New Testament
Matthew 25:41
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Then he will say to those on his left, "Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels."
Compare translations
Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:
What Matthew 25:41 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus speaks about the final judgment where He will separate people based on their actions and faith. Those on His left, representing the unrighteous, are told to depart from Him. The phrase 'you who are cursed' indicates their rejection due to their choices in life. The 'everlasting fire' symbolizes eternal punishment, which was originally intended for the devil and his angels, highlighting the seriousness of sin and rebellion against God. This verse serves as a warning about the consequences of not following Christ and emphasizes the importance of living a life aligned with His teachings. It reflects the ultimate justice of God, where everyone will face the results of their decisions, either receiving eternal life or facing separation from God in a place of torment. This stark contrast between the righteous and the unrighteous underscores the urgency of making choices that lead to a relationship with God.
How to apply Matthew 25:41 to your life
This verse encourages us to reflect on our lives and choices. It reminds us to live in a way that aligns with God's teachings, showing love and compassion to others. By doing so, we can avoid the fate described and instead seek a relationship with Christ, leading to eternal life.
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: Teaching on the Mount of Olives (Matthew 24:1–25:46)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Jesus
Photo: Gary Todd (Gary Lee Todd, Ph.D.), via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC0 1.0 Universal Public Domain Dedication. Source. Location: Southern end of the Temple Mount, Jerusalem Old City. 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.
Jerusalem
David's capital, the city of the temple, and the place where Jesus died and rose again.
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 25:41
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 25:41
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 Matthew 25:41 mean?
Matthew 25:41 describes the final judgment where Jesus separates the righteous from the unrighteous. Those on His left are told to depart into everlasting fire, indicating their rejection due to their choices in life.
What is the meaning of 'everlasting fire' in Matthew 25:41?
In Matthew 25:41, 'everlasting fire' symbolizes eternal punishment for those who reject God. It emphasizes the seriousness of sin and the consequences of living in rebellion against God's teachings.
Who are the 'cursed' in Matthew 25:41?
The 'cursed' in Matthew 25:41 refers to those who are separated from God due to their choices and actions during their lives. They face eternal punishment as a result of their rejection of God's ways.
What does Matthew 25:41 teach about God's justice?
Matthew 25:41 illustrates God's justice by showing that everyone will face the consequences of their decisions. It highlights the separation between those who follow Christ and those who do not.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.