Matthew 25:41
Then He will say to those on His left, 'Depart from Me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.
Then He will say
This phrase indicates a future event, a moment of divine judgment. The speaker is Jesus, who, in His role as the Son of Man, exercises authority over all nations. The Greek word for "say" (λέγει, legei) implies a definitive and authoritative declaration. This is not a suggestion or a plea but a command from the King of Kings, underscoring His sovereign power and the seriousness of the judgment.

to those on His left
In the cultural and historical context of the Bible, the right hand is often associated with favor and honor, while the left hand signifies disfavor or rejection. Those on the left are separated from the righteous, indicating a division based on their actions and relationship with Christ. This separation is a fulfillment of the prophetic imagery found in the Old Testament, where God distinguishes between the righteous and the wicked.

Depart from Me
The command to "depart" is a heart-wrenching separation from the presence of God. The Greek word used here (ἀπέρχεσθε, aperchesthe) conveys a sense of being sent away or dismissed. This separation is the ultimate consequence of a life lived apart from God, highlighting the eternal significance of our earthly choices. It echoes the theme of divine justice, where those who reject God's grace face the reality of their decisions.

you who are cursed
The term "cursed" (κατηραμένοι, kateramenoi) reflects a state of being under divine judgment. This curse is not arbitrary but is the result of rejecting God's offer of salvation through Jesus Christ. In the biblical narrative, blessings and curses are tied to obedience and disobedience to God's covenant. Here, the curse is the outcome of a life that has chosen to live in opposition to God's will.

into the eternal fire
"Eternal fire" signifies the unending nature of the punishment. The Greek word for "eternal" (αἰώνιον, aionion) emphasizes the perpetual and irreversible state of this judgment. Fire is a common biblical metaphor for judgment and purification, but in this context, it represents the final and complete separation from God. This imagery serves as a solemn warning of the consequences of sin and the reality of hell.

prepared for the devil and his angels
This phrase reveals that the eternal fire was originally intended for the devil and his angels, not for humanity. The Greek word for "prepared" (ἡτοιμασμένον, hetoimasmenon) indicates a deliberate and purposeful action by God. It underscores the tragic reality that those who align themselves with the devil's rebellion against God will share in his fate. This serves as a reminder of the spiritual battle and the importance of choosing allegiance to Christ.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jesus Christ
The speaker of this verse, Jesus is delivering a parable about the final judgment, emphasizing the separation of the righteous from the unrighteous.

2. Those on His Left
Represents the unrighteous or those who have not lived according to God's will. In the parable, they are symbolically placed on the left side, indicating disfavor.

3. The Devil and His Angels
Refers to Satan and the fallen angels who rebelled against God. The eternal fire is prepared for them as a place of punishment.

4. Eternal Fire
A metaphorical representation of hell, a place of eternal separation from God, prepared for the devil and his angels.

5. Final Judgment
The event where Jesus will separate the righteous from the unrighteous, determining their eternal destinies.
Teaching Points
The Reality of Judgment
This verse underscores the reality of a final judgment where individuals are held accountable for their lives. It serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of rejecting God's ways.

The Nature of Hell
Hell is described as a place of eternal separation from God, originally intended for the devil and his angels. It highlights the seriousness of sin and rebellion against God.

Call to Righteous Living
Believers are encouraged to live righteously, showing love and compassion, as these are the criteria Jesus uses to separate the sheep from the goats in the broader context of Matthew 25.

Urgency of the Gospel
The eternal consequences depicted in this verse emphasize the urgency of sharing the Gospel with others, so they may come to know Christ and avoid eternal separation from God.

God’s Justice and Mercy
While God is just in His judgment, He is also merciful, providing a way of salvation through Jesus Christ. This balance should inspire gratitude and reverence in believers.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the imagery of "eternal fire" in Matthew 25:41 shape your understanding of the seriousness of sin and judgment?

