Matthew 24:51

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} shall cut {G1371} him {G846} asunder {G1371}, and {G2532} appoint {G5087} him his {G846} portion {G3313} with {G3326} the hypocrites {G5273}: there {G1563} shall be {G2071} weeping {G2805} and {G2532} gnashing {G1030} of teeth {G3599}.

Complete Jewish Bible

and he will cut him in two and put him with the hypocrites, where people will wail and grind their teeth!

Berean Standard Bible

Then he will cut him to pieces and assign him a place with the hypocrites, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 24:51 concludes the Parable of the Faithful and Evil Servant, delivering a stark warning about the severe judgment awaiting those who are unfaithful, negligent, and hypocritical in their stewardship. It vividly describes the fate of the wicked servant, who, upon the master's unexpected return, is decisively cut off and assigned a destiny of extreme anguish alongside those who feign righteousness, underscoring the irreversible consequences of unreadiness and spiritual dereliction.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the climactic conclusion of the [Parable of the Faithful and Evil Servant](/matthew/24-45-51 "Matthew 24:45-51 - The Parable of the Faithful and Evil Servant"), which itself is part of the larger [Olivet Discourse](/matthew/24 "Matthew 24 - The Olivet Discourse"). In this discourse, Jesus responds to His disciples' questions about the destruction of the Temple and the signs of His coming and the end of the age. The parables within [Matthew 24](/matthew/24 "Matthew 24 - The Olivet Discourse") and [Matthew 25](/matthew/25 "Matthew 25 - Parables of the Kingdom") (like the Ten Virgins and the Talents) emphasize the need for vigilance, faithfulness, and wise stewardship in light of the Master's delayed but certain return. The evil servant's punishment in [Matthew 24:51](/matthew/24-51 "Matthew 24:51 - The Judgment of the Evil Servant") serves as a direct antithesis to the reward promised to the faithful servant in [Matthew 24:47](/matthew/24-47 "Matthew 24:47 - Reward for the Faithful Servant"), highlighting the binary outcome of spiritual preparedness versus negligence.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The parable reflects the social structure of the ancient world, where a master would entrust his household and affairs to a chief servant or steward during an extended absence. Such a servant held significant authority and responsibility. The judgment described in [Matthew 24:51](/matthew/24-51 "Matthew 24:51 - The Judgment of the Evil Servant") would have resonated with audiences familiar with severe punishments for dereliction of duty, especially by those in positions of trust. While "cutting asunder" might evoke images of literal dismemberment, it was also a known metaphor for extreme punishment, often involving severe flogging, banishment, or complete separation from one's community or inheritance. The concept of "hypocrites" was particularly poignant in Jesus' day, as He frequently condemned the religious leaders (Pharisees and scribes) for their outward show of piety that masked inner corruption, as seen in [Matthew 23](/matthew/23 "Matthew 23 - Woes to the Scribes and Pharisees").
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the Olivet Discourse and Jesus' broader teaching. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Judgment and Accountability**, emphasizing that all individuals, especially those entrusted with spiritual responsibility, will be held to account for their actions and attitudes upon the Master's return. Secondly, it highlights the severe consequences of **Hypocrisy and Unfaithfulness**, revealing that outward religious observance without genuine internal devotion or righteous conduct leads to condemnation. The evil servant's "portion with the hypocrites" signifies a shared fate with those who live a life of pretense. Finally, the recurring phrase "weeping and gnashing of teeth" reinforces the theme of **Eternal Consequences**, serving as a vivid and terrifying depiction of the anguish, regret, and despair associated with exclusion from God's presence and the kingdom of heaven, a motif found in other parables like the [Parable of the Weeds](/matthew/13-41-42 "Matthew 13:41-42 - The Weeds Gathered and Burned") and the [Parable of the Wedding Feast](/matthew/22-13 "Matthew 22:13 - The Unclothed Guest").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **cut asunder (Greek, _dichotoméō_):** From a compound meaning "to cut in two." While it can literally mean to bisect, in this context, it is widely understood metaphorically to signify a severe, decisive, and painful judgment. It denotes a complete separation or cutting off from the master's household and favor, implying a loss of all privileges, status, and hope. It is a judgment of utter exclusion and ruin.
* **hypocrites (Greek, _hypokritḗs_):** Originally referring to an actor or stage-player who wore a mask to portray a character. In Jesus' teachings, it describes someone who pretends to be righteous or pious, whose outward actions and words do not align with their inner character or true motives. The evil servant is condemned to share a portion with such individuals, indicating that his unfaithfulness was rooted in a deceptive, unauthentic heart.
* **weeping (Greek, _klauthmós_):** Lamentation, wailing, or crying, often accompanied by audible expressions of grief.
* **gnashing (Greek, _brygmós_):** A grating or grinding of the teeth. Paired with "weeping," this phrase consistently appears in Jesus' teachings to denote intense agony, frustration, and despair, often associated with the irreversible suffering of those cast into outer darkness or hell.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And shall cut him asunder,"**: This clause describes the initial, severe judgment. The action of "cutting asunder" (dichotoméō) is not necessarily a literal physical dismemberment but rather a metaphorical expression of extreme punishment. It signifies a decisive and complete severance from the master's household, authority, and blessings. It implies a total loss of status, privilege, and any hope of reconciliation or restoration, marking the servant as utterly rejected.
* **"and appoint [him] his portion with the hypocrites:"**: Following the cutting off, the servant is assigned his destiny. To have one's "portion" (méros) with the hypocrites indicates a shared fate and association with those who are characterized by pretense and spiritual deception. This is a profound condemnation, as Jesus frequently denounced hypocrisy. It suggests that the evil servant's unfaithfulness was not merely a lapse in judgment but stemmed from a fundamental lack of genuine devotion and integrity, aligning him with those who outwardly appear righteous but inwardly are corrupt.
* **"there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth."**: This concluding phrase describes the ultimate state of those who receive this judgment. "Weeping" (klauthmós) signifies deep sorrow, lamentation, and regret, while "gnashing of teeth" (brygmós) conveys intense anguish, frustration, and perhaps even rage at their irreversible plight. This recurring motif in Jesus' eschatological teachings serves as a powerful and terrifying description of the eternal suffering and despair experienced by those who are cast out of the Kingdom of God and into outer darkness.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 24:51 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message of severe judgment. **Metaphor** is central, particularly in the phrase "cut him asunder," which, while potentially evoking a literal image, functions as a metaphor for a decisive and complete spiritual separation and destruction of the servant's standing and future. The "portion with the hypocrites" is another **metaphor**, assigning the evil servant to the company of the spiritually condemned, highlighting the nature of his sin as one of pretense and unfaithfulness. The phrase "weeping and gnashing of teeth" is a potent **idiom** or **symbolic expression** that recurs throughout Matthew's Gospel, consistently symbolizing the extreme anguish, despair, and frustration of those facing eternal condemnation. The entire verse functions as a form of **hyperbole** in its vivid depiction of punishment, designed to shock the audience into recognizing the gravity of unfaithfulness and the urgency of readiness for the Master's return. The stark contrast with the faithful servant's reward in the preceding verses also exemplifies **antithesis**, amplifying the consequences of the evil servant's actions.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 24:51 serves as a profound theological statement on divine judgment, accountability, and the eternal consequences of unfaithfulness. It underscores the truth that God is a righteous judge who will hold all individuals, especially those entrusted with responsibilities within His kingdom, to account. The "cutting asunder" signifies a complete and irreversible separation from God's favor and blessings, while being assigned a "portion with the hypocrites" highlights the divine abhorrence for pretense and insincerity in faith. This judgment is not arbitrary but is the just outcome for those who, like the evil servant, abuse their authority, neglect their duties, and live in defiance of their master's will, particularly in light of His anticipated return. The ultimate "weeping and gnashing of teeth" powerfully conveys the reality of eternal suffering for those who reject God's grace and fail to prepare for His coming, serving as a solemn warning to all who hear.

