Strong’s Greek 1030 (βρυγμός, brygmós) denotes the violent grinding or clenching of the teeth. In Scripture the expression “weeping and gnashing of teeth” paints a vivid picture of unbearable sorrow mingled with furious remorse. The weeping expresses inconsolable grief; the gnashing reveals inner rage—either against God’s justice or against one’s own folly in rejecting His grace.

Occurrences in the New Testament

1. Matthew 8:12
2. Matthew 13:42
3. Matthew 13:50
4. Matthew 22:13
5. Matthew 24:51
6. Matthew 25:30
7. Luke 13:28

Every occurrence appears in the lips of Jesus, always in eschatological settings, often coupled with “outer darkness” or “fiery furnace.” The phrase thus becomes a refrain of warning in the Synoptic Gospels.

Old Testament Background

Though the exact noun is absent from the Septuagint, the act of gnashing the teeth is familiar: “The wicked will see and be indignant; they will gnash their teeth and waste away” (Psalm 112:10). Job laments that God “tears me in His wrath and gnashes His teeth at me” (Job 16:9). This background establishes gnashing as an expression of rage, misery, or both, preparing the way for Jesus to employ it as a sign of final judgment.

Theological Significance

1. Divine Justice Affirmed

Every text links βρυγμός with final adjudication. God’s justice is not arbitrary; it is the righteous response to persistent unbelief.

2. Conscious Experience in Judgment

The imagery presupposes awareness. The condemned are not annihilated but experience real, personal regret and hostility (Luke 13:28).

3. Separation from Covenant Blessings

Especially in Luke 13:28, the gnashing arises when the excluded “see Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob … but you yourselves are thrown out.” Judgment involves exclusion from covenant joy as well as punitive suffering.

Eschatological Warning

Jesus’ repetition underscores certainty. The Master does not employ scare tactics but discloses reality. “Tie him hand and foot, and throw him into the outer darkness” (Matthew 22:13) teaches that rejection of divine invitation, whether by blatant rebellion or casual presumption, ends in irrevocable exile.

Pastoral and Homiletical Application

1. Urgency of Repentance

Proclamation of βρυγμός should move hearts now, before the door is shut (Luke 13:25-27).

2. Integrity of Servanthood

In Matthew 24:48-51 and 25:30 the unfaithful servant faces βρυγμός. Ministers and congregants alike are reminded that profession without obedience invites judgment.

3. Comfort for the Oppressed

The same justice that punishes impenitence vindicates the faithful. Knowing that wrongs will be righted strengthens perseverance (2 Thessalonians 1:6-7).

Mission and Evangelism

The reality of gnashing of teeth fuels evangelistic compassion. “The sons of the kingdom will be cast” (Matthew 8:12) warns that ethnic or religious heritage cannot save; only personal faith in Christ does. Missions seek to rescue people from this destiny by heralding the gospel while the age of grace remains.

Practical Christian Living

1. Gratitude for Salvation

Awareness of what believers have been spared deepens worship and humility.

2. Holiness and Stewardship

The parables connecting βρυγμός with stewardship (Matthew 25) call Christians to faithful use of time, talents, and treasure.

3. Perseverance in Trials

Present afflictions are temporary; the final state of the righteous contrasts starkly with the gnashing endured by the wicked (Romans 8:18).

Summary

Strong’s 1030 stands as a solemn signpost in the Gospel narrative, reminding hearers of the irrevocable consequences of rejecting Christ and neglecting faithful discipleship. It magnifies divine justice, accentuates the urgency of repentance, and motivates believers toward holy living and evangelistic zeal.