King James Version

What Does Matthew 24:51 Mean?

Matthew 24:51 in the King James Version says “And shall cut him asunder, and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth...” — study this verse from Matthew chapter 24 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Matthew 24:51 · KJV

Context

49

And shall begin to smite his fellowservants, and to eat and drink with the drunken;

50

The lord of that servant shall come in a day when he looketh not for him, and in an hour that he is not aware of,

51

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

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And shall cut him asunder (καὶ διχοτομήσει αὐτ�ν)—The verb διχοτομέω (dichotomeō, 'to cut in two, to cut asunder') is graphic—literal bisection. This was a form of execution in ancient Near East (1 Samuel 15:33; Hebrews 11:37). Whether literal or hyperbolic, it conveys utter destruction. This concludes the parable of the faithful and evil servants (24:45-51)—the evil servant who beats fellow servants and lives dissolutely receives devastating judgment. The severity warns against false profession and unfaithful stewardship.

And appoint him his portion with the hypocrites (καὶ τὸ μέρος αὐτοῦ μετὰ τῶν ὑποκριτῶν θήσει)—The noun ὑποκριτής (hypokritēs, 'play-actor, pretender, hypocrite') designates the evil servant's company. His μέρος (portion, share, destiny) is judgment with those who professed faith without possessing it. There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth (ἐκεῖ ἔσται ὁ κλαυθμὸς καὶ ὁ βρυγμὸς τῶν ὀδόντων)—Matthew's characteristic description of hell (8:12; 13:42, 50; 22:13; 25:30). The servant's privileged position ('set over household,' v. 45) intensifies judgment—much given, much required (Luke 12:48). Profession without practice damns.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This parable concludes Jesus's Olivet Discourse (chapters 24-25), delivered Tuesday of Passion Week on the Mount of Olives overlooking Jerusalem and the temple. The discourse addresses the disciples' questions about the temple's destruction and Christ's return (24:3). The parable warns that not all who claim 'Lord, Lord' will enter the kingdom (7:21-23). In early church context, this warned against false teachers and unfaithful leaders who abused authority—Paul later describes such in 2 Corinthians 11:13-15.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the severity of judgment on hypocritical servants warn you to examine whether your profession matches your practice?
  2. What does this parable teach about the correlation between privilege (trusted position) and accountability (severe judgment for betrayal)?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 20 words
καὶ1 of 20

“And”

G2532

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

διχοτομήσει2 of 20

“asunder”

G1371

to bisect, i.e., (by extension) to flog severely

αὐτοῦ3 of 20

“him”

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

καὶ4 of 20

“And”

G2532

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

τὸ5 of 20
G3588

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

μέρος6 of 20

“portion”

G3313

a division or share (literally or figuratively, in a wide application)

αὐτοῦ7 of 20

“him”

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

μετὰ8 of 20

“with”

G3326

properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)

τῶν9 of 20
G3588

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

ὑποκριτῶν10 of 20

“the hypocrites”

G5273

an actor under an assumed character (stage-player), i.e., (figuratively) a dissembler ("hypocrite"

θήσει·11 of 20

“appoint”

G5087

to place (in the widest application, literally and figuratively; properly, in a passive or horizontal posture, and thus different from g2476, which pr

ἐκεῖ12 of 20

“there”

G1563

there; by extension, thither

ἔσται13 of 20

“shall be”

G2071

will be

ὁ14 of 20
G3588

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

κλαυθμὸς15 of 20

“weeping”

G2805

lamentation

καὶ16 of 20

“And”

G2532

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

ὁ17 of 20
G3588

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

βρυγμὸς18 of 20

“gnashing”

G1030

a grating (of the teeth)

τῶν19 of 20
G3588

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

ὀδόντων20 of 20

“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 24:51 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 24:51 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Matthew 8:12Luke 12:46Matthew 22:13Isaiah 33:14Job 20:29Matthew 25:30

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