Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version and he then begins to beat his fellow servants and to eat and drink with drunkards. New Living Translation and he begins beating the other servants, partying, and getting drunk? English Standard Version and begins to beat his fellow servants and eats and drinks with drunkards, Berean Standard Bible And he begins to beat his fellow servants and to eat and drink with drunkards. Berean Literal Bible and should begin to beat his fellow servants, and to eat and to drink with those being drunkards, King James Bible And shall begin to smite his fellowservants, and to eat and drink with the drunken; New King James Version and begins to beat his fellow servants, and to eat and drink with the drunkards, New American Standard Bible and he begins to beat his fellow slaves, and he eats and drinks with those habitually drunk; NASB 1995 and begins to beat his fellow slaves and eat and drink with drunkards; NASB 1977 and shall begin to beat his fellow slaves and eat and drink with drunkards; Legacy Standard Bible and begins to beat his fellow slaves and eat and drink with drunkards; Amplified Bible and begins to beat his fellow servants and to eat and drink with drunkards; Christian Standard Bible and starts to beat his fellow servants, and eats and drinks with drunkards, Holman Christian Standard Bible and starts to beat his fellow slaves, and eats and drinks with drunkards, American Standard Version and shall begin to beat his fellow-servants, and shall eat and drink with the drunken; Contemporary English Version Suppose this evil servant starts beating the other servants and eats and drinks with people who are drunk. English Revised Version and shall begin to beat his fellow-servants, and shall eat and drink with the drunken; GOD'S WORD® Translation The servant may begin to beat the other servants and eat and drink with the drunks. Good News Translation and he will begin to beat his fellow servants and to eat and drink with drunkards. International Standard Version and begins to beat his fellow servants and eat and drink with the drunks, NET Bible and he begins to beat his fellow slaves and to eat and drink with drunkards, New Heart English Bible and begins to beat his fellow servants, and eat and drink with the drunkards, Webster's Bible Translation And shall begin to beat his fellow-servants, and to eat and drink with the drunken; Weymouth New Testament and should begin to beat his fellow servants, while he eats and drinks with drunkards; Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleAnd he begins to beat his fellow servants and to eat and drink with drunkards. World English Bible and begins to beat his fellow servants, and eat and drink with the drunkards, Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand may begin to beat the fellow-servants, and to eat and to drink with the drunken, Berean Literal Bible and should begin to beat his fellow servants, and to eat and to drink with those being drunkards, Young's Literal Translation and may begin to beat the fellow-servants, and to eat and to drink with the drunken, Smith's Literal Translation And he should begin to strike the fellow-servants, and to eat and drink with those intoxicated; Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd shall begin to strike his fellow servants, and shall eat and drink with drunkards: Catholic Public Domain Version and so, he begins to strike his fellow servants, and he eats and drinks with the inebriated: New American Bible and begins to beat his fellow servants, and eat and drink with drunkards, New Revised Standard Version and he begins to beat his fellow slaves, and eats and drinks with drunkards, Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd he begins to beat his fellow servants, and to eat and drink with drunkards, Aramaic Bible in Plain English And will start to beat his associates and eat and drink with drunkards, NT Translations Anderson New Testamentand shall begin to strike his fellow-servants, and shall eat and drink with the drunken; Godbey New Testament Haweis New Testament and shall begin to beat his fellow-servants, and to eat and drink with the drunken; Mace New Testament and shall pretend to assault his fellow-servants, and spend his time with sots: Weymouth New Testament and should begin to beat his fellow servants, while he eats and drinks with drunkards; Worrell New Testament Worsley New Testament Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Readiness at Any Hour…48But suppose that servant is wicked and says in his heart, ‘My master will be away a long time.’ 49And he begins to beat his fellow servants and to eat and drink with drunkards. 50The master of that servant will come on a day he does not expect and at an hour he does not anticipate.