2. In what ways does the concept of final judgment motivate you to live a life that reflects Christ's teachings?

3. How can the knowledge of hell being prepared for the devil and his angels influence your perspective on spiritual warfare and the reality of evil?

4. What practical steps can you take to ensure you are living as one of the "sheep" rather than the "goats" in the context of Matthew 25?

5. How does the theme of separation in Matthew 25:41 connect with other biblical teachings on the importance of community and fellowship among believers?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Revelation 20:10
Describes the ultimate fate of the devil, being thrown into the lake of fire, which aligns with the eternal fire mentioned in Matthew 25:41.

2 Thessalonians 1:9
Speaks of eternal destruction away from the presence of the Lord, similar to the separation described in Matthew 25:41.

Matthew 7:23
Jesus speaks of telling evildoers to depart from Him, echoing the separation and judgment theme.

Jude 1:6
Mentions the angels who did not keep their positions and are kept in darkness for judgment, relating to the fate of the devil and his angels.
The Great AssizeJ.A. Macdonald Matthew 25:31-46
The JudgmentMarcus Dods Matthew 25:31-46
The Judgment of the NationsW.F. Adeney Matthew 25:31-46
A Call to GloryJ. Vaughan, M. A.Matthew 25:34-44
Charitable Actions Reveal an Inward GraceC. H. Spurgeon.Matthew 25:34-44
Charity Ministers to Self-EnjoymentT. Manton.Matthew 25:34-44
Christ Inviting His Saints to His KingdomC. Bradley.Matthew 25:34-44
Christ Reproaching the WickedMatthew 25:34-44
Christian BenevolenceAnon.Matthew 25:34-44
Christian SympathyJ. Gaskin, M. A.Matthew 25:34-44
Christ's RepresentativesTranslated from the German of Krummacher.Matthew 25:34-44
Destiny Determined by ServiceablenessJ. C. Jones.Matthew 25:34-44
Done to My Friends is Done to MeMatthew 25:34-44
God Rewards CharityT. Manton.Matthew 25:34-44
Hard to See Christ in the Poverty of the SaintsT. Manton.Matthew 25:34-44
HeavenJ. Leifchild, D. D.Matthew 25:34-44
Heaven Prepared Far the SaintsC. H. Spurgeon.Matthew 25:34-44
Judgment Upon WorksT. Manton.Matthew 25:34-44
Kindhess to Christ's ServantsMatthew 25:34-44
Necessity of Good WorksR. Winterbotham, M. A.Matthew 25:34-44
Practical Beneficence the True Christian LifeR. Veitch, M. A.Matthew 25:34-44
Relation of Good Works to ChristianityMartin Luther., F. B. Proctor, M. A.Matthew 25:34-44
Self-ForgetfulnessC. D. Bridgeman, D. D.Matthew 25:34-44
Sins of OmissionT. Manton.Matthew 25:34-44
The Blessed Sometimes Think Themselves Cursed, ForgottenJ. Cumming, D. D.Matthew 25:34-44
The Disabilities of SelfishnessH. Allon.Matthew 25:34-44
The Divine Law of CompassionT. R. Evans.Matthew 25:34-44
The Final SeparationC. H. Spurgeon.Matthew 25:34-44
The Final TestH. Melvill, B. D.Matthew 25:34-44
The Objects, Source, and Dignity of Christian LiberalityT. Robinson, M. A.Matthew 25:34-44
The Principle by Which Men Shall be JudgedA. Watson, D. D.Matthew 25:34-44
The Reasons for Christ's SentenceT. Manton.Matthew 25:34-44
The Reward of the RighteousC. H. Spurgeon.Matthew 25:34-44
The Surprise of the RighteousJ. W. Alexander.Matthew 25:34-44
The Tests of the Final JudgmentS. Robins, M. A., W. Clarke., A. MeCaul, D. D.Matthew 25:34-44
The Unavailing Declinatures of Praise and BlameM. Martin, M. A.Matthew 25:34-44
There is More in Our Deeds than We are Aware OfCanon Scott-Holland.Matthew 25:34-44
True Benevolence of ChristianityMatthew 25:34-44
People
Jesus
Places
Mount of Olives
Topics
Accursed, Age-during, Ages, Angels, Begone, Curse, Cursed, Depart, Devil, Eternal, Everlasting, Evil, Fire, Messengers, Ones, Prepared, Ready, Resting
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Matthew 25:41

