωλειται
- Matthew 10:29 Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one ...
- πωλει
- Matthew 13:44 ... thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, ...
- πωλουνται
- Luke 12:6 Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, ...
- πωλησατε
- Luke 12:33 Sell that ye have, and give ...
- επωλουν
- Luke 17:28 ... they did eat, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they builded;
- πωλησατω
- Luke 22:36 ... hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one.
- πωλουσιν
- John 2:16 And said unto them that sold doves, Take these things ...
- πωλουντες
- Acts 4:34 ... of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold,
- πωλησας
- Acts 4:37 Having land, sold it, and brought the money, ...
- επωλησεν
- Acts 5:1 ... Sapphira his wife, sold a possession,
- πωλουμενον
- 1 Corinthians 10:25 Whatsoever is sold in the shambles, that eat, asking ...
- πωλησαι
- Revelation 13:17 ... might buy or sell, save he that had ...
53. Usage - sell out
 |
Words: επωλησεν επωλουν πωλει πωλειται πωλησαι πωλησας πωλησατε πωλησατω πωλησον=3 πωλουμενον πωλουνται πωλουντας=5 πωλουντες πωλουντων=2 πωλουσιν
|
54. Selling
Matthew 13:46 Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it. [kjv]
ευρων δε ενα πολυτιμον μαργαριτην απελθων πεπρακεν παντα οσα ειχεν και ηγορασεν αυτον [gnt]
Acts 2:45 And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need. [kjv]
και τα κτηματα και τας υπαρξεις επιπρασκον και διεμεριζον αυτα πασιν καθοτι αν τις χρειαν ειχεν [gnt]
There is another ancient Greek word for
"sell" that does not have the negative connotations. The ancient Greek word
"πιπράσκω" ≈ "sell". The "
sell" is often for "
export" - the usual connotation of "
sell" as "
giving up" or "
going out".
*G4097 *9 πιπράσκω (pip-ras'-ko) : prao prah'-o; (which occurs only as an alternate in certain tenses) contracted from perao (to traverse; from the base of G4008); to traffic (by travelling), i.e. dispose of as merchandise or into slavery (literally or figuratively):--sell.
55. Acts 2:45
KJV: And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need.
Greek: και τα κτηματα και τας υπαρξεις επιπρασκον και διεμεριζον αυτα πασιν καθοτι αν τις χρειαν ειχεν
56. Strongs - sell
- *G4097 *9 πιπράσκω (pip-ras'-ko) : prao prah'-o; (which occurs only as an alternate in certain tenses) contracted from perao (to traverse; from the base of G4008); to traffic (by travelling), i.e. dispose of as merchandise or into slavery (literally or figuratively):--sell.
- πραθηναι *3
- Matthew 18:25 ... lord commanded him to be sold, and his wife, ...
- Matthew 26:9 For this ointment might have been sold for much, and given to the poor.
- Mark 14:5 For it might have been sold for more than three hundred pence, ...
- πεπρακεν
- Matthew 13:46 ... pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, ...
- επραθη
- John 12:5 Why was not this ointment sold for three hundred pence, ...
- επιπρασκον
- Acts 2:45 And sold their possessions and goods, and ...
- πιπρασκομενων
- Acts 4:34 ... sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold,
- πραθεν
- Acts 5:4 ... not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in ...
- πεπραμενος
- Romans 7:14 ... I am carnal, sold under sin.
57. Usage - sell
 |
Words: επιπρασκον επραθη πεπρακεν πεπραμενος πιπρασκομενων πραθεν πραθηναι=3
|
The ancient Greek word
"πιπράσκω" ≈ "sell".
58. One cookie rule
Growing up, the siblings would often leave the last cookie, piece of cake, etc., not eaten (which annoyed mom).
So, if we were asked "
Did you eat all of the cookies?" we could say, "
No, I did not have one of them". If pressed, we could point to the "
one" cookie that we did
not eat. If we had eaten than
one, then they would be
all (i.e., gone).
Sometimes it is the "
one cookie" that is
not eaten that is important.
There are two general forms of the "
one cookie rule" where the
exceptions are important.