* [Matthew 8:12](/matthew/8-12 "Matthew 8:12 - Weeping and Gnashing of Teeth")
* [Matthew 13:42](/matthew/13-42 "Matthew 13:42 - Weeping and Gnashing of Teeth in the Furnace of Fire")
* [Matthew 25:30](/matthew/25-30 "Matthew 25:30 - Weeping and Gnashing of Teeth in Outer Darkness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 24:51 is a sobering reminder that our actions and attitudes in this life have eternal consequences. It challenges us to move beyond superficial religious observance and cultivate a genuine, authentic faith that manifests in faithful stewardship and loving obedience. The warning against being "cut asunder" and sharing a "portion with the hypocrites" compels us to examine our hearts for any areas of pretense, negligence, or unfaithfulness. Are we diligently using the gifts, time, and resources God has entrusted to us for His glory and the good of others, or are we squandering them in self-indulgence and complacency, assuming the Master's return is distant? This verse calls us to live with a constant awareness of Christ's imminent return, motivating us to live lives of integrity, vigilance, and active service, ensuring that our outward walk aligns with our inward devotion. It urges us to take the warnings about eternal judgment seriously, prompting a deeper commitment to Christ and His kingdom.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be acting like the "evil servant," neglecting responsibilities or living in a way that is not authentic to my professed faith?**
* **How does the concept of "weeping and gnashing of teeth" impact my understanding of the seriousness of sin and the urgency of living a life pleasing to God?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate greater faithfulness, integrity, and readiness for Christ's return in my daily life?**

