Matthew 13 49

Matthew 13:49 kjv

So shall it be at the end of the world: the angels shall come forth, and sever the wicked from among the just,

Matthew 13:49 nkjv

So it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come forth, separate the wicked from among the just,

Matthew 13:49 niv

This is how it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come and separate the wicked from the righteous

Matthew 13:49 esv

So it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come out and separate the evil from the righteous

Matthew 13:49 nlt

That is the way it will be at the end of the world. The angels will come and separate the wicked people from the righteous,

Matthew 13 verses

Matthew 13 49 Meaning

Matthew 13:49 unequivocally states that at the consummation of this present age, God's divine agents, the angels, will perform a decisive separation. They will meticulously discern and remove those characterized by wickedness from the midst of those who are righteous, leading to distinct and permanent destinies.

Matthew 13 49 Context

Matthew 13 contains a series of parables describing the Kingdom of Heaven. Verse 49 is the direct explanation of the "Parable of the Net" (13:47-48), much like 13:36-43 explains the "Parable of the Weeds." Both parables convey the reality of mixed coexistence within the world and even among those who outwardly appear to belong to the Kingdom, followed by an ultimate, divinely ordained separation at the end of the age. This verse, therefore, highlights God's sovereignty over history and destiny, emphasizing that the final sorting will not be done by human effort but by supernatural means. The original audience, accustomed to fishing practices on the Sea of Galilee, would easily grasp the imagery of good fish being kept and bad ones discarded.

Matthew 13 49 Word analysis

• So will it be (Οὕτως ἔσται - Houtōs estai): This phrase indicates a certain, definite, and exact fulfillment. It serves as a direct, conclusive application of the preceding parable. It means "in this manner" or "just so," establishing a strong parallel between the earthly analogy and the spiritual reality.
• at the end of the age (ἐν τῇ συντελείᾳ τοῦ αἰῶνος - en tē synteleia tou aiōnos):
  • synteleia (συντελείᾳ): Signifies the "consummation," "completion," or "full end" of a period. It's not merely an end but the final and definitive culmination of the present order. This term is unique to Matthew in the Synoptic Gospels and emphasizes a precise point in eschatological time.
  • aiōnos (αἰῶνος): Refers to a specific "age" or "epoch," in this case, the present period of history marked by the presence of evil alongside the good. This distinguishes it from the age to come, the eternal reign of God's Kingdom. It underlines that this separation is a future, universal event for humanity.
• The angels (οἱ ἄγγελοι - hoi angeloi): "Angels" literally means "messengers" or "emissaries." In biblical context, they are divine beings who serve God as His agents. Their role in judgment is consistently portrayed in scripture, highlighting that this final separation is God's work, not a human endeavor, and involves divine authority and power.
• will come forth (ἐξελεύσονται - exeleusontai): Implies an active, deliberate dispatching for a specific task. They are sent out with a mandate from God to execute His judgment.
• and take out (καὶ ἀφοριοῦσιν - kai aphoriousin):
  • aphorizō (ἀφορίζω): This verb means "to separate," "to set apart," or "to divide off." It conveys a clear, irreversible division. While sometimes used positively (e.g., separating Paul and Barnabas for ministry in Acts 13:2), here it denotes a decisive separation for punitive judgment. It's a forceful act of discernment and division.
• the wicked (τοὺς πονηροὺς - tous ponērous):
  • ponērous (πονηροὺς): Describes those who are inherently "evil," "wicked," "worthless," or "malignant" in character and action. It refers to those who are characterized by unrighteousness and whose deeds demonstrate their separation from God. It stands in direct contrast to "the righteous."
• from among the righteous (ἐκ μέσου τῶν δικαίων - ek mesou tōn dikaiōn):
  • dikaiōn (δικαίων): Describes those who are "righteous" or "just," standing in right relationship with God through faith. This phrase highlights the coexistence of both groups up until the very moment of judgment, indicating that ultimate identity, not merely outward association, determines destiny.

Matthew 13 49 Bonus section

The precise wording "end of the age" is found almost exclusively in Matthew (Mt 13:39, 40, 49; 24:3; 28:20) in the Gospels, highlighting this evangelist's focus on eschatological teaching. It is distinct from merely the "end of the world" or "end of time" (which some interpret aion as), as it specifically points to the consummation of the current order preceding the establishment of God's fully manifest Kingdom. This phrase reinforces the idea of a historical process with a defined, divinely appointed conclusion, where all unresolved spiritual matters will be decisively settled.

Matthew 13 49 Commentary

Matthew 13:49 encapsulates a foundational biblical truth: the ultimate, divine judgment and separation of humanity. It reaffirms the Lord Jesus' teaching that within this present age, the true and false, the righteous and the wicked, exist side by side, sometimes indistinguishably to human eyes. This coexistence, however, is temporary. The "end of the age" marks a specific, predetermined moment when God, through His angels, will effect a perfect and final discernment. The dragnet of the Gospel will have gathered all humanity, but the sorting will reveal true allegiance. This verse stands as a powerful declaration of God's perfect justice, ensuring that wickedness will not perpetually contaminate the righteous and that the ultimate outcome is eternal division based on one's standing before God. It serves as a stark reminder of personal accountability and the certainty of judgment, emphasizing the call to live righteously while there is still time.