Matthew 13:41-42
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What's striking here is that "all causes of sin" and "all law-breakers" aren't just separate categories of bad people; they represent two aspects of the same corruption. One aspect refers to anything or anyone that causes others to stumble, while the other points to those actively engaged in wickedness.
The Son of Man will send his angels, and they will gather out of his kingdom all causes of sin and all law-breakers, and throw them into the fiery furnace. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus has just finished explaining the Parable of the Weeds, revealing that the kingdom of heaven will contain both righteous people and evildoers until the end of time. This verse then describes the ultimate judgment, where the Son of Man will dispatch angels to separate the wicked from the righteous, removing all sin and lawlessness from His kingdom. This final, decisive act of separation prepares for the ultimate vindication and reward of the righteous, as described in the following verse.
Who's really in charge when we look at the bigger picture of God's kingdom? This verse speaks volumes about ultimate authority.
Jesus, the Son of Man, isn't just a bystander in the unfolding of history. He is the King! Matthew 13:41 emphatically states that He will send forth His angels, and His kingdom is the context for this action. This highlights Jesus' divine authority and ownership. The angels, the kingdom, and the ultimate judgment all fall under His sovereign command. This isn't just about a future event; it's a continuous declaration of who Christ is and His rightful place as the ruler of all.
When the final harvest comes, who gets gathered and where do they go? This verse gives us a clear picture of the criteria for separation.
The verse identifies two key groups that will be removed from Christ's kingdom: 'all causes of sin' and 'all law-breakers.' These terms aren't arbitrary; they describe those who actively disrupt the purity and holiness of God's reign.
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It's crucial to understand that these are not minor infractions but deep-seated patterns of behavior and character that are fundamentally opposed to God's nature.
What does it mean for the 'kingdom' to be 'His kingdom' when it includes both good and bad? This verse reveals a vital distinction.
The phrase 'out of his kingdom' is profound. It implies that the visible church, while a manifestation of Christ's reign on earth, is not yet the perfected, pure kingdom. It's a mixed company for now, containing both genuine believers ('sons of the kingdom') and those who only appear to belong ('sons of the evil one').
This verse assures us that the separation Jesus describes in the parable of the wheat and the tares (Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43) is real and will be executed by divine agents. The angels are tasked with this final, perfect sifting. This future judgment doesn't negate the present reality of the kingdom of grace, but it underscores that the ultimate, perfected kingdom will be one of absolute purity, free from all sin and rebellion.
Understand the original words
huios tou anthrōpou · Greek Noun phrase
A title for Jesus Christ emphasizing his humanity and his role as the eschatological judge and ruler who receives authority from the Ancient of Days.
angelos · Greek Noun
Heavenly beings created by God who act as his messengers, agents of his will, and executors of his judgment.
basileia · Greek Noun
The sphere of God's sovereign rule, authority, and presence; it encompasses both the present spiritual reality and the future perfected age.
skandalon · Greek Noun
Anything that causes others to stumble, fall into sin, or turn away from God; often associated with false teaching or immoral behavior.
anomia · Greek Noun
Those who live in defiance of God's revealed law or moral standards; refers to those who are unrighteous in heart and deed.
kaminos tou pyros · Greek Noun phrase
A vivid metaphor for the final place of eternal separation from God and divine punishment for the wicked.
klauthmos kai ho brygmos tōn odontōn · Greek Noun phrase
A vivid description of intense anguish, remorse, and the agony of ultimate separation from God’s presence.
This passage prophesies a future cleansing of the land from idolatry and false prophets, echoing the theme of removal of sin from God's people.
Daniel 12:1-3Daniel foretells a future deliverance where those written in the book will be saved, connecting to the idea of a final separation and vindication of the righteous.
1 Corinthians 3:10-15Paul speaks of building on the foundation of Christ, with the quality of each person's work being tested by fire, relating to the judgment and separation of those who cause others to stumble.
2 Thessalonians 1:6-10This passage describes Christ returning in flaming fire to punish those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel, paralleling the gathering and punishment of law-breakers.
Revelation 18:1-5The fall of Babylon symbolizes judgment on the forces that oppose God and lead people astray, reflecting the ultimate removal of all that offends from God's true kingdom.
bengelMatthew 13:41: "The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity;"
Matthew 13:41 . Αὐτοῦ , His— Αὐτοῦ , His ) Such is the majesty of the Son of Man. His are the angels (see the end of Matthew 13:39 ); His is the kingdom of heaven ; His is the world ; cf. Matthew 13:24 , with Matthew 13:38 .— βασιλείας , the kingdom ) which is the kingdom of grace.— σκάνδαλα , stumbling-blocks) obstacles , which had hindered t…
pooleMatthew 13:41: "The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity;"
See Poole on "Matthew 13:43" .
What's striking here is that "all causes of sin" and "all law-breakers" aren't just separate categories of bad people; they represent two aspects of the same corruption. One aspect refers to anything or anyone that causes others to stumble, while the other points to those actively engaged in wickedness.
Jesus has just finished explaining the Parable of the Weeds, revealing that the kingdom of heaven will contain both righteous people and evildoers until the end of time. This verse then describes the ultimate judgment, where the Son of Man will dispatch angels to separate the wicked from the righteous, removing all sin and lawlessness from His kingdom. This final, decisive act of separation prepares for the ultimate vindication and reward of the righteous, as described in the following verse.
Jesus has just finished explaining the Parable of the Weeds, revealing that the kingdom of heaven will contain both righteous people and evildoers until the end of time. This verse then describes the ultimate judgment, where the Son of Man will dispatch angels to separate the wicked from the righteous, removing all sin and lawlessness from His kingdom. This final, decisive act of separation prepares for the ultimate vindication and reward of the righteous, as described in the following verse.
"The Son of Man will send his angels, and they will gather out of his kingdom all causes of sin and all law-breakers, and throw them into the fiery furnace. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth." — What's striking here is that "all causes of sin" and "all law-breakers" aren't just separate categories of bad people; they represent two aspects of the same corruption. One aspect refers to anything…
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Last reviewed October 2026
