New Testament
Matthew 13:42
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
They will throw them into the blazing furnace, where there will be weeping and grinding of teeth.
Compare translations
And shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.
What Matthew 13:42 means
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.
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
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: Parables by the Sea (Matthew 13:1–52)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Jesus
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002724966). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Bethlehem, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Bethlehem
David's hometown, and the town where Jesus was born.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Matthew 13:42
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Matthew 13:42
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Matthew
- Author
- Matthew the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 60-70
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- Jewish Christians
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.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.