Matthew 13:41-42
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)
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It's easy to think of "causes of sin" and "law-breakers" as separate groups, but here they overlap significantly. Jesus is highlighting that the angels will remove not only those who actively break God's law, but also whatever causes others to stumble – meaning both people and things that create obstacles to righteousness. This gathering is not about imperfect people in God's kingdom being punished, but about the removal of all that is contrary to His nature.
This verse comes at the end of Jesus' parables about the Kingdom of Heaven, particularly the parable of the weeds among the wheat. He explains that the field is the world, the good seed represents those who belong to the Kingdom, and the weeds are those influenced by the evil one. This passage is Jesus' direct interpretation, revealing that a final separation will occur when the Son of Man sends his angels to remove all evil from his kingdom, separating the wicked from the righteous.
Jesus identifies Himself as the central figure in this dramatic future event. What does this tell us about His power and role?
This verse emphasizes Jesus' supreme authority. He is not just a bystander but the one who 'shall send forth his angels.'
The Son of Man's Command
The title 'Son of Man' connects Jesus to His divine commission and future reign. He has dominion over His kingdom – which in this context refers to the visible church on earth – and He has the authority to command His angelic hosts.
His Angels, His Kingdom
The repeated use of 'his' ('his angels,' 'his kingdom') underscores that everything involved in this judgment belongs to Christ. This isn't a random cosmic event; it's a divinely orchestrated act initiated and controlled by Jesus Himself.
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The verse mentions two distinct groups being removed from the kingdom. What do these descriptions reveal about why people are ultimately judged?
Jesus highlights two key characteristics of those who will be removed from His kingdom: 'all causes of sin' (stumbling blocks) and 'all law-breakers' (those who practice iniquity).
Causes of Sin (Stumbling Blocks)
This refers to anything or anyone that hinders faith, leads others astray, or creates obstacles to righteousness. It can include false teachings, corrupting influences, or individuals whose actions are a scandal to the faith.
Law-Breakers (Those Who Practice Iniquity)
This group is defined by their active, persistent rebellion against God's commands. They are not merely occasional offenders but those whose lives are characterized by lawlessness, demonstrating a rejection of God's will.
Why does this separation happen, and what does it mean for the integrity of God's kingdom?
This verse describes a decisive act of separation, aiming to purify and uphold the true nature of God's kingdom.
Separation and Judgment
The angels' task is to 'gather out' – to separate and remove. This signifies a final judgment where the visible kingdom (the church) will be purged of those who do not truly belong. This includes those who have merely occupied space outwardly but inwardly practiced rebellion or caused others to fall away.
Preserving Kingdom Purity
The ultimate goal is to ensure the integrity of Christ's reign. The 'causes of sin' and 'law-breakers' are incompatible with the holy nature of God's kingdom. Their removal is essential for the vindication of righteousness and the establishment of perfect order.
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 describes John the Baptist's prophecy about Jesus, who will 'gather his wheat into the barn' while burning 'the chaff with unquenchable fire,' mirroring the final separation of the righteous and the wicked that Jesus speaks of here.
Daniel 7:9-10This vision of the Ancient of Days holding court, with 'thousands upon thousands' attending him, parallels the divine authority and angelic host Jesus will employ in the final judgment and separation.
Psalm 1:4-5The psalmist contrasts the wicked, who are like chaff 'blown away by the wind,' with the righteous, who will 'not stand in the judgment,' highlighting the inevitable separation and differing fates that Jesus describes.
2 Thessalonians 1:7-9This passage speaks of Jesus being revealed from heaven with his mighty angels 'in flaming fire, inflicting vengeance' on those who do not know God or obey the gospel, echoing the judgment and removal of law-breakers mentioned in Matthew.
Revelation 14:14-20The vivid imagery of a 'great sickle' and the harvest of the earth, followed by the treading of the winepress outside the city, graphically portrays the final reaping and judgment of humanity, paralleling Jesus' description of angelic separation.
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" .
It's easy to think of "causes of sin" and "law-breakers" as separate groups, but here they overlap significantly. Jesus is highlighting that the angels will remove not only those who actively break God's law, but also whatever causes others to stumble – meaning both people and things that create obstacles to righteousness. This gathering is not about imperfect people in God's kingdom being punished, but about the removal of all that is contrary to His nature.
This verse comes at the end of Jesus' parables about the Kingdom of Heaven, particularly the parable of the weeds among the wheat. He explains that the field is the world, the good seed represents those who belong to the Kingdom, and the weeds are those influenced by the evil one. This passage is Jesus' direct interpretation, revealing that a final separation will occur when the Son of Man sends his angels to remove all evil from his kingdom, separating the wicked from the righteous.
This verse comes at the end of Jesus' parables about the Kingdom of Heaven, particularly the parable of the weeds among the wheat. He explains that the field is the world, the good seed represents those who belong to the Kingdom, and the weeds are those influenced by the evil one. This passage is Jesus' direct interpretation, revealing that a final separation will occur when the Son of Man sends his angels to remove all evil from his kingdom, separating the wicked from the righteous.
"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." — It's easy to think of "causes of sin" and "law-breakers" as separate groups, but here they overlap significantly. Jesus is highlighting that the angels will remove not only those who actively break G…
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