And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.

MATTHEW 25:46KJV
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Matthew 25:46 (KJV)

What does Matthew 25:46 mean?

Matthew 25:46 describes a final separation between two groups: those who face “everlasting punishment” and those who receive “life eternal.” According to the King James Version, Jesus says that the unrighteous will go away to lasting punishment, while the righteous will enter into eternal life.

In this verse, Jesus is speaking to His disciples as He finishes the parable of the sheep and the goats, which pictures a future judgment. The verse sums up the outcome for each group after their deeds have been weighed, highlighting a permanent and unchanging result for both. The language stresses the seriousness and finality of the choices made in life.

The Greek behind Matthew 25:46

  • αἰώνιος (aiōnios, “everlasting”/“eternal”): This word is used for both “everlasting punishment” and “life eternal,” showing that the duration described for both groups is the same—unending or pertaining to an age without end.
  • κόλασις (kolasis, “punishment”): This Greek term often refers to corrective or penal punishment, not just suffering, emphasizing the idea of a consequence or penalty.
  • δίκαιος (dikaios, “righteous”): This word points to those who are upright or just, not simply by outward acts but in their standing or character.

Why Matthew 25:46 matters

  • Matthew 25:46 clarifies that both the punishment and the life described are equally lasting, countering any idea that one is temporary while the other is permanent.
  • The verse draws a sharp line between two destinies based on righteousness, tying the outcome directly to the preceding parable’s focus on how people treat others.
  • This verse is a key summary statement in Jesus’ teaching about judgment, making the stakes of the choices described in the parable unmistakably clear.

Where else these words appear

“punishment” Greek G2851 · used in 2 verses

  • 1 John 4:18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.

“everlasting” Greek G166 · used in 69 verses

  • Matthew 18:8 Wherefore if thy hand or thy foot offend thee, cut them off, and cast them from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life halt or maimed, rather than having two hands or two feet to be cast into everlasting fire.
  • John 6:68 Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life.
  • 1 Timothy 6:19 Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.

“righteous” Greek G1342 · used in 76 verses

  • Matthew 1:19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily.
  • Luke 20:20 And they watched him, and sent forth spies, which should feign themselves just men, that they might take hold of his words, that so they might deliver him unto the power and authority of the governor.
  • 2 Thessalonians 1:6 Seeing it is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you;

“away” Greek G565 · used in 118 verses

  • Matthew 2:22 But when he heard that Archelaus did reign in Judaea in the room of his father Herod, he was afraid to go thither: notwithstanding, being warned of God in a dream, he turned aside into the parts of Galilee:
  • Mark 5:20 And he departed, and began to publish in Decapolis how great things Jesus had done for him: and all men did marvel.
  • Luke 24:12 Then arose Peter, and ran unto the sepulchre; and stooping down, he beheld the linen clothes laid by themselves, and departed, wondering in himself at that which was come to pass.