King James Version

What Does Matthew 13:49 Mean?

Matthew 13:49 in the King James Version says “So shall it be at the end of the world: the angels shall come forth, and sever the wicked from among the just,” — study this verse from Matthew chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“So shall it be at the end of the world: the angels shall come forth, and sever the wicked from among the just,”

Matthew 13:49 · KJV

Context

47

Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a net, that was cast into the sea, and gathered of every kind:

48

Which, when it was full, they drew to shore, and sat down, and gathered the good into vessels, but cast the bad away.

49

So shall it be at the end of the world: the angels shall come forth, and sever the wicked from among the just,

50

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

51

Jesus saith unto them, Have ye understood all these things? They say unto him, Yea, Lord.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
So shall it be at the end of the world (ἐν τῇ συντελείᾳ τοῦ αἰῶνος)—συντέλεια means 'consummation, completion' not mere termination, pointing to the goal toward which history moves. This phrase appears seven times in Matthew (13:39, 40, 49; 24:3; 28:20), making eschatology central to Jesus's teaching. The angels shall come forth (ἐξελεύσονται οἱ ἄγγελοι) assigns judgment execution to angels, as in 13:39-42, preserving Christ's role as merciful Savior while affirming His sovereignty over judgment.

Sever the wicked from among the just (ἀφοριοῦσιν τοὺς πονηροὺς ἐκ μέσου τῶν δικαίων)—the verb ἀφορίζω ('to separate, mark off') appears in Matthew 25:32 of separating sheep from goats. Note the direction: the πονηροί (actively evil ones) are removed from among the δίκαιοι (righteous, justified), not vice versa. The righteous remain in their inheritance while the wicked are extracted and expelled.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This interpretation follows immediately after the parable (v. 48), showing Jesus's consistent method of explaining kingdom parables. In first-century Judaism, various eschatological expectations existed, but Jesus uniquely emphasized both the certainty of judgment and the role of angels as divine agents, correcting notions that the Messiah would immediately establish an earthly kingdom without prior judgment.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the fact that wicked are removed 'from among' the righteous challenge the world's assumption that Christians should be removed from society?
  2. What comfort does angelic agency in judgment provide for believers who face injustice now?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 18 words
οὕτως1 of 18

“So”

G3779

in this way (referring to what precedes or follows)

ἔσται2 of 18

“shall it be”

G2071

will be

ἐν3 of 18

“at”

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

τῇ4 of 18
G3588

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

συντελείᾳ5 of 18

“the end”

G4930

entire completion, i.e., consummation (of a dispensation)

τοῦ6 of 18
G3588

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

αἰῶνος·7 of 18

“of the world”

G165

properly, an age; by extension, perpetuity (also past); by implication, the world; specially (jewish) a messianic period (present or future)

ἐξελεύσονται8 of 18

“shall come forth”

G1831

to issue (literally or figuratively)

οἱ9 of 18
G3588

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

ἄγγελοι10 of 18

“the angels”

G32

compare g0034) (to bring tidings); a messenger; especially an "angel"; by implication, a pastor

καὶ11 of 18

“and”

G2532

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

ἀφοριοῦσιν12 of 18

“sever”

G873

to set off by boundary, i.e., (figuratively) limit, exclude, appoint, etc

τοὺς13 of 18
G3588

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

πονηροὺς14 of 18

“the wicked”

G4190

hurtful, i.e., evil (properly, in effect or influence, and thus differing from g2556, which refers rather to essential character, as well as from g455

ἐκ15 of 18

“from”

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

μέσου16 of 18

“among”

G3319

middle (as an adjective or (neuter) noun)

τῶν17 of 18
G3588

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

δικαίων18 of 18

“the just”

G1342

equitable (in character or act); by implication, innocent, holy (absolutely or relatively)

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 13:49 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 13:49 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Revelation 20:12-15Matthew 13:39Matthew 24:31Matthew 22:12-14Matthew 25:5-12Matthew 25:19-33

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