"not one cookie ..." (negative statement)
"one cookie ..." (positive statement)
In general, this is called an "
equivocation" in that it could deceive the listener. Equivocations can be used to hide double meanings as in a code or secret code.
Equivocations can be used as jokes which some people like and some do not.
59. Matthew 13:45-46 One pearl
Matthew 13:45 Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls: [kjv]
παλιν ομοια εστιν η βασιλεια των ουρανων εμπορω ζητουντι καλους μαργαριτας [gnt]
13:46 Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it. [kjv]
ευρων δε ενα πολυτιμον μαργαριτην απελθων πεπρακεν παντα οσα ειχεν και ηγορασεν αυτον [gnt]
Revelation defines a "
merchant man" as a "
great one of the earth". Why might a
"great" one of the earth sell everything, but not himself, to obtain
"one" pearl? Are not "
many" pearls needed. That is, at least
two pearls, needed. If everything is sold to buy
one pearl, which pearls are thus
not obtained? Obtaining only
one pearl is like having one link in a chain. From Matthew 18, that
"one" or
"sheep" or
"little one" might be you! Have you been "
bought" to help someone else be
"great"?
Might the two most important laws identified by Jesus be
two "pearls". Both are needed. What happens if one obtains only
one of these
"pearls"?
60. Both love your God and love your neighbor as yourself needed
Jesus clearly states the two laws on which the law and the prophets hang in Mark 12:30-31 (and elsewhere).
Law/Pearl 1: Love God (and the rules of God).
Law/Pearl 2: Love your neighbor as yourself.
The religious establishment at the time of Jesus emphasized law 1, "Love your God", but ignored law 2, "Love your neighbor as yourself" rule. This is, literally, "against the law" (of God).
According to Jesus, both rules are needed. What happens if the religious establishment ignores "Love your God" and emphasizes only "Love your neighbor" and often leaves out "as yourself"? This is, literally, "against the law" (of God)
61. Revelation 18:23
KJV: And the light of a candle shall shine no more at all in thee; and the voice of the bridegroom and of the bride shall be heard no more at all in thee: for thy merchants were the great men of the earth; for by thy sorceries were all nations deceived.
Greek: και φως λυχνου ου μη φανη εν σοι ετι και φωνη νυμφιου και νυμφης ου μη ακουσθη εν σοι ετι οτι οι εμποροι σου ησαν οι μεγιστανες της γης οτι εν τη φαρμακεια σου επλανηθησαν παντα τα εθνη
62. Revelation 17:4
Revelation 17:4 And the woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet colour, and decked with gold and precious stones and pearls, having a golden cup in her hand full of abominations and filthiness of her fornication: [kjv]
και η γυνη ην περιβεβλημενη πορφυρουν και κοκκινον και κεχρυσωμενη χρυσιω και λιθω τιμιω και μαργαριταις εχουσα ποτηριον χρυσουν εν τη χειρι αυτης γεμον βδελυγματων και τα ακαθαρτα της πορνειας αυτης [gnt]
Are the (
not of high value)
"pearls" white, gray, or darkened to the point of being black? Might these
"pearls", not kept clean with "
salt", have been thrown before "
swine" and "
trampled"?
The
KJV translates as
"stones" what in the Greek is
singular. What is the
"one stone"?
Might it have been better to use the
"gold" and
"valued" "stone" to obtain some white
"pearls" (of great price)?
63. Revelation 17:4
KJV: And the woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet colour, and decked with gold and precious stones and pearls, having a golden cup in her hand full of abominations and filthiness of her fornication:
Greek: και η γυνη η ην περιβεβλημενη πορφυρα πορφυρουν και κοκκινω κοκκινον και κεχρυσωμενη χρυσω χρυσιω και λιθω τιμιω και μαργαριταις εχουσα χρυσουν ποτηριον χρυσουν εν τη χειρι αυτης γεμον βδελυγματων και ακαθαρτητος τα ακαθαρτα της πορνειας αυτης
Latin: et mulier erat circumdata purpura et coccino et inaurata auro et lapide pretioso et margaritis habens poculum aureum in manu sua plenum abominationum et inmunditia fornicationis eius
64. Revelation and Matthew
Revelation 18:12 The merchandise of gold, and silver, and precious stones, and of pearls, and fine linen, and purple, and silk, and scarlet, and all thyine wood, and all manner vessels of ivory, and all manner vessels of most precious wood, and of brass, and iron, and marble, [kjv]
γομον χρυσου και αργυρου και λιθου τιμιου και μαργαριτων και βυσσινου και πορφυρας και σιρικου και κοκκινου και παν ξυλον θυινον και παν σκευος ελεφαντινον και παν σκευος εκ ξυλου τιμιωτατου και χαλκου και σιδηρου και μαρμαρου [gnt]
Are the
"pearls" white, gray, or darkened to the point of being black? The
KJV translates as
"stones" what in the Greek is
singular. What is the
"one stone"?
