Matthew 24:51
And shall cut him asunder, and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 20
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
διχοτομήσει
asunder
G1371
διχοτομήσει
asunder
Strong's:
G1371
Word #:
2 of 20
to bisect, i.e., (by extension) to flog severely
αὐτοῦ
him
G846
αὐτοῦ
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
3 of 20
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
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
4 of 20
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
μέρος
portion
G3313
μέρος
portion
Strong's:
G3313
Word #:
6 of 20
a division or share (literally or figuratively, in a wide application)
αὐτοῦ
him
G846
αὐτοῦ
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
7 of 20
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
μετὰ
with
G3326
μετὰ
with
Strong's:
G3326
Word #:
8 of 20
properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὑποκριτῶν
the hypocrites
G5273
ὑποκριτῶν
the hypocrites
Strong's:
G5273
Word #:
10 of 20
an actor under an assumed character (stage-player), i.e., (figuratively) a dissembler ("hypocrite"
θήσει·
appoint
G5087
θήσει·
appoint
Strong's:
G5087
Word #:
11 of 20
to place (in the widest application, literally and figuratively; properly, in a passive or horizontal posture, and thus different from g2476, which pr
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
14 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
16 of 20
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 #:
17 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Matthew 8:12But the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.Matthew 25:30And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.Matthew 22:13Then said the king to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.Luke 12:46The lord of that servant will come in a day when he looketh not for him, and at an hour when he is not aware, and will cut him in sunder, and will appoint him his portion with the unbelievers.
Historical Context
This parable concludes Jesus's Olivet Discourse (chapters 24-25), delivered Tuesday of Passion Week on the Mount of Olives overlooking Jerusalem and the temple. The discourse addresses the disciples' questions about the temple's destruction and Christ's return (24:3). The parable warns that not all who claim 'Lord, Lord' will enter the kingdom (7:21-23). In early church context, this warned against false teachers and unfaithful leaders who abused authority—Paul later describes such in 2 Corinthians 11:13-15.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the severity of judgment on hypocritical servants warn you to examine whether your profession matches your practice?
- What does this parable teach about the correlation between privilege (trusted position) and accountability (severe judgment for betrayal)?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And shall cut him asunder (καὶ διχοτομήσει αὐτ�ν)—The verb διχοτομέω (dichotomeō, 'to cut in two, to cut asunder') is graphic—literal bisection. This was a form of execution in ancient Near East (1 Samuel 15:33; Hebrews 11:37). Whether literal or hyperbolic, it conveys utter destruction. This concludes the parable of the faithful and evil servants (24:45-51)—the evil servant who beats fellow servants and lives dissolutely receives devastating judgment. The severity warns against false profession and unfaithful stewardship.
And appoint him his portion with the hypocrites (καὶ τὸ μέρος αὐτοῦ μετὰ τῶν ὑποκριτῶν θήσει)—The noun ὑποκριτής (hypokritēs, 'play-actor, pretender, hypocrite') designates the evil servant's company. His μέρος (portion, share, destiny) is judgment with those who professed faith without possessing it. There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth (ἐκεῖ ἔσται ὁ κλαυθμὸς καὶ ὁ βρυγμὸς τῶν ὀδόντων)—Matthew's characteristic description of hell (8:12; 13:42, 50; 22:13; 25:30). The servant's privileged position ('set over household,' v. 45) intensifies judgment—much given, much required (Luke 12:48). Profession without practice damns.