King James Version

What Does Matthew 13:42 Mean?

Matthew 13:42 in the King James Version says “And shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth. — study this verse from Matthew chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

And shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.

Matthew 13:42 · KJV


Context

40

As therefore the tares are gathered and burned in the fire; so shall it be in the end of this world.

41

The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity; things: or, scandals

42

And shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.

43

Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Who hath ears to hear, let him hear.

44

Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And shall cast them into a furnace of fire (κάμινον τοῦ πυρός, kaminon tou pyros)—the same phrase used in Daniel 3:6 LXX for Nebuchadnezzar's furnace, here denoting hell's conscious torment. There shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth (ὁ κλαυθμὸς καὶ ὁ βρυγμὸς τῶν ὀδόντων, ho klauthmos kai ho brygmos tōn odontōn)—a repeated phrase in Matthew (8:12, 13:50, 22:13, 24:51, 25:30) depicting extreme anguish and furious regret.

The definite article ('the furnace') suggests a specific, prepared place of punishment (Matthew 25:41—'everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels'). The combination of weeping (grief) and teeth-gnashing (rage) indicates both sorrow over loss and anger at judgment. This is not annihilation or soul-sleep but conscious, eternal punishment—the most sobering reality in Scripture.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Jesus's teaching on hell is more explicit than any Old Testament text. Writing around AD 60-70, Matthew preserves Jesus's warnings for the early church facing persecution—the martyrs' faithfulness is vindicated by the reality of divine justice. Modern Christianity often minimizes hell, but Jesus spoke of it repeatedly and unflinchingly.

Reflection Questions

  1. How should the reality of eternal conscious punishment shape your evangelism, parenting, and pastoral care?
  2. What does the 'gnashing of teeth' (rage) reveal about the impenitent human heart even under judgment?
  3. Can you maintain Jesus's balance—warning of hell without legalism, offering grace without presumption?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 17 words
καὶ1 of 17

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

βαλοῦσιν2 of 17

shall cast

G906

to throw (in various applications, more or less violent or intense)

αὐτοὺς3 of 17

them

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

εἰς4 of 17

into

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

τὴν5 of 17
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

κάμινον6 of 17

a furnace

G2575

a furnace

τοῦ7 of 17
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

πυρός·8 of 17

of fire

G4442

"fire" (literally or figuratively, specially, lightning)

ἐκεῖ9 of 17

there

G1563

there; by extension, thither

ἔσται10 of 17

shall be

G2071

will be

11 of 17
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

κλαυθμὸς12 of 17

wailing

G2805

lamentation

καὶ13 of 17

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

14 of 17
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

βρυγμὸς15 of 17

gnashing

G1030

a grating (of the teeth)

τῶν16 of 17
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ὀδόντων17 of 17

of teeth

G3599

a "tooth"


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Matthew. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Matthew 13:42 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Matthew 13:42 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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