Matthew 25:46
And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.
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
ἀπελεύσονται
shall go away
G565
ἀπελεύσονται
shall go away
Strong's:
G565
Word #:
2 of 12
to go off (i.e., depart), aside (i.e., apart) or behind (i.e., follow), literally or figuratively
οὗτοι
these
G3778
οὗτοι
these
Strong's:
G3778
Word #:
3 of 12
the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)
εἰς
into
G1519
εἰς
into
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
4 of 12
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
αἰώνιον
eternal
G166
αἰώνιον
eternal
Strong's:
G166
Word #:
6 of 12
perpetual (also used of past time, or past and future as well)
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
δίκαιοι
the righteous
G1342
δίκαιοι
the righteous
Strong's:
G1342
Word #:
9 of 12
equitable (in character or act); by implication, innocent, holy (absolutely or relatively)
Cross References
Daniel 12:2And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.John 3:36He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.John 5:29And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.Revelation 21:8But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.Revelation 20:15And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.Romans 6:23For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.2 Thessalonians 1:9Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power;Romans 5:21That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord.Revelation 20:10And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.Matthew 25:41Then 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:
Historical Context
This concludes Jesus' teaching on final judgment. The symmetry of 'everlasting' applied to both punishment and life emphasizes permanence. 'Punishment' is ongoing penalty, not corrective discipline leading to restoration. 'Life eternal' isn't mere existence but knowing God (John 17:3). These represent qualitatively different eternal states—torment versus joy.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the equal duration of punishment and life refute false hopes of universalism?
- What does this dual destiny teach about the urgency of gospel proclamation?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The final verdict 'And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal' establishes two eternal destinies. 'Everlasting punishment' and 'life eternal' use the same Greek word (aiōnios—eternal), proving hell and heaven are equally eternal. This refutes annihilationism—punishment is ongoing, not mere cessation of existence. The parallelism underscores finality—no second chances, purgatory, or universalism. Every person faces one of two eternal outcomes.