Matthew 8:12
But the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
Original Language Analysis
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
υἱοὶ
the children
G5207
υἱοὶ
the children
Strong's:
G5207
Word #:
3 of 20
a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
βασιλείας
of the kingdom
G932
βασιλείας
of the kingdom
Strong's:
G932
Word #:
5 of 20
properly, royalty, i.e., (abstractly) rule, or (concretely) a realm (literally or figuratively)
ἐκβληθήσονται
shall be cast out
G1544
ἐκβληθήσονται
shall be cast out
Strong's:
G1544
Word #:
6 of 20
to eject (literally or figuratively)
εἰς
into
G1519
εἰς
into
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
7 of 20
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 #:
8 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
σκότος
darkness
G4655
σκότος
darkness
Strong's:
G4655
Word #:
9 of 20
shadiness, i.e., obscurity (literally or figuratively)
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
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 25:30And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.Luke 13:28There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when ye shall see Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, and all the prophets, in the kingdom of God, and you yourselves thrust out.Matthew 13:50And shall cast them into the furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.Matthew 21:43Therefore say I unto you, The kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof.Matthew 13:42And shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.Matthew 24:51And shall cut him asunder, and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.Jude 1:13Raging waves of the sea, foaming out their own shame; wandering stars, to whom is reserved the blackness of darkness for ever.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;2 Peter 2:17These are wells without water, clouds that are carried with a tempest; to whom the mist of darkness is reserved for ever.Romans 9:4Who are Israelites; to whom pertaineth the adoption, and the glory, and the covenants, and the giving of the law, and the service of God, and the promises;
Historical Context
This warning anticipated the devastating judgment on unbelieving Israel culminating in AD 70's destruction of Jerusalem, but primarily refers to final eschatological judgment. Those who rejected their Messiah despite prophetic preparation and covenant privilege face severest condemnation.
Questions for Reflection
- What does the judgment of 'children of the kingdom' teach about the danger of presuming religious heritage equals salvation?
- How should the reality of eternal judgment motivate both personal faith and evangelistic urgency?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The sobering phrase 'the children of the kingdom shall be cast into outer darkness' refers to ethnic Israel who presumed covenant privilege guaranteed salvation despite unbelief. 'Outer darkness' with 'weeping and gnashing of teeth' describes hell's eternal conscious punishment—removal from God's presence and all goodness. This demonstrates that covenant privilege increases judgment when rejected, and that mere external connection to God's people doesn't save without personal faith in Christ.