     1310   God, as judge
     4116   angels, opposed to God
     4125   Satan, agents of
     4127   Satan, defeat of
     4826   fire
     5267   control
     5288   dead, the
     5484   punishment, by God
     5561   suffering, nature of
     6139   deadness, spiritual
     6157   fall, of Satan
     8738   evil, victory over
     9023   death, unbelievers
     9105   last things
     9122   eternity, and God
     9511   hell, place of punishment

Matthew 25:1-46

     2309   Christ, as judge

Matthew 25:14-46

     8344   servanthood, in believers

Matthew 25:31-41

     9240   last judgment

Matthew 25:31-46

     1075   God, justice of
     5006   human race, destiny
     5381   law, letter and spirit
     6026   sin, judgment on

Matthew 25:32-41

     4915   completion

Matthew 25:32-46

     1220   God, as shepherd
     2330   Christ, as shepherd

Matthew 25:41-43

     5972   unkindness

Matthew 25:41-45

     5851   excuse
     5885   indifference
     6125   condemnation, divine
     8446   hospitality, duty of

Matthew 25:41-46

     5562   suffering, innocent
     5942   security
     5943   self-deception
     6712   propitiation
     9512   hell, experience
     9513   hell, as incentive to action

Library
The Surprise of the Righteous
Preached at Southsea for the Mission of the Good Shepherd. October 1871. St Matt. xxv. 34-37. "Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me. Then shall the righteous
Charles Kingsley—All Saints' Day and Other Sermons

November 16. "Watch Therefore, for Ye Know Neither the Day" (Matt. xxv. 13).
"Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day" (Matt. xxv. 13). Jesus illustrates the unexpectedness of His coming by the figure of a thief entering a house when the master was not there. Life, like the old Jewish night, may be divided into three watches, youth, maturity, old age. The summons to meet God may come to us in either of these watches. A writer tells us of his experience with a camping party, of which he was a member, and which, he tells us, always arranged to have watches at night. "We
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

'They that were Ready'
'They that were ready went in with him to the marriage.' --MATT. xxv. 10. It is interesting to notice the variety of aspects in which, in this long discourse, Jesus sets forth His Second Coming. It is like the flood that swept away a world. It is like a thief stealing through the dark, and breaking up a house. It is like a master reckoning with his servants. These three metaphors suggest solemn, one might almost say alarming, images. But then this parable comes in and tells how that coming is like
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Dying Lamps
'Our lamps are gone out.'--MATT. xxv. 8. This is one of the many cases in which the Revised Version, by accuracy of rendering the tense of a verb, gives a much more striking as well as correct reproduction of the original than the Authorised Version does. The former reads 'going out,' instead of 'gone out,' a rendering which the Old Version has, unfortunately, relegated to the margin. It is clearly to be preferred, not only because it more correctly represents the Greek, but because it sets before
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Waiting Maidens
'Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. 2. And five of them were wise, and five were foolish. 3. They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them: 4. But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. 5. While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. 6. And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him. 7. Then all those virgins arose,
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Traders for the Master
'For the kingdom of heaven la as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods. 15. And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey. 16. Then he that had received the five talents went and traded with the same, and made them other five talents. 17. And likewise he that had received two, he also gained other two. 18. But he that had received one
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The King on his Judgment Throne
'When the Son of Man shall come in His glory, and all the holy angels with Him, then shall He sit upon the throne of His glory: 32. And before Him shall be gathered all nations: and He shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats: 33. And He shall set the sheep on His right hand, but the goats on the left. 34. Then shall the King say unto them on His right hand, Come, ye blessed of My Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