Matthew 16:18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. [kjv]
καγω δε σοι λεγω οτι συ ει πετρος και επι ταυτη τη πετρα οικοδομησω μου την εκκλησιαν και πυλαι αδου ου κατισχυσουσιν αυτης [gnt]
65. Rock and sand
Build your house on the granite
rock of Jesus and not on the human sand (or stones) of man, Matthew 7:24-27. Sand is a chip off the old block of granite and made in the image of granite.
Church of believers built on the rock of Christ .
Church of believers built on the sand of man .
The higher one goes up the human
sand hierarchy or
sand tree, the more the temptation to ignore the foundation of the
rock and to start to "
influence" or "
manipulate" others as "
leaders" for one's own purposes.
To the extent that the Church of believers built on the sand of man helps one do what Jesus wants them to do, it is good. To the extent it does not, it is not good.
Some
birds will make "
stones" (sand on which to build their birdhouse) appear as "
bread". That is, give "
bad" "
gifts" or "
houses" to their "
children".
66. Revelation 18:12
KJV: The merchandise of gold, and silver, and precious stones, and of pearls, and fine linen, and purple, and silk, and scarlet, and all thyine wood, and all manner vessels of ivory, and all manner vessels of most precious wood, and of brass, and iron, and marble,
Greek: γομον χρυσου και αργυρου και λιθου τιμιου και μαργαριτου μαργαριτων και βυσσου βυσσινου και πορφυρας και σηρικου σιρικου και κοκκινου και παν ξυλον θυινον και παν σκευος ελεφαντινον και παν σκευος εκ ξυλου τιμιωτατου και χαλκου και σιδηρου και μαρμαρου
Latin: mercem auri et argenti et lapidis pretiosi et margaritis et byssi et purpurae et serici et cocci et omne lignum thyinum et omnia vasa eboris et omnia vasa de lapide pretioso et aeramento et ferro et marmore
67. Matthew 16:18
KJV: And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
Greek: καγω δε σοι λεγω οτι συ ει πετρος και επι ταυτη τη πετρα οικοδομησω μου την εκκλησιαν και πυλαι αδου ου κατισχυσουσιν αυτης
68. Revelation 18:16-17
Revelation 18:16 And saying, Alas, alas, that great city, that was clothed in fine linen, and purple, and scarlet, and decked with gold, and precious stones, and pearls ! [kjv]
λεγοντες ουαι ουαι η πολις η μεγαλη η περιβεβλημενη βυσσινον και πορφυρουν και κοκκινον και κεχρυσωμενη εν χρυσιω και λιθω τιμιω και μαργαριτη [gnt]
18:17 For in one hour so great riches is come to nought. And every shipmaster, and all the company in ships, and sailors, and as many as trade by sea, stood afar off, [kjv]
οτι μια ωρα ηρημωθη ο τοσουτος πλουτος και πας κυβερνητης και πας ο επι τοπον πλεων και ναυται και οσοι την θαλασσαν εργαζονται απο μακροθεν εστησαν [gnt]
Are the
"pearls" white, gray, or darkened to the point of being black? The
KJV translates as
"stones" what in the Greek is
singular. What is the
"one stone"?
How could this happen in
"one" "hour"? A volcanic eruption might do this. How could the entire world know this almost immediately?
