Matthew 24:49

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} shall begin {G756} to smite {G5180} his fellowservants {G4889}, and {G1161} to eat {G2068} and {G2532} drink {G4095} with {G3326} the drunken {G3184};

Complete Jewish Bible

and he starts beating up his fellow servants and spends his time eating and drinking with drunkards;

Berean Standard Bible

And he begins to beat his fellow servants and to eat and drink with drunkards.

American Standard Version

and shall begin to beat his fellow-servants, and shall eat and drink with the drunken;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 24:49, part of Jesus' Olivet Discourse, vividly portrays the destructive behavior of an unfaithful servant who, presuming his master's delayed return, abuses his authority by oppressing his fellow servants and indulging in carousing with the worldly. This verse serves as a profound warning against spiritual complacency, the misuse of entrusted power, and the dangers of allowing worldly desires to supersede the call to vigilant and faithful stewardship in anticipation of the Lord's return.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within the Parable of the Faithful and Wise Servant and the Evil Servant, found in [Matthew 24:45-51](/matthew/24-45-51 "Parable of the Faithful and Wise Servant and the Evil Servant"). It immediately follows the evil servant's internal thought, "My lord delayeth his coming" ([Matthew 24:48](/matthew/24-48 "The Evil Servant's Presumption")). Jesus uses this parable to illustrate the critical importance of readiness and faithfulness for His unexpected second coming, contrasting the diligent steward with one who succumbs to spiritual apathy and worldliness. The parable itself is part of the larger Olivet Discourse ([Matthew 24](/matthew/24 "The Olivet Discourse")), where Jesus provides extensive teaching on the signs of the end times, the destruction of the temple, and the necessity of vigilance.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient world, household management often involved stewards or trusted servants who were given significant authority over other servants and resources in the master's absence. Such a position demanded integrity and diligence. The abuse of power by those in authority was a recognized social ill. Furthermore, excessive drinking and carousing were common behaviors associated with moral decay and a lack of self-control, often condemned in Jewish and early Christian teaching. Jesus' audience would readily understand the implications of a steward neglecting his duties and engaging in such conduct, especially given the expectation of a master's eventual return and reckoning.
* **Key Themes:** Matthew 24:49 significantly contributes to several overarching themes within the Olivet Discourse and the Gospel of Matthew. It underscores the theme of **Stewardship and Accountability**, highlighting that all believers are entrusted with responsibilities and will be held accountable for their actions, particularly those in leadership positions. It powerfully illustrates the dangers of **Spiritual Complacency and Apathy**, showing how a lack of vigilance regarding the Lord's return can lead to moral failure and a neglect of duty, a theme emphasized by Jesus' call to "watch" in [Matthew 24:42](/matthew/24-42 "Jesus' Call to Watchfulness"). Finally, it touches upon the theme of **Judgment and Consequences**, as the evil servant's actions lead to severe repercussions, a consistent warning throughout Jesus' eschatological teachings, such as those found in [Matthew 25](/matthew/25 "Parables of the Kingdom and Judgment").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **smite (Greek, _týptō'_):** This word (G5180) denotes to "thump," "cudgel," or "pummel" by repeated blows. While it can imply physical violence, in this context, it broadly suggests harsh, oppressive, and abusive treatment. It goes beyond mere verbal reprimand, indicating a systematic and cruel exercise of power over the "fellowservants," reflecting a complete disregard for their well-being and dignity.
* **fellowservants (Greek, _sýndoulos'_):** This term (G4889) refers to a "co-slave" or "servitor of the same master." The use of this word emphasizes the egregious nature of the evil servant's actions. He is not abusing strangers or enemies, but those with whom he shares a common bond and a common master. This highlights a betrayal of trust and a perversion of the very relationship that should foster mutual care and respect under a shared authority.
* **drunken (Greek, _methýō'_):** This word (G3184) means "to drink to intoxication" or "to get drunk." It points to a state of excessive indulgence in alcohol, which in biblical thought is often associated with a lack of self-control, moral decay, and a departure from godly sobriety. The evil servant's association with "the drunken" signifies his abandonment of righteous conduct for worldly pleasures, contrasting sharply with the discipline and vigilance expected of a faithful steward.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And shall begin to smite his fellowservants,"**: This clause describes the first negative action of the evil servant. The phrase "shall begin" (G756, _árchomai_) indicates the initiation of a pattern of abusive behavior. The "smiting" (G5180, _týptō_) of "fellowservants" (G4889, _sýndoulos_) reveals a profound misuse of authority and a cruel disregard for those under his care. Instead of nurturing and leading, he oppresses and harms, demonstrating a complete failure in his entrusted role and a betrayal of the communal bond among those serving the same master.
* **"and to eat and drink with the drunken;"**: This second clause details the evil servant's indulgence in worldly pleasures. The acts of "eating" (G2068, _esthíō_) and "drinking" (G4095, _pínō_) are not inherently wrong, but the context "with the drunken" (G3184, _methýō_) signifies excessive, uncontrolled, and morally compromising behavior. This portrays a descent into dissipation and a complete abandonment of the sober, watchful lifestyle expected of one awaiting their master's return. It symbolizes a spiritual compromise where worldly desires and carnal appetites have taken precedence over spiritual duties and preparedness.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 24:49 employs several potent literary devices to convey its warning. **Contrast** is central, setting the evil servant's behavior in stark opposition to the faithful and wise servant described earlier in the parable. This juxtaposition highlights the divergent paths and their respective outcomes. **Symbolism** is also prominent; "smiting fellowservants" symbolizes spiritual abuse, oppression within the community, and a failure of pastoral care, while "eating and drinking with the drunken" symbolizes worldliness, spiritual apathy, and a surrender to carnal desires. These actions are not merely literal but represent a deeper spiritual decay. Furthermore, the entire passage is part of a **Parable**, a narrative form Jesus frequently used to convey profound spiritual truths through relatable, earthly scenarios, making the abstract concept of spiritual vigilance tangible and impactful.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 24:49 stands as a powerful theological statement on the nature of true discipleship and the implications of Christ's delayed return. It underscores the principle of accountability for entrusted authority, particularly within the community of faith. The evil servant's actions reveal a heart that has lost its spiritual focus, replacing diligent service with self-serving abuse and worldly indulgence. This passage teaches that genuine faith is not passive but active, characterized by faithful stewardship, loving treatment of others, and a constant readiness for the Lord's coming, rather than presuming upon His patience. It warns that outward profession without inward transformation and consistent obedience leads to severe judgment.

