Devine Scripture

Matthew 25:41

What does Matthew 25:41 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 25:41 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 25:41 means

The King then turns to those on His left hand, delivering a stern and terrifying pronouncement: "Depart from me, ye cursed, into the eternal fire which is prepared for the devil and his angels." This judgment signifies utter condemnation and eternal separation from God. The "eternal fire" emphasizes the unceasing nature of their punishment, and the detail that it was prepared not for humans, but for Satan and his demonic forces, underscores its horrific nature and their tragic choice to align with evil through their negligence.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into the eternal fire which is prepared for the devil and his angels:

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into the eternal fire which is prepared for the devil and his angels:

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Then will he say to those on the left, Go from me, you cursed ones, into the eternal fire which is ready for the Evil One and his angels:

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

Then shall he say also to those on the left hand, Go ye from me, the cursed, to the fire, the age-during, that hath been prepared for the Devil and his messengers;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Then he shall say to them also that shall be on his left hand: Depart from me, you cursed, into everlasting fire, which was prepared for the devil and his angels.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

Then shall he say also to those on the left, Go from me, cursed, into eternal fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:

Context

This verse marks a dramatic shift, as the King now turns to those on His left hand and delivers a pronouncement of judgment, directly contrasting with the blessed invitation given to the righteous. This declaration of eternal fire and separation from Him is the critical turning point for the unrighteous. It sets the stage for the explanation of *why* they are condemned, leading directly into the enumeration of their failures in the subsequent verses.

v.40And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it unto one of these my brethren, even these least, ye did it unto me.

v.41This passage

v.42for I was hungry, and ye did not give me to eat; I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink;

Cross references

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

  • Revelation 20:10

    And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where are also the beast and the false prophet; and they shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.

  • Revelation 14:10

    he also shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is prepared unmixed in the cup of his anger; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb:

  • 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 119:21

    Thou hast rebuked the proud that are cursed, That do wander from thy commandments.

  • Psalms 139:19

    Surely thou wilt slay the wicked, O God: Depart from me therefore, ye bloodthirsty men.

  • Matthew 25:46

    And these shall go away into eternal punishment: but the righteous into eternal life.

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