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:

MATTHEW 25:41KJV
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Matthew 25:41 (KJV)

What does Matthew 25:41 mean?

Matthew 25:41 describes Jesus, in a future judgment scene, telling those on his left to leave his presence because they are cursed and must go into everlasting fire, which was originally prepared for the devil and his angels. This verse shows a clear separation between two groups, with a strong warning about the consequences of rejecting God’s ways.

In this scene, Jesus is speaking as the judge at the end of the age, addressing people who are symbolically placed on his left side. The “everlasting fire” is described as a punishment not intended for humans but for the devil (Greek: διάβολος, diabolos) and his angels. The verse uses vivid language to stress the seriousness of the final judgment and the fate of those who do not align themselves with God’s will.

The Greek behind Matthew 25:41

  • ἀιώνιος (aiōnios, “everlasting”): This word carries the sense of something without end, emphasizing the unending nature of the fire mentioned. It highlights the seriousness and permanence of the judgment described.
  • διάβολος (diabolos, “devil”): The term refers to the adversary or accuser, making it clear that the punishment was originally meant for spiritual beings in rebellion against God, not for people.
  • ἄγγελος (angelos, “angels”): Here, “his angels” refers to the followers of the devil, reinforcing that the punishment is connected to spiritual rebellion.
  • ἡτοιμασμένον (hētoimasmenon, “prepared”): This word means something made ready in advance, suggesting that the punishment was not created for people, but for the devil and his angels, which adds weight to the warning.

Why Matthew 25:41 matters

  • Matthew 25:41 clarifies that the “everlasting fire” was not originally intended for people, but for the devil and his angels, which can challenge common assumptions about the purpose of judgment.
  • This verse highlights the seriousness of the final judgment and the reality of separation based on one’s response to God, connecting closely to the surrounding parable about sheep and goats.
  • The passage underscores Jesus’ authority as judge and the finality of his decisions, which is a central theme in this section of Matthew’s Gospel.

Where else these words appear

“cursed” Greek G2672 · used in 6 verses

  • Matthew 5:44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;
  • Mark 11:21 And Peter calling to remembrance saith unto him, Master, behold, the fig tree which thou cursedst is withered away.
  • Romans 12:14 Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not.

“hand” Greek G2176 · used in 10 verses

  • Matthew 20:21 And he said unto her, What wilt thou? She saith unto him, Grant that these my two sons may sit, the one on thy right hand, and the other on the left, in thy kingdom.
  • Matthew 27:38 Then were there two thieves crucified with him, one on the right hand, and another on the left.
  • Mark 15:27 And with him they crucify two thieves; the one on his right hand, and the other on his left.

“devil” Greek G1228 · used in 36 verses

  • Matthew 4:1 Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil.
  • John 6:70 Jesus answered them, Have not I chosen you twelve, and one of you is a devil?
  • Titus 2:3 The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things;

“prepared” Greek G2090 · used in 40 verses

  • Matthew 3:3 For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Esaias, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.
  • Luke 2:31 Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people;
  • John 14:3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.