### FAQ

**What does "cut him asunder" mean in this context?**

Answer: While the Greek word *dichotoméō* (G1371) can literally mean to cut in two, in the context of Matthew 24:51, it is almost universally understood metaphorically. It signifies a severe and decisive judgment, not necessarily a physical dismemberment. Instead, it represents a complete and irreversible cutting off or separation from the master's household, favor, and blessings. It implies utter ruin, banishment, and the loss of all privileges and hope, a spiritual and existential destruction rather than a physical one. This interpretation aligns with the nature of parables, which often use vivid imagery to convey spiritual truths, as seen in other parables where harsh consequences are described for unfaithfulness, such as the master's return in [Luke 12:46](/luke/12-46 "Luke 12:46 - The Unfaithful Servant's Fate").

**Why is the evil servant's "portion with the hypocrites"?**

Answer: The evil servant is assigned his "portion" (G3313, *méros*, meaning a share or division) with the hypocrites because his unfaithfulness stemmed from a deceptive and inauthentic heart, mirroring the very essence of hypocrisy. A hypocrite (G5273, *hypokritḗs*) is someone who pretends to be righteous or pious but whose actions and inner character reveal a different, often corrupt, reality. The evil servant outwardly served his master but inwardly abused his authority and indulged in sin, believing his master's return was delayed ([Matthew 24:48-49](/matthew/24-48-49 "Matthew 24:48-49 - The Evil Servant's Actions")). Jesus frequently condemned hypocrisy, particularly among the religious leaders of His day ([Matthew 23](/matthew/23 "Matthew 23 - Woes to the Scribes and Pharisees")). Therefore, to be given a portion with the hypocrites signifies a shared fate of condemnation for those whose faith is merely an outward show, lacking genuine integrity and obedience.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 24:51, with its stark imagery of judgment, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who is both the gracious Savior and the righteous Judge. While the verse warns of severe consequences for unfaithfulness, it simultaneously magnifies the urgency of embracing the salvation offered through Christ. Jesus Himself is the Master who will return, as promised in [Acts 1:11](/acts/1-11 "Acts 1:11 - Jesus' Ascension and Promise of Return"), and it is before His judgment seat that all will stand ([2 Corinthians 5:10](/2_corinthians/5-10 "2 Corinthians 5:10 - The Judgment Seat of Christ")). The "weeping and gnashing of teeth" represents the eternal separation from God, a fate that Christ came to deliver humanity from through His atoning sacrifice on the cross ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God's Love and Eternal Life")). Those who place their faith in Him are not "cut asunder" but are instead united with Him, receiving an eternal inheritance ([Ephesians 1:11](/ephesians/1-11 "Ephesians 1:11 - Our Inheritance in Christ")) and a "portion" with the saints, not the hypocrites ([Colossians 1:12](/colossians/1-12 "Colossians 1:12 - Sharing in the Inheritance of the Saints")). Thus, this passage, while a terrifying warning, ultimately serves to highlight the profound grace and urgent call to repentance and genuine faith found only in Jesus, the one who saves us from the very judgment He describes.

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 8:12

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

Matthew 22:13

Then said the king to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast [him] into outer darkness; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

Luke 12:46

The lord of that servant will come in a day when he looketh not for [him], and at an hour when he is not aware, and will cut him in sunder, and will appoint him his portion with the unbelievers.

Isaiah 33:14

The sinners in Zion are afraid; fearfulness hath surprised the hypocrites. Who among us shall dwell with the devouring fire? who among us shall dwell with everlasting burnings?

Luke 13:28

There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when ye shall see Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, and all the prophets, in the kingdom of God, and you [yourselves] thrust out.

Job 20:29

This [is] the portion of a wicked man from God, and the heritage appointed unto him by God.

Matthew 25:30

And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.