Matthew 24 49

Matthew 24:49 kjv

And shall begin to smite his fellowservants, and to eat and drink with the drunken;

Matthew 24:49 nkjv

and begins to beat his fellow servants, and to eat and drink with the drunkards,

Matthew 24:49 niv

and he then begins to beat his fellow servants and to eat and drink with drunkards.

Matthew 24:49 esv

and begins to beat his fellow servants and eats and drinks with drunkards,

Matthew 24:49 nlt

and he begins beating the other servants, partying, and getting drunk?

Matthew 24 verses

Matthew 24 49 Meaning

Matthew 24:49 describes the unfaithful servant's specific actions during the master's prolonged absence. This servant abuses authority by physically and metaphorically oppressing their fellow servants, and engages in gluttony and debauchery, associating with those living without restraint. It illustrates a complete departure from responsible stewardship, marked by self-indulgence and tyrannical behavior.

Matthew 24 49 Context

Matthew 24:49 is part of the Parable of the Faithful and Wise Servant, narrated by Jesus as part of His Olivet Discourse (Matthew 24-25). This discourse primarily addresses the signs of the end of the age and Christ's return, emphasizing the need for vigilance and preparedness. Immediately preceding this parable, Jesus states that no one knows the day or hour of His coming (Mt 24:42-44), highlighting the imperative for constant readiness. The parable of the servants illustrates two contrasting responses to the master's prolonged absence: faithful stewardship versus negligent and abusive conduct. Verse 49 specifically describes the degeneration of the unfaithful servant who, presuming the master's delay, abuses authority and succumbs to carnal desires, abandoning their assigned duties. It directly contrasts with the wise servant who remains diligent and responsible. Historically, this parable spoke to both Jewish leaders who had neglected their covenant responsibilities and emerging Christian leaders or believers regarding their conduct and spiritual preparedness while awaiting Christ's Second Coming. It warns against a mentality that justifies self-indulgence and abuse due to perceived deferment of divine accountability.

Matthew 24 49 Word analysis

• and shall begin (καὶ ἄρξηται, kai arxētai): The term "begin" indicates a turning point or a deliberate initiation of new, harmful behavior. It implies a conscious decision to shift from any semblance of duty to active rebellion, triggered by the belief that the master's return is not imminent. It's not a momentary lapse but the commencement of a destructive pattern.
• to strike (τύπτειν, tuptein): This Greek verb means "to strike," "to beat," or "to inflict blows." It denotes physical violence and abuse of power. Beyond literal beating, it signifies harsh treatment, oppression, and cruelty. In the context of a servant-master relationship, it represents the illegitimate use of delegated authority to cause harm.
• his fellow servants (τοὺς συνδούλους αὐτοῦ, tous syndoulous autou): "Fellow servants" refers to those within the same household or those who serve the same master. This highlights the servant's egregious sin: abusing those under the same divine authority, often implying fellow believers or those entrusted to one's care. It speaks to the perversion of pastoral or communal leadership, where care is replaced with tyranny.
• and eat and drink (ἐσθίῃ δὲ καὶ πίνῃ, esthie de kai pinē): Eating and drinking are not inherently evil; they are natural human activities. However, in this context, coupled with "with the drunkards," they symbolize excessive indulgence, self-gratification, gluttony, and neglect of duties. It implies a lifestyle focused on immediate carnal pleasures rather than responsible service or spiritual watchfulness.
• with the drunkards (μετὰ τῶν μεθυόντων, meta tōn methyontōn): "Drunkards" implies a lifestyle of debauchery, lack of self-control, and moral dissipation. Associating with them means actively participating in such a lifestyle, adopting worldly habits, and abandoning spiritual discipline. It signifies aligning oneself with the ungodly and the sensuous world, contradicting the vigilance expected of a servant awaiting their master.

Words-group analysis:

• "shall begin to strike his fellow servants": This phrase details the tyrannical and abusive aspect of the unfaithful servant's behavior. It highlights active harm and oppression against those under their supposed care, indicative of a leadership failure. The abuse is directed at fellow members of the master's household, making the betrayal more profound.
• "and eat and drink with the drunkards": This phrase describes the hedonistic and irresponsible aspect. It signifies the abandonment of duty for personal indulgence, immersing oneself in worldly pleasures and associations that are contrary to a servant's diligent anticipation. This demonstrates a surrender to carnal desires and a spiritual indifference that distracts from their master's work. This phrase points to a lifestyle of moral decay and spiritual neglect.

Matthew 24 49 Bonus section

The specific choice of "drunkards" as companions for the unfaithful servant holds significant polemic weight. In both Jewish and Roman societies, excessive public drunkenness was often viewed as a sign of a morally degenerate person or lower class. For Jesus' audience, associating with "drunkards" was a stark visual representation of moral decay and abandonment of righteous living, directly contrasting with the sober and disciplined life expected of one awaiting a divine master. This highlights not only the internal degradation of the servant but also their outward alignment with what was considered societal immorality, moving away from a lifestyle of righteousness and spiritual purity. The Olivet Discourse, particularly this parable, provides a profound ethical framework for Christ-followers, warning against spiritual complacency that breeds both internal corruption (self-indulgence) and external oppression (abuse of others). It subtly critiques religious leaders who prioritize self over their flock and neglect their duties while projecting an image of piety. The unfaithful servant's behavior becomes a mirror for anyone entrusted with spiritual authority or insight who then exploits or ignores their charge.

Matthew 24 49 Commentary

Matthew 24:49 paints a vivid picture of spiritual decline resulting from unfaithfulness and presumptuousness. The unfaithful servant, convinced of the master's delayed return, permits himself to fall into two major categories of sin: oppression and indulgence. First, "to strike his fellow servants" illustrates the abuse of authority and power, which in a broader spiritual sense represents leadership that becomes tyrannical, inflicting harm and injustice on fellow members of God's household. This could be literal physical violence, but more commonly represents emotional, verbal, or systemic abuse and neglect within communities of faith. It stands in direct opposition to the Christ-like servanthood that protects and nourishes. Second, "to eat and drink with the drunkards" speaks to unrestrained self-gratification and worldly alignment. This servant forsakes the disciplines of watchfulness and readiness for a life of carnal excess and inappropriate associations. It symbolizes spiritual complacency, where the focus shifts from the Master's business to personal pleasure and the acceptance of the world's depraved standards. The word "begin" is crucial, signifying a conscious choice and the start of a progressive degradation of character and conduct. This verse serves as a powerful warning against neglecting one's divine responsibilities, becoming oppressive to others, and succumbing to worldly temptations while awaiting the Lord's return. It emphasizes that true readiness is evidenced not by mere intellectual assent, but by ongoing, faithful stewardship and righteous living.

Examples for practical usage:

• A church leader who verbally abuses volunteers and misuses congregational funds.
• A Christian who, feeling disappointed by unmet expectations, gives in to excessive drinking and participates in immoral gatherings.
• Someone in a position of trust who exploits those under their authority for personal gain and spends their time on frivolous, destructive pursuits.