The phrase “outer darkness” appears only three times in the Bible, and all three uses are by Jesus himself in the Gospel of Matthew. Many scholars believe Jesus uses this cryptic phrase as a way to describe the experience of those who are excluded from God’s kingdom and presence.
The first reference is in Matthew 8:12, where Jesus says this to some Jews who doubted his authority: “While the sons of the kingdom will be thrown into the outer darkness. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” Here, Jesus contrasts outer darkness with the “kingdom” and says it will be an experience of misery and regret.
The second mention is in Matthew 22:13, the key verse in focus: “Then the king said to the attendants, ‘Bind him hand and foot and cast him into the outer darkness. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’” This verse comes as part of Jesus’ Parable of the Wedding Feast. In the story, a king (representing God) invites many guests to the wedding feast for his son (representing Jesus). But one man shows up without the proper wedding clothes, so the king has him cast out into outer darkness.
The final reference comes in Matthew 25:30, at the end of Jesus’ Parable of the Talents: “And cast the worthless servant into the outer darkness. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” Like the wedding feast parable, this metaphorical story contrasts obedient servants (who invest their master’s money and are rewarded) and the wicked servant (who buries his talent and is punished).
So in all three usages, being cast or thrown into the outer darkness is clearly a negative final judgment from God. It results in anguish. But what exactly does “outer darkness” mean?
The Meaning of Outer Darkness
The phrase “outer darkness” is unique to Matthew’s gospel and used nowhere else in the New Testament. The Greek phrase is “to skotos to exōteron” which literally means “the darkness the outer.” This dark region seems to be outside or external to where God and the righteous will reside.
Most Bible scholars interpret the outer darkness metaphorically as representing separation from God’s presence and exclusion from the kingdom of heaven. It signifies being condemned at the final judgment. The themes of the wedding garment and profitable servants point to faith and righteous living as key factors.
Darkness is often a metaphor for evil, sin, despair, and separation from God. Scripture says that God is light and there is no darkness in him (1 John 1:5). The outer darkness implies being outside of God’s realm of truth and righteousness.
The “weeping and gnashing of teeth” denote intense anguish, grief, and remorse of those condemned to this fate. They recognize their rebellion against God too late. Overall, outer darkness paints a dismal picture of agony in isolation.
Outer Darkness vs. Hell
Many readers equate the outer darkness with the concept of hell. While similarities exist, there are also differences to consider:
- Hell often refers to a literal place of fire and torment, while outer darkness points more to isolation and separation from God.
- Both concepts involve God’s judgment and punishment of sin.
- The imagery of being “cast out” or “thrown” into outer darkness seems to differentiate it from hell.
- Outer darkness is only mentioned 3 times in one Gospel, while hell is referred to throughout the New Testament.
- Some think outer darkness refers to varying degrees of punishment, contrasted with the kingdom of heaven.
In the end, being condemned to the outer darkness or hell both represent terrible fates to avoid according to Jesus’ teachings. He warned people to repent and enter the kingdom of God instead.
Additional Details from the Context
Looking more closely at Matthew 22:13 in context provides some additional insights about the outer darkness:
- It is a direct result of the king’s judgment: “the king said to the attendants…” showing God decides who goes there.
- It is a place of punishment for those without proper wedding clothes (righteousness).
- It is forcibly imposed: “Bind him hand and foot and cast him into the outer darkness.”
- It results in anguish: “weeping and gnashing of teeth.”
The passage teaches that God requires certain standards of righteousness to enter his kingdom. Rejecting his invitations or trying to enter without appropriate righteousness results in being cast out and excluded.
Matthew emphasizes that Jesus constantly warned about outer darkness. For example, right after the wedding feast parable, the Pharisees seek to trap Jesus, and he responds by saying: “many are called, but few are chosen” (Matt 22:14). This again implies exclusiveness and judgment.
Controversies About the Outer Darkness
There are differing views among theologians about the nature and meaning of the outer darkness:
- Universalism: Some think the outer darkness is only temporary and that God will eventually redeem and restore everyone. However, this does not align with the permanent sense of condemnation in the passages.
- Annihilationism: Some believe the outer darkness refers to the lost being annihilated and ceasing to exist, rather than experiencing eternal torment. But this seems inconsistent with the ongoing distress described.
- Nothing Literal: Liberal scholars consider outer darkness merely metaphorical imagery, not a literal place. However, this fails to account for the consistent descriptions of agony.
- Degrees of Punishment: Some see the outer darkness as representing degrees of punishment in hell, gradations less severe than the lake of fire described in Revelation.
Overall, the traditional viewpoint still seems to fit best: The outer darkness denotes the most terrible destiny – eternal separation from God and his kingdom, involving mental torment, grief, isolation, and hopelessness. Jesus spoke of it to warn people to repent.
6 Key Points About the Outer Darkness
In summary, here are some key points about the outer darkness from an evangelical perspective:
- It is a place completely absent of God’s presence and righteousness.
- It signifies being excluded from heaven anddenied entrance to the kingdom.
- It involves remorse, anguish, despair, and agony in isolation.
- It results from God’s judgment and condemnation of the unrighteous.
- Jesus’ mentions of it warn of the danger of rejecting him and righteousness.
- It should motivate us to turn to Christ and make every effort to enter his kingdom!
Further Study
For further study, here are some recommended Bible passages about the outer darkness issue:
- Matthew 7:21-23 – Jesus warns that not all who profess him will enter the kingdom.
- Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43 – The parable of the weeds shows the final separation of evil and righteous.
- Matthew 13:47-50 – The parable of the net also teaches the eternal separation to come.
- Matthew 24:45-51 – Jesus again warns about punishment and “weeping and gnashing of teeth.”
- Luke 13:22-30 – Being told “I don’t know you” and shut out is a key image.
- 2 Thessalonians 1:5-10 – Shutting out from Christ’s presence is a form of vengeance.
- Revelation 20:11-15 – The books will be opened and judgment pronounced; hell and lake of fire also mentioned.
Studying these and related passages can provide more theological background on the outer darkness and the exclusion from God’s kingdom that Jesus warns about.
Conclusion
In the three mentions found in the Gospel of Matthew, the enigmatic phrase “outer darkness” clearly refers to a state of terrible eternal judgment for those who reject God’s kingdom and righteousness. Although some details are debated, Jesus’ words serve as a solemn warning about the importance of repentance and faith leading to salvation. The outer darkness represents the opposite – anguish, isolation, and despair for the condemned. May this motivate us all to enter through the narrow door that leads to eternal life!
