What does Matthew 25:34-40 mean?

"Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me. Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink? When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee? Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee? And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me." - Matthew 25:34-40

"Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.

Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink? When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee? Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee?

And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me." - Matthew 25:34-40

Matthew 25:34-40 in the King James Version of the Bible states:

"Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me. Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink? When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee? Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee? And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me."

This passage from the book of Matthew holds deep significance for Christians, as it emphasizes the importance of showing compassion and love to others, especially those who are in need. The themes of this passage include the righteous judgment of God, the compassion and love of Christ, and the importance of showing mercy and kindness to others.

The context of this passage is part of Jesus's teachings about the end times and the final judgment. In the preceding verses, Jesus speaks of the separation of the righteous from the wicked and highlights the importance of being prepared for His return. This passage serves as a reminder that those who follow Christ are expected to show love and compassion to those in need, and that this will be a key factor in the final judgment.

The symbolism in this passage is rich and profound. The King represents Jesus Christ, who will be the ultimate judge of humanity. Those on His right hand are the righteous, who are welcomed into the kingdom of heaven. The acts of kindness and mercy described in this passage symbolize the way in which the righteous have demonstrated their love for Jesus by showing love and care for others. This passage serves as a powerful reminder that our actions towards others are ultimately a reflection of our love and devotion to Christ.

The passage also emphasizes the idea of the "least of these," indicating that the way we treat the most vulnerable and marginalized members of society is a direct reflection of our treatment of Christ himself. This highlights the importance of caring for those who are in need, and extends the call to love and compassion to all people, regardless of their circumstances.

This passage is a powerful and convicting reminder of the Christian duty to care for those in need. It challenges believers to examine their actions and consider whether they are truly demonstrating love and compassion to others, especially those who are suffering or marginalized. It also serves as a source of comfort and hope, as it reminds Christians that their acts of kindness and mercy towards others are ultimately acts of love towards Christ himself.

In conclusion, Matthew 25:34-40 in the King James Version of the Bible is a poignant and meaningful passage that holds deep significance for Christians. It emphasizes the importance of showing love and compassion to those in need, and serves as a powerful reminder of the Christian duty to care for the vulnerable and marginalized members of society. It also serves as a reminder that our actions towards others are ultimately a reflection of our love and devotion to Christ. This passage challenges believers to examine their actions and consider whether they are truly demonstrating love and compassion to others, and serves as a source of comfort and hope, as it reminds Christians that their acts of kindness and mercy towards others are ultimately acts of love towards Christ himself.

Have questions about Matthew 25:34-40?

Dive deeper into this scripture with Bible Chat — an AI-powered tool for exploring God's Word through conversation. Ask questions, get context, and grow in your understanding of the Bible.

Matthew 25:34-40 Artwork

Matthew 25:34-40 - "Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.'

Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?'

The King will reply, 'Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.'"

Matthew 25:34-40 - "Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.' Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?' The King will reply, 'Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.'"

"Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.'

Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?'

The King will reply, 'Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.'" - Matthew 25:34-40

"Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.' Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?' The King will reply, 'Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.'" - Matthew 25:34-40

Matthew 6:25 – 34

Matthew 6:25 – 34

Exodus 40: 34

Exodus 40: 34

Matthew 25:34 - "Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:"

Matthew 25:34 - "Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:"

Matthew 25:40 - "And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me."

Matthew 25:40 - "And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me."

Exodus 40:34 - "¶ Then a cloud covered the tent of the congregation, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle."

Exodus 40:34 - "¶ Then a cloud covered the tent of the congregation, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle."

Matthew 6:34

Matthew 6:34

Matthew 25:25

Matthew 25:25

Exodus 25:31-40 This is an oil lampstand.

Exodus 25:31-40 This is an oil lampstand.

Matthew 6:34

Matthew 6:34

Matthew 22:40 - "On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets."

Matthew 22:40 - "On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets."

Matthew 6:34

Matthew 6:34

Matthew 6:34

Matthew 6:34

Matthew 6:34

Matthew 6:34

Exodus 40:25 - "And he lighted the lamps before the LORD; as the LORD commanded Moses."

Exodus 40:25 - "And he lighted the lamps before the LORD; as the LORD commanded Moses."

Matthew 18:23-34

Matthew 18:23-34

Matthew 18:23-34

Matthew 18:23-34

Matthew 18:23-34

Matthew 18:23-34

Matthew 20:29-34

Matthew 20:29-34

Matthew 25: 14-25

Matthew 25: 14-25

Exodus 25:40 - "And look that thou make them after their pattern, which was shewed thee in the mount."

Exodus 25:40 - "And look that thou make them after their pattern, which was shewed thee in the mount."

Matthew 18:23-34

Matthew 18:23-34

Isaiah 40:25 - "To whom then will ye liken me, or shall I be equal? saith the Holy One."

Isaiah 40:25 - "To whom then will ye liken me, or shall I be equal? saith the Holy One."

Leviticus 25:34 - "But the field of the suburbs of their cities may not be sold; for it is their perpetual possession."

Leviticus 25:34 - "But the field of the suburbs of their cities may not be sold; for it is their perpetual possession."

Numbers 34:25 - "And the prince of the tribe of the children of Zebulun, Elizaphan the son of Parnach."

Numbers 34:25 - "And the prince of the tribe of the children of Zebulun, Elizaphan the son of Parnach."

Matthew 24:40 - "Then shall two be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left."

Matthew 24:40 - "Then shall two be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left."

Matthew 13:40 - "As therefore the tares are gathered and burned in the fire; so shall it be in the end of this world."

Matthew 13:40 - "As therefore the tares are gathered and burned in the fire; so shall it be in the end of this world."

Ezekiel 40:34 - "And the arches thereof were toward the outward court; and palm trees were upon the posts thereof, on this side, and on that side: and the going up to it had eight steps."

Ezekiel 40:34 - "And the arches thereof were toward the outward court; and palm trees were upon the posts thereof, on this side, and on that side: and the going up to it had eight steps."

Leviticus 25:40 - "But as an hired servant, and as a sojourner, he shall be with thee, and shall serve thee unto the year of jubile:"

Leviticus 25:40 - "But as an hired servant, and as a sojourner, he shall be with thee, and shall serve thee unto the year of jubile:"