King James Version

What Does Matthew 13:50 Mean?

Matthew 13:50 in the King James Version says “And shall cast them into the 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 the furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.

Matthew 13:50 · KJV


Context

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.

52

Then said he unto them, Therefore every scribe which is instructed unto the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which bringeth forth out of his treasure things new and old.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And shall cast them into the furnace of fire (βαλοῦσιν αὐτοὺς εἰς τὴν κάμινον τοῦ πυρός)—This exact phrase appears in 13:42, creating a thematic link between the wheat/tares and dragnet parables. The κάμινος (furnace) was a smelting furnace, not a mere cooking fire, emphasizing intensity and purpose. The future tense βαλοῦσιν ('they will cast') underscores the certainty, not mere possibility, of final judgment.

There shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth (ἐκεῖ ἔσται ὁ κλαυθμὸς καὶ ὁ βρυγμὸς τῶν ὀδόντων)—This formula appears seven times in Matthew (8:12; 13:42, 50; 22:13; 24:51; 25:30; Luke 13:28). Κλαυθμός denotes audible lamentation, while βρυγμός (gnashing) indicates rage, remorse, or anguish. The article ('the wailing...the gnashing') suggests characteristic, unceasing responses to conscious punishment. This refutes annihilationism—there must be continued existence for continued anguish.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The imagery of fiery judgment was familiar from Daniel 3:6 (Nebuchadnezzar's furnace) and Isaiah 66:24 ('their worm shall not die, neither shall their fire be quenched'). In Second Temple Judaism, Gehenna (ge-hinnom, valley of Hinnom) became the dominant metaphor for final judgment, referencing the valley south of Jerusalem where refuse burned continually and where child sacrifice once occurred under apostate kings.

Reflection Questions

  1. How should the doctrine of conscious eternal punishment affect your prayer life and evangelistic zeal?
  2. Why is Jesus—the most loving person who ever lived—also the most explicit teacher of hell in Scripture?

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

the 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 13:50 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 13:50 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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