Devine Scripture

Matthew 24:49

What does Matthew 24:49 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 24:49 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 24:49 means

Following his cynical thought, the evil servant's character is revealed through his actions: "and shall begin to beat his fellow-servants, and shall eat and drink with the drunken." This demonstrates a complete abandonment of his responsibilities and a descent into abusive and worldly behavior. Instead of caring for the household, he abuses his authority and indulges in sinful pleasures. This illustrates the moral decay and lack of genuine love that result from presuming Christ's delay and serves as a stark warning.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

and shall begin to beat his fellow-servants, and shall eat and drink with the drunken;

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And shall begin to smite his fellowservants, and to eat and drink with the drunken;

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

and shall begin to beat his fellow-servants, and shall eat and drink with the drunken;

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And is cruel to the other servants, taking his pleasure with those who are overcome with wine;

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and may begin to beat the fellow-servants, and to eat and to drink with the drunken,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And shall begin to strike his fellow servants and shall eat and drink with drunkards:

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

and begin to beat his fellow-bondmen, and eat and drink with the drunken;

Context

This verse illustrates the immediate, negative behavioral consequences of the evil servant's complacent mindset established in verse 48. It details his abusive and worldly actions, creating a clear picture of unfaithfulness that directly contrasts with the diligence of the good servant and sets the stage for the swift and unexpected judgment he will face.

v.48But if that evil servant shall say in his heart, My lord tarrieth;

v.49This passage

v.50the lord of that servant shall come in a day when he expecteth not, and in an hour when he knoweth not,

Cross references

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

  • Isaiah 56:12

    Come ye, say they, I will fetch wine, and we will fill ourselves with strong drink; and to-morrow shall be as this day, a day great beyond measure.

  • 2 Peter 2:13

    suffering wrong as the hire of wrong-doing; men that count it pleasure to revel in the day-time, spots and blemishes, revelling in their deceivings while they feast with you;

  • 1 Samuel 2:29

    Wherefore kick ye at my sacrifice and at mine offering, which I have commanded in my habitation, and honorest thy sons above me, to make yourselves fat with the chiefest of all the offerings of Israel my people?

  • Matthew 7:15

    Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravening wolves.

  • 2 Corinthians 11:20

    For ye bear with a man, if he bringeth you into bondage, if he devoureth you, if he taketh you captive, if he exalteth himself, if he smiteth you on the face.

  • Ezekiel 34:3

    Ye eat the fat, and ye clothe you with the wool, ye kill the fatlings; but ye feed not the sheep.

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