# General Information:

In this parable, Jesus uses a simile to teach his disciples what the kingdom of heaven is like. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-simile]])

# Connecting Statement:

Jesus describes the kingdom of heaven by telling a parable about a person who sold his possessions to purchase something of great value. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-parables]])

# like a man who is a merchant looking for valuable pearls

The implied information is that the man was looking for valuable pearls that he could buy. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-simile]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-explicit]])

# a merchant

a trader or wholesale dealer who often obtains merchandise from distant places

# valuable pearls

A "pearl" is a smooth, hard, shiny, white or light-colored bead formed inside mollusks in the sea and highly prized as a gem or to make into valuable jewelry. Alternate translation: "fine pearls" or "beautiful pearls" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/translate-unknown]])