John Calvin Commentary Matthew 13:42

"and shall cast them into the furnace of fire: there shall be the weeping and the gnashing of teeth." — Matthew 13:42 (ASV)

And shall cast them into a furnace of fire. This is a metaphorical expression; for, as the infinite glory which is laid up for the sons of God so far exceeds all our senses that we cannot find words to express it, so the punishment which awaits the reprobate is incomprehensible and is therefore figuratively depicted according to the measure of our capacity.

From ignorance of this, the Sophists have tortured themselves, to no purpose, with fruitless disputes, as we have already alluded to previously.²¹⁷ I am aware that some commentators carry their ingenious inquiries into every minute phrase; but as there is reason to fear that subtleties which rest on no solid grounds may lead us into idle fooleries, I choose to philosophize more sparingly and to rest satisfied with the plain and natural meaning.

If we ask those who are so delighted with matters of curiosity how it is that, while Christ is asleep and unaware of the matter, the devil sows tares among the good seed, they will have no answer; but while I aim to be cautious, I have endeavored to omit nothing that is useful and necessary to know.

²¹⁷ Harmony, volume 1 p. 200..