* [James 5:1-6](/james/5-1-6 "Warning to the Rich Oppressors") – This passage condemns those who oppress workers and live in luxury, paralleling the evil servant's abuse of his "fellowservants" and his indulgence.
* [1 Peter 4:17](/1_peter/4-17 "Judgment Begins at the House of God") – This verse speaks of judgment beginning with the household of God, a principle vividly illustrated by the consequences faced by the unfaithful servant.
* [Luke 12:45-46](/luke/12-45-46 "The Unfaithful Servant in Luke's Gospel") – Luke's parallel account of the unfaithful servant reinforces the same warning against spiritual complacency and the abuse of authority, leading to severe punishment.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 24:49 serves as a timeless mirror for every believer, prompting deep introspection into our own spiritual posture and stewardship. Are we living as faithful stewards, diligently carrying out the responsibilities God has entrusted to us, whether in our homes, workplaces, or churches? Or have we, like the evil servant, grown complacent, presuming upon the Lord's patience and allowing worldly distractions or personal desires to corrupt our service? This verse challenges us to examine how we treat those around us, especially fellow believers. Do we exercise authority with humility and love, or do we, even subtly, "smite" others through harsh words, neglect, or oppressive attitudes? It calls us to cultivate a lifestyle of sobriety and vigilance, resisting the temptation to indulge in behaviors that compromise our witness or distract us from our ultimate hope in Christ's return. Our readiness is not merely about anticipating an event, but about living faithfully and righteously in the present.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be acting like the "evil servant," either by neglecting responsibilities or by treating others poorly, perhaps due to a lack of urgency regarding Christ's return?**
* **How does my daily conduct reflect my expectation (or lack thereof) of the Lord's coming? Am I living a life of vigilance or complacency?**
* **What "fellowservants" has God placed in my care or influence, and how can I ensure I am serving them with love and respect, rather than "smiting" them in any way?**
* **What "drunkenness" (symbolic or literal) in my life might be hindering my spiritual growth and faithful stewardship?**

