Devine Scripture

Matthew 25:30

What does Matthew 25:30 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 25:30 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 25:30 means

The master issues the final, severe judgment upon the unprofitable servant: he is to be cast into "the outer darkness," where there will be "weeping and the gnashing of teeth." This imagery symbolizes eternal separation from God and agonizing regret. It signifies that those who neglect their God-given responsibilities, failing to be faithful stewards, will face everlasting judgment. This serves as a stark warning about the ultimate consequences of spiritual idleness and unfaithfulness, contrasting sharply with the joy of the faithful servants.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And cast ye out the unprofitable servant into the outer darkness: there shall be the weeping and the gnashing of teeth.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And cast ye out the unprofitable servant into the outer darkness: there shall be the weeping and the gnashing of teeth.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And put out the servant who is of no profit into the outer dark: there will be weeping and cries of sorrow.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and the unprofitable servant cast ye forth to the outer darkness; there shall be the weeping and the gnashing of the teeth.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And the unprofitable servant, cast ye out into the exterior darkness. There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And cast out the useless bondman into the outer darkness; there shall be the weeping and the gnashing of teeth.

Context

This verse describes the climactic and severe punishment for the unprofitable servant, directly following the explanation of the principle in verse 29. It provides the ultimate consequence of his slothfulness and unfaithfulness, concluding the Parable of the Talents with a powerful image of eternal judgment. This somber conclusion prepares the reader for the transition to the final, vivid description of the Last Judgment in the upcoming verses.

v.29For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not, even that which he hath shall be taken away.

v.30This passage

v.31But when the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the angels with him, then shall he sit on the throne of his glory:

Cross references

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

  • Matthew 5:13

    Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost its savor, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out and trodden under foot of men.

  • 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.

  • Hebrews 6:7

    For the land which hath drunk the rain that cometh oft upon it, and bringeth forth herbs meet for them for whose sake it is also tilled, receiveth blessing from God:

  • Matthew 24:51

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

  • Luke 14:34

    Salt therefore is good: but if even the salt have lost its savor, wherewith shall it be seasoned?

  • Jeremiah 15:1

    Then said Jehovah unto me, Though Moses and Samuel stood before me, yet my mind would not be toward this people: cast them out of my sight, and let them go forth.

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