Devine Scripture

Matthew 22:13

What does Matthew 22:13 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 22:13 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 22:13 means

The king commands his servants to bind the man 'hand and foot' and cast him into 'outer darkness,' a place of 'weeping and the gnashing of teeth.' This severe judgment signifies eternal condemnation and separation from God's glorious presence. The binding symbolizes utter helplessness, and the outer darkness, contrasting with the light and joy of the feast, represents hell or eternal suffering. 'Weeping and gnashing of teeth' is a recurring phrase in Matthew, depicting profound despair and torment.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

Then the king said to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and cast him out into the outer darkness; there shall be the weeping and the gnashing of teeth.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Then said the king to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

Then the king said to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and cast him out into the outer darkness; there shall be the weeping and the gnashing of teeth.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Then the king said to the servants, Put cords round his hands and feet and put him out into the dark; there will be weeping and cries of sorrow.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

`Then said the king to the ministrants, Having bound his feet and hands, take him up and cast forth to the outer darkness, there shall be the weeping and the gnashing of the teeth;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Then the king said to the waiters: Bind his hands and feet, and cast him into the exterior darkness. There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

Then said the king to the servants, Bind him feet and hands, and take him away, and cast him out into the outer darkness: there shall be the weeping and the gnashing of teeth.

Context

This verse delivers the harsh consequence for the improperly dressed guest, immediately following his speechless inability to justify himself. This judgment on the individual serves as a stark warning within the parable, illustrating that while the invitation to the kingdom is broad, there is a serious expectation for proper spiritual preparation. This concludes the parable’s narrative about the unrighteous guest.

v.12and he saith unto him, Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding-garment? And he was speechless.

v.13This passage

v.14For many are called, but few chosen.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • 2 Thessalonians 1:9

    who shall suffer punishment, even eternal destruction from the face of the Lord and from the glory of his might,

  • Matthew 8:12

    but the sons of the kingdom shall be cast forth into the outer darkness: there shall be the weeping and the gnashing of teeth.

  • John 21:18

    Verily, verily, I say unto thee, When thou wast young, thou girdedst thyself, and walkedst whither thou wouldest: but when thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee, and carry thee whither thou wouldest not.

  • Jude 1:6

    And angels that kept not their own principality, but left their proper habitation, he hath kept in everlasting bonds under darkness unto the judgment of the great day.

  • Psalms 112:10

    The wicked shall see it, and be grieved; He shall gnash with his teeth, and melt away: The desire of the wicked shall perish.

  • Acts 7:54

    Now when they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed on him with their teeth.

Related questions readers ask

Keep reading

Want to dig deeper? Explore Matthew 22

Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Matthew 22.

Keep exploring

Follow this verse across Scripture

Topics, devotionals, original-language word studies, and figures connected to Matthew 22:13.

Browse every hub

BibleTopicsBible answersDevotionalsFamous passagesWord studiesPeoplePlacesVerses for…Reading plansCommentary