Matthew 24:49
And shall begin to smite his fellowservants, and to eat and drink with the drunken;
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 12
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τύπτειν
to smite
G5180
τύπτειν
to smite
Strong's:
G5180
Word #:
3 of 12
to "thump", i.e., cudgel or pummel (properly, with a stick or bastinado), but in any case by repeated blows; thus differing from g3817 and g3960, whic
τοὺς
G3588
τοὺς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
συνδούλους
his fellowservants
G4889
συνδούλους
his fellowservants
Strong's:
G4889
Word #:
5 of 12
a co-slave, i.e., servitor or ministrant of the same master (human or divine)
ἐσθίειν
to eat
G2068
ἐσθίειν
to eat
Strong's:
G2068
Word #:
6 of 12
used only in certain tenses, the rest being supplied by g5315; to eat (usually literal)
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
8 of 12
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
μετὰ
with
G3326
μετὰ
with
Strong's:
G3326
Word #:
10 of 12
properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)
Cross References
Revelation 17:6And I saw the woman drunken with the blood of the saints, and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus: and when I saw her, I wondered with great admiration.Revelation 16:6For they have shed the blood of saints and prophets, and thou hast given them blood to drink; for they are worthy.Matthew 7:15Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.Micah 3:5Thus saith the LORD concerning the prophets that make my people err, that bite with their teeth, and cry, Peace; and he that putteth not into their mouths, they even prepare war against him.
Historical Context
The Corinthian church exemplified this—divisions, abusing the Lord's Supper, getting drunk at love feasts (1 Corinthians 11:20-21). Jude and 2 Peter describe false teachers living sensually while denying the Lord. Church history records countless 'evil servants'—clergy abusing power, exploiting congregations. The warning applies to every generation: authority in Christ's absence is stewardship, not ownership; service, not dominance.
Questions for Reflection
- Where do you see modern examples of spiritual leaders 'smiting fellow-servants' through abuse of authority?
- What forms of 'eating and drinking with the drunken' tempt Christian leaders today—worldly values, prosperity focus, political power?
- How can you ensure that any authority you hold in Christian ministry is exercised as faithful stewardship, not personal dominion?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And shall begin to smite his fellowservants—The evil servant's rebellion manifests in abusing authority: typtō (τύπτω = strike/beat) the syndoulous (συνδούλους = fellow-servants). The horizontal relationship reveals the vertical reality—abusing God's people proves false profession. And to eat and drink with the drunken (esthiō kai pinō meta tōn methyontōn, ἐσθίω καὶ πίνω μετὰ τῶν μεθυόντων)—he joins the world's indulgence, abandoning sobriety and watchfulness.
This describes false shepherds throughout church history—using office for self-indulgence, oppressing the flock, living like the world. The progression is: delayed parousia → heart rebellion → abuse of authority → worldly living. Jesus diagnoses the pattern before it happens, warning leaders (and all believers) that stewardship will be judged not by profession but by practice. The drunk are those unprepared for the master's return.