Matthew 13:42

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} shall cast {G906} them {G846} into {G1519} a furnace {G2575} of fire {G4442}: there {G1563} shall be {G2071} wailing {G2805} and {G2532} gnashing {G1030} of teeth {G3599}.

Complete Jewish Bible

and they will throw them into the fiery furnace, where people will wail and grind their teeth.

Berean Standard Bible

And they will throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 13:42, a stark declaration from Jesus' Parable of the Tares, reveals the terrifying destiny of those who reject God's kingdom and persist in wickedness. It vividly portrays the final, irreversible judgment awaiting the "children of the wicked one," who will be cast into a place of intense suffering, characterized by profound anguish, bitter regret, and unchangeable despair. This verse serves as a solemn warning, underscoring the severity of divine justice and the eternal consequences of unrepentant sin.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral part of Jesus' explanation of the [Parable of the Tares](/matthew/13-24-30 "Matthew 13:24-30 - The Parable of the Tares") (also known as the Parable of the Weeds), which is found in [Matthew 13:24-30](/matthew/13-24-30 "Matthew 13:24-30 - The Parable of the Tares"). Following the parable, Jesus' disciples request a clarification, prompting His detailed interpretation in [Matthew 13:36-43](/matthew/13-36-43 "Matthew 13:36-43 - Jesus Explains the Parable of the Tares"). Jesus explains that the "field" is the world, the "good seed" are the [children of the kingdom](/matthew/13-38 "Matthew 13:38 - Children of the Kingdom"), and the "tares" are the [children of the wicked one](/matthew/13-38 "Matthew 13:38 - Children of the Wicked One"). The "harvest" signifies the "end of the age," and the "reapers" are angels. Just as the tares are gathered and burned, so too will those who cause sin and practice lawlessness be gathered out of God's Kingdom and face this severe, fiery fate. This verse specifically describes the ultimate consequence for the wicked, emphasizing the certainty and severity of their judgment at the consummation of the age.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The imagery of a "furnace of fire" (Greek: _kaminos tou pyros_) would have resonated deeply with Jesus' Jewish audience. Furnaces were common for refining metals, baking, or burning refuse. In a biblical context, such imagery often symbolizes intense divine judgment or testing, as seen in the fiery furnace of [Daniel 3](/daniel/3 "Daniel 3 - The Fiery Furnace"). More broadly, "fire" is a frequent biblical metaphor for God's holy wrath and consuming judgment (e.g., [Deuteronomy 4:24](/deuteronomy/4-24 "Deuteronomy 4:24 - God as a Consuming Fire")). The phrase "wailing and gnashing of teeth" was a well-understood idiom in ancient Near Eastern cultures, signifying extreme anguish, bitter regret, and impotent rage in the face of an unchangeable, dreadful reality. It captures not merely physical pain but profound emotional and spiritual torment, often associated with being cast out or excluded from a place of blessing.