On the Words of the Gospel, Matt. xxv. 1, "Then Shall the Kingdom of Heaven be Likened unto Ten virgins. "
1. Ye who were present yesterday remember my promise; which with the Lord's assistance is to be made good to-day, not to you only, but to the many others also who have come together. It is no easy question, who the ten virgins are, of whom five are wise, and five foolish. Nevertheless, according to the context of this passage which I have wished should be read again to you to-day, Beloved, I do not think, as far as the Lord vouchsafes to give me understanding, that this parable or similitude relates
Saint Augustine—sermons on selected lessons of the new testament

On the Words of the Gospel, Matt. xxv. 24, Etc. , Where the Slothful Servant who Would not Put Out the Talent He had Received, is Condemned.
1. My lords, my brethren, and fellow bishops have deigned to visit us and gladden us by their presence; but I know not why they are unwilling to assist me, when wearied. I have said this to you, Beloved, in their hearing, that your hearing may in a manner intercede for me with them, that when I ask them they also may discourse unto you in their turn. Let them dispense what they have received, let them vouchsafe to work rather than excuse themselves. Be pleased, however, to hear from me, fatigued
Saint Augustine—sermons on selected lessons of the new testament

The Two Talents
Now, there are some men in the world who have but few talents. Our parable says, "One had five, and another two. To them I shall address myself this morning; and I pray that the few pointed things I may say, may be blessed of God to their edification or rebuke. First, I shall notice the fact that there are many persons who have but few talents, and I will try to account for God's dispensing but few to them. Secondly, I shall remind them that even for these few talents they must be brought to account.
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 4: 1858

Tenth Chapter
An excellent sermon which this Doctor delivered in a convent after his illumination, concerning Christ the true Bridegroom of the soul, in the which he showed how she is to follow Him in true, shamefaced, humble, and patient resignation, and how Christ tries her beforehand in divers ways, and at last accepts her lovingly. Taken from these words--"Ecce sponsus venit, exite obviam ei" (Matt. xxv. 6). DEAR children, it may be now two years or more since I last preached. I spoke to you then of four-and-twenty
Susannah Winkworth—The History and Life of the Reverend Doctor John Tauler

The Day of Judgment. Extracted from a Sermon by Hugh Latimer, Bishop of Worcester, and Martyr, 1555. (1)
LUKE XXI.(2) As we die so we shall rise again. If we die in the state of damnation, we shall rise in that same state. Again, if we die in the state of salvation, we shall rise again in that state, and come to everlasting felicity, both of soul and body. For if we die now in the state of salvation, then at the last general day of judgment we shall hear this joyful sentence, proceeding out of the mouth of our Saviour Christ, when he will say, "Come, ye blessed of my Father, possess that kingdom which
John Knox—The Pulpit Of The Reformation, Nos. 1, 2 and 3.

Conclusion of Our Lord's Discourse. Parables of virgins and Talents. The Final Judgment.
(Mount of Olives. Tuesday, April 4, a.d. 30.) ^A Matt. XXV. 1-46. ^a 1 Then [i. e., at the time of the Lord's coming. Jesus is still emphasizing the lesson of watchfulness, and proceeds to enforce it by two parables] shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten [probably the usual number on such occasions] virgins, who took their lamps [small earthenware vessels, with flax wicks, and without glass chimneys], and went forth to meet the bridegroom. [The Oriental wedding began with a feast in the
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Evening of the Third Day in Passion-Week-On the Mount of Olives-Last Parables: to the Disciples Concerning the Last Things-The Parable of the Ten virgins-The Parable Of
1. As might have been expected, the Parables concerning the Last Things are closely connected with the Discourse of the Last Things, which Christ had just spoken to His Disciples. In fact, that of the Ten Virgins, which seems the fullest in many-sided meaning, is, in its main object, only an illustration of the last part of Christ's Discourse. [5521] Its great practical lessons had been: the unexpectedness of the Lord's Coming; the consequences to be apprehend from its delay; and the need of personal
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