… Cross References Luke 12:45 But suppose that servant says in his heart, ‘My master will be a long time in coming,’ and he begins to beat the menservants and maidservants, and to eat and drink and get drunk. Matthew 25:26-30 ‘You wicked, lazy servant!’ replied his master. ‘You knew that I reap where I have not sown and gather where I have not scattered seed. / Then you should have deposited my money with the bankers, and on my return I would have received it back with interest. / Therefore take the talent from him and give it to the one who has ten talents. ... 1 Thessalonians 5:3 While people are saying, “Peace and security,” destruction will come upon them suddenly, like labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. 2 Peter 3:3-4 Most importantly, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires. / “Where is the promise of His coming?” they will ask. “Ever since our fathers fell asleep, everything continues as it has from the beginning of creation.” James 5:5 You have lived on earth in luxury and self-indulgence. You have fattened your hearts in the day of slaughter. 1 Timothy 5:6 But she who lives for pleasure is dead even while she is still alive. Romans 13:13 Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. Galatians 5:19-21 The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity, and debauchery; / idolatry and sorcery; hatred, discord, jealousy, and rage; rivalries, divisions, factions, / and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. Ephesians 5:18 Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to reckless indiscretion. Instead, be filled with the Spirit. 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who submit to or perform homosexual acts, / nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor verbal abusers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God. Isaiah 56:12 “Come, let me get the wine, let us imbibe the strong drink, and tomorrow will be like today, only far better!” Proverbs 23:20-21 Do not join those who drink too much wine or gorge themselves on meat. / For the drunkard and the glutton will come to poverty, and drowsiness will clothe them in rags. Jeremiah 12:10 Many shepherds have destroyed My vineyard; they have trampled My plot of ground. They have turned My pleasant field into a desolate wasteland. Ezekiel 34:2-10 “Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel. Prophesy and tell them that this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘Woe to the shepherds of Israel, who only feed themselves! Should not the shepherds feed their flock? / You eat the fat, wear the wool, and butcher the fattened sheep, but you do not feed the flock. / You have not strengthened the weak, healed the sick, bound up the injured, brought back the strays, or searched for the lost. Instead, you have ruled them with violence and cruelty. ... Isaiah 5:11-12 Woe to those who rise early in the morning in pursuit of strong drink, who linger into the evening, to be inflamed by wine. / At their feasts are the lyre and harp, tambourines and flutes and wine. They disregard the actions of the LORD and fail to see the work of His hands. Treasury of Scripture And shall begin to smite his fellow servants, and to eat and drink with the drunken; to smite. Isaiah 66:5 Hear the word of the LORD, ye that tremble at his word; Your brethren that hated you, that cast you out for my name's sake, said, Let the LORD be glorified: but he shall appear to your joy, and they shall be ashamed. 2 Corinthians 11:20 For ye suffer, if a man bring you into bondage, if a man devour you, if a man take of you, if a man exalt himself, if a man smite you on the face. 1 Peter 5:3 Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock. and to. Matthew 7:15 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. 1 Samuel 2:13-16,29 And the priests' custom with the people was, that, when any man offered sacrifice, the priest's servant came, while the flesh was in seething, with a fleshhook of three teeth in his hand; … Isaiah 56:12 Come ye, say they, I will fetch wine, and we will fill ourselves with strong drink; and to morrow shall be as this day, and much more abundant. Jump to Previous Beat Begin Begins Cruel Drink Drinks Drunkards Drunken Eat Eats Fellow Fellow-Bondmen Fellowservants Fellow-Servants Overcome Pleasure Servants Slaves Smite WineJump to Next Beat Begin Begins Cruel Drink Drinks Drunkards Drunken Eat Eats Fellow Fellow-Bondmen Fellowservants Fellow-Servants Overcome Pleasure Servants Slaves Smite WineMatthew 24 1. Jesus foretells the destruction of the temple;3. what and how great calamities shall be before it; 29. the signs of his coming to judgment. 