Matthew 25:30

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

And {G2532} cast ye {G1544} the unprofitable {G888} servant {G1401} into {G1519} outer {G1857} darkness {G4655}: there {G1563} shall be {G2071} weeping {G2805} and {G2532} gnashing {G1030} of teeth {G3599}.

As for this worthless servant, throw him out in the dark, where people will wail and grind their teeth!'

And throw that worthless servant into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’

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

Commentary

Matthew 25:30 KJV is the concluding verse of the Parable of the Talents, a powerful teaching by Jesus about stewardship and accountability.

Context

This verse comes at the climax of Jesus' parable, where a master returns and settles accounts with his servants. While two servants faithfully invested their entrusted "talents" (large sums of money) and doubled them, the third servant buried his single talent out of fear, yielding no profit. The master's harsh judgment on this "unprofitable servant" underscores the theme of active faithfulness. This parable is part of Jesus' discourse on the end times and the coming of the Son of Man, emphasizing readiness and productive service before His return.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Accountability and Stewardship: The parable teaches that God entrusts His followers with various gifts, abilities, and opportunities (represented by the talents). We are expected to use these for His glory and kingdom, not to neglect or waste them.
  • Consequences of Unfaithfulness: The "unprofitable servant" represents those who fail to act on what they have been given, leading to severe spiritual consequences. Idleness and fear that prevent productive service are condemned.
  • Divine Judgment: The verse vividly portrays the reality of a final judgment where actions (or inactions) will be evaluated, and there will be a clear separation between the diligent and the slothful.
  • Exclusion from God's Presence: "Outer darkness" symbolizes complete separation from God's light, blessing, and the joy of His kingdom.

Linguistic Insights

The term "unprofitable servant" translates from the Greek achreios (ἀχρεῖος), meaning "useless" or "worthless." It signifies one who brings no benefit or gain to the master, failing in their duty. The phrase "outer darkness" (Greek: skotos to exōteron) is a recurring motif in Matthew's Gospel, consistently depicting a place of exclusion and severe punishment, in stark contrast to the light and fellowship of God's presence. The accompanying phrase "weeping and gnashing of teeth" (Greek: klauthmos kai brugmos tōn odontōn) is a powerful idiom used by Jesus multiple times (e.g., Matthew 8:12, Matthew 13:42, Matthew 22:13) to describe intense anguish, regret, and despair experienced by those who are cast out from the kingdom.

Practical Application

Matthew 25:30 serves as a solemn warning and a call to action for believers. It encourages us to actively engage with the spiritual gifts, talents, time, and resources God has entrusted to us, using them faithfully for His purposes. This verse challenges complacency and spiritual laziness, urging us to be productive stewards of His grace. It reminds us that our faith is not merely passive belief, but active service and obedience, leading to a life that honors God and prepares us for the day of Christ's judgment seat.

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Cross-References

  • Matthew 8:12 (10 votes)

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

  • Matthew 22:13 (7 votes)

    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.

  • Matthew 13:50 (7 votes)

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

  • Hebrews 6:7 (7 votes)

    For the earth which drinketh in the rain that cometh oft upon it, and bringeth forth herbs meet for them by whom it is dressed, receiveth blessing from God:

  • Hebrews 6:8 (7 votes)

    But that which beareth thorns and briers [is] rejected, and [is] nigh unto cursing; whose end [is] to be burned.

  • Revelation 3:15 (7 votes)

    I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot.

  • Revelation 3:16 (7 votes)

    So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.