Matthew 13:44 (KJV)
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.
Matthew 13:44 (MKJV)
Again, the kingdom of Heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which when a man has found it, he hides it, and for the joy of it goes and sells all that he has, and buys that field.
Matthew 13:44 (NKJV)
“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and hid; and for joy over it he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.
The Parable of the Hidden Treasure
So far, Jesus had compared the kingdom of heaven to small things because its beginning was small, but to prevent anyone from thinking too little of it, he now represents it as something of great value and advantage to those who embrace it. It is likened to a treasure hidden in a field, which, if we will, we may make our own.
Jesus Christ is the true Treasure; in him, there is an abundance of all that is rich and useful and will be our portion: all fullness (Col 1:19; Joh 1:16), treasures of wisdom and knowledge (Col 2:3), of righteousness, grace, and peace. These are laid up for us in Christ, and if we have an interest in him, they are ours.
The gospel is the field in which this treasure is hidden: it is hidden in the word of the gospel, both the Old and New Testaments. In gospel ordinances, it is hidden like milk in the breast, marrow in the bone, manna in the dew, water in the well (Isa 12:3), and honey in the honeycomb. It is hidden, not in a closed garden or a shut-up spring, but in an open field; whoever will, let him come and search the Scriptures. Let him dig in this field (Pr 2:4), and whatever royal mines he finds are his if he takes the right course.
It is a great thing to discover this hidden treasure and recognize its immense value. Many disregard the gospel because they look only at the surface of the field and see no excellence in it. The richest mines are often in the most barren-looking ground; therefore, they will not even bid for the field, much less pay the price. But those who have searched the Scriptures and found Christ and eternal life (Joh 5:39) have discovered a treasure that makes it infinitely valuable.
Those who recognize this treasure and value it properly will never rest until they have made it their own at any cost. He that finds this treasure hides it, signifying a holy fear of falling short (Heb 4:1), watching diligently (Heb 12:15), lest Satan come between him and it. He rejoices in it, even before the bargain is made, glad that such a treasure exists and that he is in a fair way to claim it. He resolves to buy the field, for Christ in the gospel is what we must seek. And so intent is he upon it that he sells all to buy this field, counting everything else as loss to gain Christ and be found in him.