36. And because that day and hour are unknown, 42. we ought to watch like good servants, expecting our Master's coming. And he begins to beat his fellow servants This phrase highlights the abuse of authority and the moral decline of the unfaithful servant. In biblical context, servants were often entrusted with significant responsibilities, and their treatment of fellow servants was a reflection of their character. The act of beating fellow servants symbolizes a betrayal of trust and a failure to uphold the master's standards. This behavior contrasts with the teachings of Jesus, who emphasized servant leadership and humility (Matthew 20:26-28). The imagery of beating also recalls the mistreatment of prophets and messengers throughout Israel's history (Jeremiah 20:2, 2 Chronicles 24:21), serving as a warning against rejecting God's appointed leaders. and to eat and drink with drunkards Persons / Places / Events 1. The Wicked ServantThis character represents someone who has been entrusted with responsibility but abuses their position. In the context of Matthew 24, this servant is a metaphor for those who are unfaithful to their calling and duties. 2. Fellow Servants These are the individuals who are mistreated by the wicked servant. They symbolize the community of believers or those under the care of a leader. 3. Drunkards This group represents those who live indulgently and without regard for moral or spiritual discipline. Associating with them signifies a departure from righteous living. 4. The Master Although not directly mentioned in this verse, the master is a key figure in the parable. He represents Christ, who will return to judge the actions of His servants. 5. The Setting The broader context is the Olivet Discourse, where Jesus speaks about the end times and the importance of being watchful and faithful. Teaching Points Faithfulness in StewardshipBelievers are called to be faithful stewards of the responsibilities God has given them. Abusing authority or neglecting duties leads to spiritual decay. The Company We Keep Associating with those who live contrary to God's ways can lead us astray. We must choose our companions wisely, as they influence our behavior and spiritual health. The Certainty of Accountability Just as the master returns unexpectedly, Christ will return, and we will be held accountable for our actions. This should motivate us to live righteously and diligently. The Danger of Complacency Becoming complacent in our spiritual walk can lead to moral and ethical lapses. We must remain vigilant and committed to our faith. The Impact of Our Actions on Others Our behavior affects those around us. As believers, we should strive to uplift and support our fellow servants, not harm them. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Matthew 24:49?2. How does Matthew 24:49 warn against abusing authority over others? 3. What consequences arise from the servant's actions in Matthew 24:49? 4. How can we ensure we remain faithful servants as described in Matthew 24? 5. What other scriptures warn against neglecting responsibilities like in Matthew 24:49? 6. How can Matthew 24:49 guide our behavior in positions of leadership today? 7. What does Matthew 24:49 reveal about human nature and temptation? 8. How does Matthew 24:49 challenge the concept of accountability in Christian life? 9. What historical context influences the interpretation of Matthew 24:49? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Matthew 24? 11. When did the disciples return to Galilee? They saw Jesus there after at least 40 days, as they were instructed to stay in Jerusalem until receiving power (Matthew 28:17, Luke 24:49, Acts 1:3-4). 12. Where did Jesus tell his disciples to stay after his resurrection? (Matthew 28:10 vs. Luke 24:49) 13. Romans 15:8 highlights Jesus as a servant to the Jews, so how does this align with the broader claim of salvation for all people? 14. Why does Isaiah 42:4 seem to contradict later passages that depict the Messiah as suffering and dying (e.g., Isaiah 53)? What Does Matthew 24:49 Mean And he begins• The words follow Jesus’ warning about a “wicked servant” who says in his heart, “My master is staying away a long time” (Matthew 24:48). • A wrong inner conclusion is the seed of outward rebellion. Proverbs 4:23 urges, “Guard your heart with all diligence, for from it flow springs of life.” • Delay in the Lord’s return exposes what truly rules the heart—either steadfast devotion (2 Peter 3:11–12) or casual unbelief (2 Peter 3:3–4). • Luke 12:45 records the same scene, underscoring that this is a deliberate, conscious shift, not a sudden accident. to beat his fellow servants • Violence against “fellow servants” pictures mistreatment of believers by those who once claimed the same Master. • 1 John 3:15 reminds us, “Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer.” The wicked servant’s hatred turns active. • James 5:4–6 speaks of oppressors who live in luxury while “condemning and murdering the righteous.” Their cruelty will not escape God’s notice. • Contrast: The faithful servant is called to “encourage one another and build one another up” (1 Thessalonians 5:11). Spiritual leadership that harms is a direct denial of Christ’s commands (John 13:34). and to eat and drink • Having crossed the line in violence, the servant plunges into unchecked indulgence—pleasure becomes his god (Philippians 3:19). • Isaiah 22:13 captures the same mood: “Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die!” The mindset is present-focused, pleasure-driven, and oblivious to judgment. • Luke 17:27 notes that in Noah’s day people were “eating and drinking, marrying and being given in marriage”—ordinary activities carried out with no regard for God. • Believers are instead urged, “Whether you eat or drink…do all to the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31). with drunkards • The servant’s companionship now openly aligns with those who live in habitual excess. Proverbs 23:20 warns, “Do not join those who drink too much wine or gorge themselves on meat.” • Psalm 1:1 frames life in terms of where we walk, stand, and sit; sitting “with drunkards” marks a settled choice of fellowship. • 1 Corinthians 15:33 cautions, “Bad company corrupts good character.” Prolonged association shapes conduct and conscience. • Ephesians 5:18 contrasts drunkenness with being “filled with the Spirit,” highlighting two incompatible influences. summary Matthew 24:49 sketches a tragic progression: first a hidden heart decision, then visible abuse of God’s people, followed by unrestrained self-indulgence, and finally full identification with the ungodly. The verse warns that drifting leaders and disciples alike can slide from mere neglect into active rebellion when they forget the nearness of the Master’s return. Watchfulness, love for fellow servants, and holy separation from sinful excess remain vital safeguards until He appears. Verse 49. - Shall begin. As soon as he conceives the idea of the delay in his lord's arrival, he changes his conduct, plays the master, and uses his power for oppression and injustice. But he has only time to commence these unrighteous acts, when he is arrested by the very occurrence which he had willfully ignored. To smite his fellow servants; i.e. those who are faithful to their master. Applied to Christian ministers, such conduct would appertain to those who use their authority for oppression or self-aggrandizement, "lording it over the charge allotted to them" (1 Peter 5:3). And to eat (ἐσθίῃ, and shall eat) and drink with the drunken. He indulges in luxury and intemperance, choosing as his companions men of dissolute habits. A self-indulgent minister, or one who is not discreet in choosing his friends and acquaintance, has little influence in checking the excesses of his flock, and is far from being, as he ought to be, "a pattern of good works" (Titus 2:7).Parallel Commentaries ... Greek Andκαὶ (kai) Conjunction Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely. he begins ἄρξηται (arxētai) Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Middle - 3rd Person Singular Strong's 756: To begin. Middle voice of archo; to commence. to beat τύπτειν (typtein) Verb - Present Infinitive Active Strong's 5180: To beat, strike, wound, inflict punishment. his αὐτοῦ (autou) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. fellow servants συνδούλους (syndoulous) Noun - Accusative Masculine Plural Strong's 4889: From sun and doulos; a co-slave, i.e. Servitor or ministrant of the same master. and δὲ (de) Conjunction Strong's 1161: A primary particle; but, and, etc. to eat ἐσθίῃ (esthiē) Verb - Present Subjunctive Active - 3rd Person Singular Strong's 2068: Strengthened for a primary edo; used only in certain tenses, the rest being supplied by phago; to eat. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely. drink πίνῃ (pinē) Verb - Present Subjunctive Active - 3rd Person Singular Strong's 4095: To drink, imbibe. A prolonged form of pio, which poo occurs only as an alternate in certain tenses; to imbibe. with μετὰ (meta) Preposition Strong's 3326: (a) gen: with, in company with, (b) acc: (1) behind, beyond, after, of place, (2) after, of time, with nouns, neut. of adjectives. drunkards. μεθυόντων (methyontōn) Verb - Present Participle Active - Genitive Masculine Plural Strong's 3184: To be intoxicated with wine, be drunk. From another form of methe; to drink to intoxication, i.e. Get drunk. Links Matthew 24:49 NIVMatthew 24:49 NLT Matthew 24:49 ESV Matthew 24:49 NASB Matthew 24:49 KJV Matthew 24:49 BibleApps.com Matthew 24:49 Biblia Paralela Matthew 24:49 Chinese Bible Matthew 24:49 French Bible Matthew 24:49 Catholic Bible NT Gospels: Matthew 24:49 And begins to beat his fellow servants (Matt. Mat Mt) |