In the New World Translation, this scripture says:
"And these will depart into everlasting cutting-off, but the righteous ones into everlasting life.
the part of this translation often questioned by critics of the NWT is the "cutting-off", or in greek "kolasin". According to scholars of greek, this should be translated as "punishment", which would seem to go along with the context of this scripture, as Jesus refers to some being cursed and going into the everlasting fire prepared for the Devil in verse 41.
I find it interesting, however, that the Interlinear Scripture Analyzer renders kolasin as "Chastening". This word can mean punishment, but in a corrective, or refining sense.
My own thoughts and preferences in understanding this scripture aside, I was wondering what YOUR thoughts and feelings are on this scripture.
Any thoughts?
Savvy
Hi savvy
I find it interesting, however, that the Interlinear Scripture Analyzer renders kolasin as "Chastening". This word can mean punishment, but in a corrective, or refining sense.
I try not to base my beliefs on what one word might mean.
Mathew 25:41 says: "Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels." (King James Version)
We see this being fulfilled in Revelation 20:10:
"And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet [are], and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever." (King James Version)
Many people have debated this "fire and brimbstone", "torment" etc over the years, even though Jesus Christ himself interprets this for us:
"And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death." (Rev 20:14)
So this "everlasting fire", or "lake of fire" where the Devil ends up is the same place where death and hell end up - it is second death.
"And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire." (Rev 20:15, King James Version)
So Revelation is in complete harmony with Jesus' words at Mathew 25.
The "sheep" go into everlasting life, the "goats" go into everlasting death, or second death, as represented by "everlasting fire" or the "lake of fire".
Hi savvy
I find it interesting, however, that the Interlinear Scripture Analyzer renders kolasin as "Chastening". This word can mean punishment, but in a corrective, or refining sense.
I try not to base my beliefs on what one word might mean.
And neither do I.
My point was not to question or argue how this fits into the rest of bible prophecy. My point was to consider the possible meaning of the word, and how it could change the rendering itself.
After all, rendering kolasin as "punishment" can mean an execution too.
Kolasin can mean "lopping-off" as the NWT renders it in classical greek. But this is Koine greek. The meaning of the word had changed over time.
Savvy
yes,
there is more to this vs than what first might meet the eye. One other point regarding it, I see this work of Christ as happening during the 1000's years and not now.
Digging
Interesting idea Savvy.  I tend to agree with you..
find it interesting, however, that the Interlinear Scripture Analyzer renders kolasin as "Chastening". This word can mean punishment, but in a corrective, or refining sense.
An understanding of it being a Chastening maybe an interesting twist.  It reminds me of the illustration that Paul uses of the olive tree, and the branches of the natural tree that were lopped off, yet after repentance and refining, could be grafted back in.  Now at this point in Jesus illustration we have to decide if he is speaking of a refining or a judgement... To me, it seems to be a seperation, or judgement between good and bad.  Similar to a sifting of a threshing floor, where the harvest is taken and seperation of the grain and chaff are made.
Whether the ones seperated as 'goats' will have the chance of repentance, we do not know.  I do feel though that if one of those who heart was receptive to the dicipline of Jesus and turned around with a heart of repentance instead of self-rightousness as depicted in the illustration, Christ in his love would accept him.
Love to all
Lynn
Your thought takes me one more step toward my reaching the conclusion that for many, after Armageddon (or before?), the curse will be a "gnashing of teeth" because of losing the privilege of inheritance or rulership, rather than destruction.
This doesn't mean that I don't think that the wicked will be destroyed (as many do), but when Jesus spoke of some being "cast outside" and "gnashing their teeth," this may indicate a living condition of torment (not torture) for willingly following a wrong course.
The Aramaic word that is used in this text (LT,aSHNiYQaA) can be translated as torment, or possibly as punishment.