Matthew 13:49
So shall it be at the end of the world: the angels shall come forth, and sever the wicked from among the just,
Original Language Analysis
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
συντελείᾳ
the end
G4930
συντελείᾳ
the end
Strong's:
G4930
Word #:
5 of 18
entire completion, i.e., consummation (of a dispensation)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αἰῶνος·
of the world
G165
αἰῶνος·
of the world
Strong's:
G165
Word #:
7 of 18
properly, an age; by extension, perpetuity (also past); by implication, the world; specially (jewish) a messianic period (present or future)
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἄγγελοι
the angels
G32
ἄγγελοι
the angels
Strong's:
G32
Word #:
10 of 18
compare g0034) (to bring tidings); a messenger; especially an "angel"; by implication, a pastor
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
11 of 18
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἀφοριοῦσιν
sever
G873
ἀφοριοῦσιν
sever
Strong's:
G873
Word #:
12 of 18
to set off by boundary, i.e., (figuratively) limit, exclude, appoint, etc
τοὺς
G3588
τοὺς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πονηροὺς
the wicked
G4190
πονηροὺς
the wicked
Strong's:
G4190
Word #:
14 of 18
hurtful, i.e., evil (properly, in effect or influence, and thus differing from g2556, which refers rather to essential character, as well as from g455
ἐκ
from
G1537
ἐκ
from
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
15 of 18
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
Cross References
Historical Context
This interpretation follows immediately after the parable (v. 48), showing Jesus's consistent method of explaining kingdom parables. In first-century Judaism, various eschatological expectations existed, but Jesus uniquely emphasized both the certainty of judgment and the role of angels as divine agents, correcting notions that the Messiah would immediately establish an earthly kingdom without prior judgment.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the fact that wicked are removed 'from among' the righteous challenge the world's assumption that Christians should be removed from society?
- What comfort does angelic agency in judgment provide for believers who face injustice now?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
So shall it be at the end of the world (ἐν τῇ συντελείᾳ τοῦ αἰῶνος)—συντέλεια means 'consummation, completion' not mere termination, pointing to the goal toward which history moves. This phrase appears seven times in Matthew (13:39, 40, 49; 24:3; 28:20), making eschatology central to Jesus's teaching. The angels shall come forth (ἐξελεύσονται οἱ ἄγγελοι) assigns judgment execution to angels, as in 13:39-42, preserving Christ's role as merciful Savior while affirming His sovereignty over judgment.
Sever the wicked from among the just (ἀφοριοῦσιν τοὺς πονηροὺς ἐκ μέσου τῶν δικαίων)—the verb ἀφορίζω ('to separate, mark off') appears in Matthew 25:32 of separating sheep from goats. Note the direction: the πονηροί (actively evil ones) are removed from among the δίκαιοι (righteous, justified), not vice versa. The righteous remain in their inheritance while the wicked are extracted and expelled.