New Testament
Matthew 13:42
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In Matthew 13:42, Jesus uses the imagery of a blazing furnace to describe the fate of the wicked at the end of the age.
- Author
- Matthew the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 60-70
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- Jewish Christians
They will throw them into the blazing furnace, where there will be weeping and grinding of teeth.
And shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In Matthew 13:42, Jesus uses the imagery of a blazing furnace to describe the fate of the wicked at the end of the age. This metaphor illustrates the severe consequences of rejecting God and living in sin. The 'weeping and grinding of teeth' signifies deep regret and anguish, highlighting the emotional and spiritual torment that comes from separation from God. This verse is part of a larger parable about the kingdom of heaven, where Jesus contrasts the righteous with the unrighteous. The imagery serves as a warning about the final judgment, emphasizing the importance of making choices that align with God's will. It reminds believers of the reality of eternal consequences and encourages them to live righteously, seeking to avoid the fate described in this verse. Ultimately, it calls for self-reflection on one's life and choices in light of God's standards.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Matthew 13:42 to your life
This verse serves as a reminder to evaluate our lives and choices. It encourages us to seek righteousness and align our actions with God's will. By doing so, we can avoid the dire consequences of sin and embrace the hope of eternal life with God.
Curated for this public verse page. Matthew Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does the blazing furnace represent in Matthew 13:42?
In Matthew 13:42, the blazing furnace symbolizes the severe consequences awaiting the wicked at the final judgment. It illustrates the intense suffering and separation from God that results from a life of sin and rejection of His ways. This imagery serves as a stark warning about the reality of eternal punishment for those who choose to live unrighteously.
What does 'weeping and grinding of teeth' mean?
The phrase 'weeping and grinding of teeth' in Matthew 13:42 signifies profound regret and anguish. It reflects the emotional and spiritual torment experienced by those who face separation from God. This imagery emphasizes the seriousness of rejecting God's will and the sorrow that comes with realizing the consequences of one's choices.
How does Matthew 13:42 relate to the concept of judgment?
Matthew 13:42 is part of Jesus' teaching on the final judgment, where He contrasts the fate of the righteous and the wicked. This verse highlights the certainty of judgment and the consequences of one's actions in life. It serves as a reminder that our choices have eternal implications, urging believers to live in accordance with God's standards to avoid the fate described.
What can we learn from Matthew 13:42 about living righteously?
Matthew 13:42 teaches the importance of living righteously and aligning our actions with God's will. It serves as a call to self-reflection, encouraging believers to evaluate their lives and make choices that reflect their faith. By pursuing righteousness, we can embrace the hope of eternal life with God and avoid the dire consequences of sin.

The Book of Matthew
Matthew 1: The Generation and Birth of Jesus Christ
The book begins with the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham. It records the generations from Abraham to David, from David until the carrying away into Babylon, and from the carrying away into Babylon unto Christ, each being fourteen generations. The genealogy concludes with Jacob begetting Joseph, the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ.
Unlock the full Matthew summary
Continue reading every chapter — themes, structure, and turning points.
The complete summary of Matthew — a chapter-by-chapter breakdown covering all 28 chapters.
What you get
Every chapter of Matthew summarized in clear, modern English
How each section connects — narrative flow, key themes, and turning points
Permanent access — read anytime, on any device
Best value • Save over 90%
One-time purchase • Access anytime
ClearBible summaries are proprietary content and may not be copied, republished, or resold.
Checkout works as a guest. After payment, you create an account to claim your unlock.