Matthew 13:50
And shall cast them into the furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 17
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
βαλοῦσιν
shall cast
G906
βαλοῦσιν
shall cast
Strong's:
G906
Word #:
2 of 17
to throw (in various applications, more or less violent or intense)
αὐτοὺς
them
G846
αὐτοὺς
them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
3 of 17
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
εἰς
into
G1519
εἰς
into
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
4 of 17
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πυρός·
of fire
G4442
πυρός·
of fire
Strong's:
G4442
Word #:
8 of 17
"fire" (literally or figuratively, specially, lightning)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
13 of 17
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
14 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Historical Context
The imagery of fiery judgment was familiar from Daniel 3:6 (Nebuchadnezzar's furnace) and Isaiah 66:24 ('their worm shall not die, neither shall their fire be quenched'). In Second Temple Judaism, Gehenna (ge-hinnom, valley of Hinnom) became the dominant metaphor for final judgment, referencing the valley south of Jerusalem where refuse burned continually and where child sacrifice once occurred under apostate kings.
Questions for Reflection
- How should the doctrine of conscious eternal punishment affect your prayer life and evangelistic zeal?
- Why is Jesus—the most loving person who ever lived—also the most explicit teacher of hell in Scripture?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And shall cast them into the furnace of fire (βαλοῦσιν αὐτοὺς εἰς τὴν κάμινον τοῦ πυρός)—This exact phrase appears in 13:42, creating a thematic link between the wheat/tares and dragnet parables. The κάμινος (furnace) was a smelting furnace, not a mere cooking fire, emphasizing intensity and purpose. The future tense βαλοῦσιν ('they will cast') underscores the certainty, not mere possibility, of final judgment.
There shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth (ἐκεῖ ἔσται ὁ κλαυθμὸς καὶ ὁ βρυγμὸς τῶν ὀδόντων)—This formula appears seven times in Matthew (8:12; 13:42, 50; 22:13; 24:51; 25:30; Luke 13:28). Κλαυθμός denotes audible lamentation, while βρυγμός (gnashing) indicates rage, remorse, or anguish. The article ('the wailing...the gnashing') suggests characteristic, unceasing responses to conscious punishment. This refutes annihilationism—there must be continued existence for continued anguish.