### FAQ
**What is the main warning in Matthew 24:49?**

Answer: The main warning in [Matthew 24:49](/matthew/24-49 "Matthew 24:49 - The Evil Servant's Actions") is against spiritual complacency, the abuse of entrusted authority, and worldliness among those who profess to serve God. It specifically cautions against the danger of presuming upon the Lord's delayed return, which can lead to neglecting one's duties, oppressing fellow believers, and indulging in ungodly behaviors. Jesus emphasizes that such unfaithfulness will result in severe judgment when the master unexpectedly returns, as detailed in the subsequent verse, [Matthew 24:50-51](/matthew/24-50-51 "The Judgment of the Evil Servant").

**Does "smite his fellowservants" only refer to physical abuse?**

Answer: While the Greek word for "smite" (G5180, _týptō_) can imply physical blows, in the context of the parable and broader biblical teaching, it extends beyond mere physical violence. It encompasses any form of harsh, oppressive, or abusive treatment of those under one's care or influence. This can include verbal abuse, emotional manipulation, exploitation, neglect, or any action that harms or diminishes the dignity of "fellowservants." The emphasis is on the misuse of power and the failure to shepherd or care for others as a faithful steward should, as seen in other passages that condemn mistreatment of the vulnerable or those within the community, such as [James 2:6](/james/2-6 "Oppression of the Poor").

**What does "eat and drink with the drunken" symbolize?**

Answer: "To eat and drink with the drunken" symbolizes a profound spiritual compromise and a descent into worldliness. It represents a lifestyle characterized by excessive indulgence, lack of self-control, and a prioritization of carnal pleasures over spiritual duties. This is not merely about literal intoxication, but about aligning oneself with those who live without moral restraint or regard for God's standards. It signifies a departure from the sober, watchful, and disciplined life expected of a believer awaiting Christ's return, as admonished in passages like [1 Peter 5:8](/1_peter/5-8 "Be Sober and Watchful"). It illustrates how spiritual apathy can lead to moral decay and a loss of distinction between the faithful and the ungodly.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 24:49, while a stark warning, finds its ultimate fulfillment and counterpoint in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Jesus Himself is the perfectly faithful Servant, who, unlike the evil steward, never abused His authority but instead laid down His life for His "fellowservants"—humanity. He did not come to be served but to serve and to give His life as a ransom for many ([Mark 10:45](/mark/10-45 "Jesus Came to Serve")). His entire earthly ministry was marked by self-sacrificial love, humility, and diligent obedience to the Father's will, even unto death on the cross ([Philippians 2:5-8](/philippians/2-5-8 "Christ's Humility and Obedience")). Furthermore, Christ's return, which the evil servant presumed to be delayed, is a certain reality. His first coming inaugurated His kingdom, and His second coming will bring about its full consummation, including the judgment of the unfaithful and the reward of the faithful ([Matthew 25:31-46](/matthew/25-31-46 "The Judgment of the Nations")). Through His atoning work, believers are empowered by the Holy Spirit to live as faithful stewards, enabled to resist the temptations of worldliness and to treat one another with the love and respect that reflects His own character, rather than "smiting" or indulging. Thus, the warning of Matthew 24:49 serves to highlight the profound grace and transformative power available in Christ, enabling us to live in expectant obedience until He comes again.

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

Revelation 17:6

And I saw the woman drunken with the blood of the saints, and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus: and when I saw her, I wondered with great admiration.

Revelation 16:6

For they have shed the blood of saints and prophets, and thou hast given them blood to drink; for they are worthy.

Matthew 7:15

¶ Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.

Micah 3:5

Thus saith the LORD concerning the prophets that make my people err, that bite with their teeth, and cry, Peace; and he that putteth not into their mouths, they even prepare war against him.

1 Samuel 2:29

Wherefore kick ye at my sacrifice and at mine offering, which I have commanded [in my] habitation; and honourest thy sons above me, to make yourselves fat with the chiefest of all the offerings of Israel my people?

3 John 1:9

¶ I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not.

3 John 1:10

Wherefore, if I come, I will remember his deeds which he doeth, prating against us with malicious words: and not content therewith, neither doth he himself receive the brethren, and forbiddeth them that would, and casteth [them] out of the church.