* **Key Themes:** Matthew 13:42 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the Gospel of Matthew and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Judgment and Retribution**, unequivocally stating God's just and certain response to unrighteousness and rebellion against His will. Secondly, it highlights the **Separation of Righteous and Wicked**, a recurring eschatological motif in Jesus' teaching (e.g., [Matthew 25:31-46](/matthew/25-31-46 "Matthew 25:31-46 - The Judgment of the Nations")), where an irreversible division will occur at the end of time between those who belong to Christ and those who do not. Finally, the vivid imagery emphasizes the **Reality of Eternal Consequences**, affirming the biblical teaching on hell and the enduring nature of punishment for unrepentant sin, urging listeners to consider the eternal trajectory of their lives in light of God's ultimate justice.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **furnace (Greek, _káminos'_):** From _kaíō_ (to burn); a furnace. This term refers to an enclosed structure designed for intense heat, used for baking, smelting, or destruction. In this context, it is a powerful metaphor for a place of ultimate, consuming divine judgment and suffering.
* **wailing (Greek, _klauthmós'_):** From _klaíō_ (to weep); lamentation. This word denotes deep sorrow, weeping, and bitter grief. It suggests the profound despair and regret experienced by those facing eternal condemnation, a sorrow without hope or relief.
* **gnashing (Greek, _brygmós'_):** From _brýchō_ (to bite, grind); a grating (of the teeth). This term describes the grinding or clenching of teeth, an action universally associated with intense pain, frustration, rage, and utter helplessness. It conveys the agony and unmitigated fury of those who realize their irreversible, dreadful fate.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And shall cast them into a furnace of fire:"** This clause describes the decisive act of judgment. "Them" refers to the "children of the wicked one" and "all things that offend, and them which do iniquity" ([Matthew 13:41](/matthew/13-41 "Matthew 13:41 - The Gathering of the Wicked")). The act of "casting" (Greek: _bállō_) implies a forceful, decisive, and irreversible removal. The "furnace of fire" is a metaphorical, yet terrifyingly real, depiction of hell, a place of ultimate divine wrath and consuming destruction for those separated from God's presence. It signifies a state of intense suffering and complete ruin.
* **"there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth."** This phrase, a recurring motif in Matthew's Gospel, describes the unceasing and profound suffering of those in the "furnace of fire." "Wailing" speaks to the deep, inconsolable sorrow and lamentation over lost opportunity and eternal separation. "Gnashing of teeth" conveys the agony, frustration, and impotent rage of those who realize their fate is sealed and there is no escape or relief. Together, these images paint a picture of utter despair, bitter regret, and unending torment.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 13:42 employs powerful **Imagery** to convey its message, painting a vivid picture of the consequences of judgment. The "furnace of fire" is a potent **Metaphor** for hell, a place of intense, consuming suffering, drawing on familiar cultural understanding of literal furnaces while elevating it to a spiritual reality of divine wrath. The phrase "wailing and gnashing of teeth" functions as a recurring **Idiom** or **Merism** within Matthew's Gospel, representing the totality of profound anguish, despair, and unmitigated regret. This **Sensory Language** (sight of fire, sounds of wailing and gnashing) is designed to evoke a visceral response, emphasizing the severity and reality of the eternal consequences for those who reject God's kingdom.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 13:42 serves as a stark reminder of God's absolute justice and the ultimate accountability of humanity. It unequivocally teaches the reality of a final, eternal judgment where the wicked will face severe consequences for their unrepentant sin and rebellion against God. This verse underscores the biblical truth that God is not only loving and merciful but also holy and just, and He will not allow evil to persist indefinitely. The imagery of fire and unceasing torment connects to broader biblical themes of hell as a place of conscious suffering and eternal separation from God's presence, highlighting the infinite gravity of sin and the necessity of righteous living.

* [Matthew 8:12](/matthew/8-12 "Matthew 8:12 - Wailing and Gnashing of Teeth")
* [Matthew 25:41](/matthew/25-41 "Matthew 25:41 - Eternal Fire Prepared for the Devil and His Angels")
* [Revelation 20:10](/revelation/20-10 "Revelation 20:10 - The Lake of Fire and Sulfur")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 13:42, while sobering, is not meant to instill fear for fear's sake, but rather to provoke a profound spiritual introspection and a heartfelt response. It calls every individual to seriously consider their spiritual standing before a holy God and the eternal trajectory of their life. This verse powerfully emphasizes the urgency of repentance and faith in Jesus Christ, for it is only through Him that one can escape the judgment described. It challenges believers to live lives that genuinely reflect their identity as "children of the kingdom," bearing good fruit and actively pursuing righteousness, rather than succumbing to lawlessness or causing others to stumble. For the Christian, this passage deepens appreciation for the immense grace and mercy extended through Christ's sacrifice, which delivers us from such a terrifying fate. It also fuels a compassionate urgency to share the Gospel with those who remain outside of Christ, knowing the eternal stakes.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the imagery of "wailing and gnashing of teeth" challenge my understanding of the consequences of rejecting God's kingdom?**
* **In what ways might I be tempted to "cause sin" or "practice lawlessness" (as mentioned in [Matthew 13:41](/matthew/13-41 "Matthew 13:41 - Causes of Sin and Lawlessness")) in my own life, and how can I repent from these tendencies?**
* **How does the solemn warning of this verse motivate me to live a life more fully devoted to Christ and to share His message with others?**

