The phrase weeping and moaning and gnashing of teeth conjures images of deep regret and divine judgment. While the exact wording appears in several of Jesus’ parables, the themes of sorrow and brokenness run throughout Scripture.
These verses remind us of the seriousness of rejecting God’s invitation and the reality of heartache in a fallen world.
Key Takeaways
- Understand the warning behind Jesus’ parables that mention gnashing of teeth.
- Explore 15 KJV scriptures on judgment, lamentation, and sorrow.
- See how Old and New Testament passages speak to both divine justice and human grief.
- Reflect on how these truths invite us to respond in humility and hope.
Final Judgment and Gnashing of Teeth
1. Matthew 8:12 (KJV)
But the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
Explanation:
Jesus contrasts the faith of a Gentile centurion with the unbelief of Israel’s leaders. Those who reject His rule face exclusion and shame, depicted as darkness filled with tears and bitter grinding of teeth.
2. Matthew 13:42 (KJV)
And shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.
Explanation:
In the parable of the tares, Jesus warns that angels will separate the wicked from the righteous. The fate of the unfaithful is illustrated by fierce fire, loud lament, and angry gnashing.
3. Matthew 13:50 (KJV)
And shall cast them into the furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.
Explanation:
This verse repeats the end‑time judgment found in the wheat and tares parable. It underscores the certainty of divine justice: separation from God leads to agony and regret.
4. Matthew 22:13 (KJV)
Then said the king to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
Explanation:
In the wedding feast parable, a man without proper wedding garments is thrown out. His unpreparedness results in exile to dark misery marked by tears and teeth‑grinding.
5. Matthew 24:51 (KJV)
And shall cut him asunder, and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
Explanation:
Speaking of an unfaithful servant, Jesus warns that those who abuse grace face severe judgment. Their final fate is shared with hypocrites, characterized by sorrow and bitter resentment.
6. Matthew 25:30 (KJV)
And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
Explanation:
In the parable of the talents, a servant who buries his master’s money is condemned. His fear and inactivity lead to exclusion from fellowship, symbolized by tears and gnashing.
7. Luke 13:28 (KJV)
There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when ye shall see Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, and all the prophets, in the kingdom of God…
Explanation:
Jesus warns that many will seek entry into God’s kingdom too late. Seeing the faithful patriarchs welcomed while being shut out causes profound regret and sorrow.
Deep Weeping, Moaning, and Mourning
8. Jeremiah 9:1 (KJV)
Oh that my head were waters, and mine eyes a fountain of tears, that I might weep day and night…
Explanation:
The prophet Jeremiah expresses deep anguish over Judah’s sin. His heartfelt “moaning” of continual tears shows how sin’s consequences touch every part of life.
9. Lamentations 1:16 (KJV)
For these things I weep; mine eye, mine eye runneth down with water, because the comforter that should relieve my soul is far from me.
Explanation:
Lamenting Jerusalem’s destruction, the writer pours out sorrow. The absence of hope and comfort leads to relentless weeping, symbolizing communal and personal grief.
10. Psalm 6:6 (KJV)
I am weary with my groaning; all the night make I my bed to swim; I water my couch with my tears.
Explanation:
David cries out in distress, overwhelmed by enemies and illness. His “moaning” turns his bed into a sea of tears, demonstrating that honest lament is part of a life of faith.
11. Job 16:20 (KJV)
My friends scorn me: but mine eye poureth out tears unto God.
Explanation:
Job endures mockery even as he suffers. His tears, poured out before God, show that ultimate refuge for our grief is the God who cares, even when others scorn us.
12. Revelation 18:9 (KJV)
And the kings of the earth, who have committed fornication and lived deliciously with her, shall bewail her, and lament for her…
Explanation:
At Babylon’s fall, rulers who once reveled in her luxury stand aghast. Their lamentation reveals that loss of corrupt prosperity brings bitter regret.
13. Revelation 18:11 (KJV)
And the merchants of the earth shall weep and mourn over her; for no man buyeth their merchandise any more.
Explanation:
Merchants who profited from Babylon’s trade grieve deeply when their livelihood is gone. Their tears and moans illustrate the fleeting nature of worldly wealth.
14. Revelation 18:15 (KJV)
The merchants of these things, which were made rich by her, shall stand afar off for the fear of her torment, weeping and mourning…
Explanation:
Even as they watch from a distance, these merchants cannot escape sorrow. Their fear‑driven tears underscore the certainty of God’s righteous judgment.
15. Matthew 26:75 (KJV)
And Peter remembered the word of Jesus, and went out, and wept bitterly.
Explanation:
After Peter’s denial of Christ, he experiences personal heartbreak. Though not a scene of final judgment, his bitter tears show genuine repentance and the redemptive power of sorrow.
Conclusion and Reflection
From Jesus’ vivid parables of final judgment to the prophets’ anguished laments, these passages illustrate that rejecting God’s grace leads to profound sorrow and regret. The image of “weeping and gnashing of teeth” reminds us that spiritual readiness matters.
Take a moment to consider: where might you be postponing your response to God? How can honest lament or repentance draw you back into His mercy today?
Call to Action:
We’d love to hear from you! Share a “weeping and moaning and gnashing of teeth bible verse” that has challenged or comforted you, or tell us how these scriptures inspire your faith in the comments below.