Devine Scripture

Matthew 24:51

What does Matthew 24:51 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 24:51 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 24:51 means

Jesus describes the severe and unequivocal judgment awaiting the unfaithful servant: "and shall cut him asunder, and appoint his portion with the hypocrites: there shall be the weeping and the gnashing of teeth." This imagery portrays a violent and irreversible separation from the master, followed by a destiny alongside those who feign righteousness. The "weeping and gnashing of teeth" is a common biblical idiom for intense sorrow, regret, and agony, signifying eternal punishment. It emphasizes the grave consequences of spiritual unfaithfulness and unpreparedness for Christ's return.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

and shall cut him asunder, and appoint his portion with the hypocrites: there shall be the weeping and the gnashing of teeth.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And shall cut him asunder, and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

and shall cut him asunder, and appoint his portion with the hypocrites: there shall be the weeping and the gnashing of teeth.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And will have him cut in two, and will give him a part in the fate of the false ones: there will be weeping and cries of sorrow.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and will cut him off, and his portion with the hypocrites will appoint; there shall be the weeping and the gnashing of the teeth.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And shall separate him and appoint his portion with the hypocrites. There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

and shall cut him in two and appoint his portion with the hypocrites: there shall be the weeping and the gnashing of teeth.

Context

This final verse of the chapter delivers the shocking, severe judgment for the evil servant, contrasting starkly with the blessing for the faithful. It provides a stark and vivid conclusion to the parable of vigilance and service, powerfully reinforcing the consequences of unpreparedness and culminating Jesus' discourse on the end times by emphasizing the ultimate separation of the righteous from the unrighteous.

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

v.51This passage

Cross references

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

  • Job 20:29

    This is the portion of a wicked man from God, And the heritage appointed unto him by God.

  • Matthew 22:13

    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.

  • 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.

  • Luke 13:28

    There shall be the weeping and the gnashing of teeth, when ye shall see Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, and all the prophets, in the kingdom of God, and yourselves cast forth without.

  • Luke 12:46

    the lord of that servant shall come in a day when he expecteth not, and in an hour when he knoweth not, and shall cut him asunder, and appoint his portion with the unfaithful.

  • Isaiah 33:14

    The sinners in Zion are afraid; trembling hath seized the godless ones: Who among us can dwell with the devouring fire? who among us can dwell with everlasting burnings?

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