69. Revelation 18:17
KJV: For in one hour so great riches is come to nought. And every shipmaster, and all the company in ships, and sailors, and as many as trade by sea, stood afar off,
Greek: οτι μια ωρα ηρημωθη ο τοσουτος πλουτος και πας κυβερνητης και πας επι των πλοιων ο ομιλος επι τοπον πλεων και ναυται και οσοι την θαλασσαν εργαζονται απο μακροθεν εστησαν
70. Revelation 18:16
KJV: And saying, Alas, alas, that great city, that was clothed in fine linen, and purple, and scarlet, and decked with gold, and precious stones, and pearls !
Greek: και λεγοντες ουαι ουαι η πολις η μεγαλη η περιβεβλημενη βυσσινον και πορφυρουν και κοκκινον και κεχρυσωμενη εν χρυσω χρυσιω και λιθω τιμιω και μαργαριταις μαργαριτη
Latin: et dicentes vae vae civitas illa magna quae amicta erat byssino et purpura et cocco et deaurata est auro et lapide pretioso et margaritis
71. Review
Matthew 13:45 Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls: [kjv]
13:46 Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it. [kjv]
ευρων δε ενα πολυτιμον μαργαριτην απελθων πεπρακεν παντα οσα ειχεν και ηγορασεν αυτον [gnt]
It is easy to confuse the "
pearl of great price" parable with the "
treasure in a field" parable (one verse earlier).
To understand the "
merchant" and "
selling" and "
buying", it helps to have an understanding of "
business".
This "
business person" or "
merchant" has "
sold everything" in a business transaction to buy "
one" pearl as a worldly investment. It appears that the "
pearly gates" require at least two pearls.
72. Pearly gates
Matthew 7:7 Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: [kjv]
αιτειτε και δοθησεται υμιν ζητειτε και ευρησετε κρουετε και ανοιγησεται υμιν [gnt]
On which gate are you doing the following.
asking
seeking
knocking
 |
|
73. Matthew 7:7
KJV: Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:
Greek: αιτειτε και δοθησεται υμιν ζητειτε και ευρησετε κρουετε και ανοιγησεται υμιν
74. Review: Matthew 13 Pearl of great price parable 6
Matthew 13:45 Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls: [kjv]
13:46 Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it. [kjv]
Why might a
"great one of the earth", as a business transaction,
"sell" everything, but not himself, to obtain
"one" pearl?
Are not "
many" pearls needed? That is, at least
two pearls, needed?
If everything is sold to buy
one pearl, which pearls are thus
not obtained?
Might the two most important laws identified by Jesus be
two "pearls". Both are needed. What happens if one obtains only
one of these
"pearls"?
75. Ignatius to the Ephesians: Pearls
The ancient Greek word
"μαργαρίτης" ≈ "pearl" is rarely used outside the
GNT. Early church father Ignatius uses the word once.
English: Let nothing appeal to you apart from him, in whom I carry around these chains (my spiritual pearls!), by which I hope, through your prayers, to rise again. (Holmes, 2007, p. 193)
Greek: χωρὶς τούτου μηδὲν ὑμῖν πρεπέτω, ἐν ᾧ τὰ δεσμὰ περιφέρω, τοὺς πνευματικοὺς μαργαρίτας, ἐν οἷς γένοιτό μοι ἀνατῆναι τῇ προσευχῇ ὑμῶν… Ignatius to the Ephesians [11.2]
Ignatius uses the ancient Greek word
"δεσμός" ≈ "bond, fetter" which is translated as
"chains" since it was known from context that Ignatius was in
"chains". The ancient Greek word
"ἅλυσις" ≈ "chain, link in chain mail".
The meaning of
"pearl" in the
GNT appears to be that of an enabling access mechanism and not a restricting mechanism. Perhaps Ignatius meant that the physical restraining mechanism was a spiritual enabling mechanism.
76. End of page
Matthew 13:45 Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls: [kjv]
παλιν ομοια εστιν η βασιλεια των ουρανων εμπορω ζητουντι καλους μαργαριτας [gnt]
13:46 Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it. [kjv]
ευρων δε ενα πολυτιμον μαργαριτην απελθων πεπρακεν παντα οσα ειχεν και ηγορασεν αυτον [gnt]