### FAQ
**Is the "furnace of fire" a literal place, or is it symbolic?**

Answer: While the "furnace of fire" is highly symbolic imagery, conveying intense suffering, destruction, and separation from God, it points to a terrifyingly real spiritual reality. The Bible uses such vivid metaphors to help us grasp the severity of hell, which is a place of conscious, eternal torment for those who reject God. Whether the fire is literal or metaphorical, the suffering it represents is unequivocally real and dreadful. Jesus' consistent use of such strong language across multiple parables and teachings (e.g., [Matthew 25:41](/matthew/25-41 "Matthew 25:41 - Eternal Fire")) affirms the reality of eternal consequences, even if the precise nature of the "fire" is beyond our full comprehension.

**Who are "them" being cast into the furnace?**

Answer: According to Jesus' own explanation of the Parable of the Tares in [Matthew 13:41](/matthew/13-41 "Matthew 13:41 - The Gathering of the Wicked"), "them" refers to "all things that offend, and them which do iniquity." These are the "children of the wicked one" ([Matthew 13:38](/matthew/13-38 "Matthew 13:38 - Children of the Wicked One")), individuals who, despite living among the righteous in the world, have chosen to align themselves with evil, practice lawlessness, and cause others to stumble. They are those whose lives do not bear the fruit of genuine faith and obedience to God.

**Why does Jesus use such harsh language to describe judgment?**

Answer: Jesus uses such stark and uncompromising language to underscore the profound seriousness of sin and the absolute certainty of divine judgment. His words are not meant to be gratuitously cruel but are a compassionate warning to humanity, urging repentance and faith before it is too late. The severity of the language reflects the infinite holiness of God and the gravity of rebellion against Him. By painting such a vivid picture of eternal consequences, Jesus emphasizes the urgency of choosing the path of righteousness and embracing the salvation offered through Him, providing a clear contrast to the blessed destiny of the [righteous who will shine forth as the sun](/matthew/13-43 "Matthew 13:43 - The Righteous Will Shine").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 13:42, with its chilling depiction of divine judgment, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment not merely as a warning from Christ, but as a testament to His redemptive work. The "furnace of fire" represents the just wrath of God against sin, a wrath that Jesus, the Son of God, willingly bore on the cross. For those who believe in Him, Christ has already endured the ultimate separation and suffering, taking upon Himself the very judgment that this verse describes. He became sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). His atoning sacrifice means that believers are no longer destined for the "furnace of fire," but are instead transferred from the domain of darkness into the kingdom of His beloved Son ([Colossians 1:13](/colossians/1-13 "Colossians 1:13 - Delivered from Darkness")). Furthermore, Jesus is not only the one who warns of judgment but also the one appointed by the Father to execute it ([John 5:22](/john/5-22 "John 5:22 - The Father Judges No One, But Has Entrusted All Judgment to the Son")). Therefore, those who have faith in Him are assured that they will not come into judgment, but have passed from death to life ([John 5:24](/john/5-24 "John 5:24 - He Who Hears My Word and Believes Has Eternal Life")). The terror of Matthew 13:42 is thus transformed into the glorious hope of salvation through the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Matthew 13:50

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

Revelation 20:10

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

Matthew 8:12

But the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

Revelation 20:14

And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.

Revelation 20:15

And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.

Luke 16:23

And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.

Luke 16:24

And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.