Appendix xix. On Eternal Punishment, According to the Rabbis and the New Testament
THE Parables of the Ten Virgins' and of the Unfaithful Servant' close with a Discourse on the Last Things,' the final Judgment, and the fate of those Christ's Righ Hand and at His Left (St. Matt. xxv. 31-46). This final Judgment by our Lord forms a fundamental article in the Creed of the Church. It is the Christ Who comes, accompanied by the Angelic Host, and sits down on the throne of His Glory, when all nations are gathered before Him. Then the final separation is made, and joy or sorrow awarded
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

Parable of the Talents (Matt. , xxv. , 14-30) Compared with that of the Pounds (Luke, xix. , 12).
The parable of the talents (Matt., xxv.) is evidently allied to that of the pounds [690] (Luke, xix., 12); but there are points of difference too striking to be ascribed to alterations in transmission. In the latter, each of the servants receives the same sum, one pound, and their position in the kingdom is assigned according to their gains. In the former, different sums are intrusted to the servants in proportion to their ability, and those who bring gains in the same proportion are rewarded accordingly.
Augustus Neander—The Life of Jesus Christ in Its Historical Connexion

The Ten virgins.
"Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. And five of them were wise, and five were foolish. They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them: but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him. Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their
William Arnot—The Parables of Our Lord

The Entrusted Talents.
"For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods. And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey. Then he that had received the five talents went and traded with the same, and made them other five talents. And likewise he that had received two, he also gained other two. But he that had received one went and digged
William Arnot—The Parables of Our Lord

Of the Prerogatives which the Elect Shall Enjoy in Heaven.
By reason of this communion with God, the elect in heaven shall have four superexcellent prerogatives:-- 1. They shall have the kingdom of heaven for their inheritance (Matt. xxv.; 1 Pet. i. 4), and they shall be free denizens of the heavenly Jerusalem (Eph. ii. 19; Heb. xii. 22.) St. Paul, by being a free citizen of Rome (Acts xxi. 26), escaped whipping; but they who are once free citizens of the heavenly Jerusalem, shall ever be freed from the whips of eternal torments. For this freedom was bought
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety

Works by J. G. Bellett.
The Patriarchs. Being meditations upon Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, and Job; with The Canticles, and Heaven and Earth. 435 pp. Cloth, post-paid,
F. C. Jennings—Old Groans and New Songs

"Thence He Shall Come to Judge the Quick and Dead. ...
12. "Thence He shall come to judge the quick and dead." The quick, who shall be alive and remain; the dead, who shall have gone before. It may also be understood thus: The living, the just; the dead, the unjust. For He judges both, rendering unto each his own. To the just He will say in the judgment, "Come, ye blessed of My Father, receive the kingdom prepared for you from the beginning of the world." [1793] For this prepare yourselves, for these things hope, for this live, and so live, for this
St. Augustine—On the Creeds

Letter Lvii to the Duke and Duchess of Lorraine
To the Duke and Duchess of Lorraine [87] He thanks them for having hitherto remitted customs [or tolls, but asks that they will see that their princely liberality is not interfered with by the efforts of their servants. To the Duke and Duchess of Lorraine, Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux, sends greeting, and prays that they may so lovingly and purely rejoice in each other's affection that the love of Christ alone maybe supreme in them both. Ever since the needs of our Order obliged me to send for necessaries
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux—Some Letters of Saint Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux

Letter Liii to Another Holy virgin of the Convent of S. Mary of Troyes
To Another Holy Virgin of the Convent of S. Mary of Troyes [84] He dissuades her from the rash and imprudent design which she had in her mind of retiring into some solitude. 1. I am told that you are wishing to leave your convent, impelled by a longing for a more ascetic life, and that after spending all their efforts to dissuade and prevent you, seeing that you paid no heed to them, your spiritual mother or your sisters, determined at length to seek my advice on the matter, so that whatever course
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux—Some Letters of Saint Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux

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