μαργαρίτης (margaritēs)
margaritēs
pearl
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 8 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun margaritēs refers to a pearl, a gem formed within an oyster that was highly prized in the ancient world for its rarity and beauty. In the New Testament, it appears in eight verses, most notably in the Gospel of Matthew, the First Epistle to Timothy, and the Book of Revelation. Its presence across these diverse texts highlights how early Christians understood immense value.
Jesus uses this image in two distinct ways to teach about spiritual priorities. In the parable of the merchant seeking fine pearls, he describes a man who sells everything to buy one priceless pearl (Matthew 13:45-46), illustrating the supreme worth of the kingdom of heaven. Conversely, in Matthew 7:6, he warns against casting pearls before swine, using the proverbial value of the gem to show that holy things should not be treated with contempt by those who reject them.
Later biblical authors apply this symbol to describe divine glory and proper conduct. Paul instructs women to adorn themselves with modesty rather than expensive jewelry like pearls (1 Timothy 2:9), while Revelation depicts the New Jerusalem having streets of pure gold and gates made of single great pearls (Revelation 21:21). The word consistently points to something rare, beautiful, and worthy of significant sacrifice or reverence.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
When Jesus spoke of a pearl of great price, He did not just describe a valuable object; He described a choice that changes everything. In Matthew 13:46, a merchant finds one such gem and sells all he owns to possess it. This image invites us to consider what we value most in life. It suggests that the Kingdom of Heaven is so rich, so complete, and so beautiful that giving up lesser things to gain it is not a loss, but a wise and joyful exchange.
We see this same theme of true worth reflected in how we present ourselves. While Paul advises against displaying wealth through pearls or expensive clothes (1 Timothy 2:9), the underlying principle remains consistent: our outer appearance should not distract from the inner life that matters to God. Whether we are seeking the Kingdom or living out our faith daily, the pearl reminds us that true value lies in spiritual reality, not in material accumulation.
This word also appears in Revelation, where the New Jerusalem has gates made of single great pearls (Revelation 21:21). Here, the pearl symbolizes the beauty and holiness of God’s eternal home. It encourages us to keep our eyes fixed on that future hope, knowing that what we seek now is real and lasting.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 8 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- pearls.2×
- with pearls,1×
- with pearls1×
- with pearl!1×
- pearls1×
- pearl.1×
- pearl,1×
- of pearls1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- μαργαρῖται.1×
- μαργαρίτῃ,1×
- μαργαρίτου.¶1×
- μαργαρίτην,1×
- μαργαρίτας.1×
- μαργαρίτας1×
- μαργαρίταις,1×
- μαργαρίταις1×
- μαργαριτῶν1×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 13:46
who having found one pearl of great price, he went and sold all that he had and bought it.
This verse captures the decisive action of selling everything to acquire the Kingdom, highlighting its supreme value over all earthly possessions.
-
Matthew 7:6
“Don’t give that which is holy to the dogs, neither throw your pearls before the pigs, lest perhaps they trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces.
Here the word illustrates the danger of treating sacred truths with contempt by those who are hostile to them.
-
Revelation of John 21:21
The twelve gates were twelve pearls. Each one of the gates was made of one pearl. The street of the city was pure gold, like transparent glass.
This occurrence depicts the gates of the New Jerusalem, using the pearl to symbolize the unique beauty and holiness of God's eternal city.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Greek word margaritēs mean?
Why does Jesus mention pearls in two different ways?
How does this word relate to Christian conduct?
What do the pearls in Revelation symbolize?
Every Occurrence (8 verses across 3 books)
Matthew 3 verses
“Don’t give that which is holy to the dogs, neither throw your pearls before the pigs, lest perhaps they trample them…
Matthew 13:45“Again, the Kingdom of Heaven is like a man who is a merchant seeking fine pearls,
Matthew 13:46who having found one pearl of great price, he went and sold all that he had and bought it.