Matthew 25:41
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:
Original Language Analysis
Τότε
Then
G5119
Τότε
Then
Strong's:
G5119
Word #:
1 of 24
the when, i.e., at the time that (of the past or future, also in consecution)
ἐρεῖ
shall he say
G2046
ἐρεῖ
shall he say
Strong's:
G2046
Word #:
2 of 24
an alternate for g2036 in certain tenses; to utter, i.e., speak or say
καὶ
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
3 of 24
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τοῖς
G3588
τοῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐξ
unto them on
G1537
ἐξ
unto them on
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
5 of 24
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
εὐωνύμων
the left hand
G2176
εὐωνύμων
the left hand
Strong's:
G2176
Word #:
6 of 24
properly, well-named (good-omened), i.e., the left (which was the lucky side among the pagan greeks); neuter as adverbial, at the left hand
Πορεύεσθε
Depart
G4198
Πορεύεσθε
Depart
Strong's:
G4198
Word #:
7 of 24
to traverse, i.e., travel (literally or figuratively; especially to remove (figuratively, die), live, etc.)
ἀπ'
from
G575
ἀπ'
from
Strong's:
G575
Word #:
8 of 24
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
εἰς
into
G1519
εἰς
into
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
12 of 24
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
15 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αἰώνιον
everlasting
G166
αἰώνιον
everlasting
Strong's:
G166
Word #:
16 of 24
perpetual (also used of past time, or past and future as well)
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
17 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
19 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
21 of 24
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τοῖς
G3588
τοῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
22 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
2 Peter 2:4For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment;Matthew 13:42And shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.Matthew 13:40As therefore the tares are gathered and burned in the fire; so shall it be in the end of this world.2 Thessalonians 1:9Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power;Matthew 3:12Whose fan is in his hand, and he will throughly purge his floor, and gather his wheat into the garner; but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.Matthew 7:23And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.John 8:44Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.Hebrews 6:8But that which beareth thorns and briers is rejected, and is nigh unto cursing; whose end is to be burned.Isaiah 66:24And they shall go forth, and look upon the carcases of the men that have transgressed against me: for their worm shall not die, neither shall their fire be quenched; and they shall be an abhorring unto all flesh.Matthew 13:50And shall cast them into the furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.
Historical Context
This sobering verdict reminds us hell is real, eternal, and terrible. The 'everlasting fire' wasn't created for humans but for Satan and demons. Humans enter hell by rejecting Christ, thus allying with Satan. The same evidence (treatment of 'the least,' vv. 42-43) used for acquittal condemns the goats—revealing hearts by actions.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the reality of eternal judgment motivate your evangelism and holy living?
- What does hell being 'prepared for the devil' teach about why humans go there?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The King's judgment 'Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels' pronounces eternal condemnation. 'Depart from me' is the most terrifying sentence—eternal separation from God's presence. 'Ye cursed' contrasts with 'ye blessed' (v. 34)—under divine condemnation, not favor. 'Everlasting fire' describes hell's eternal, conscious torment. Significantly, hell was 'prepared for the devil and his angels'—humanity's judgment results from joining Satan's rebellion, not God's original intent for mankind.