King James Version

What Does Matthew 25:12 Mean?

Matthew 25:12 in the King James Version says “But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not.” — study this verse from Matthew chapter 25 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not.”

Matthew 25:12 · KJV

Context

10

And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut.

11

Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us.

12

But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not.

13

Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.

14

For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods.

Read Matthew 25 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not (Ἀμὴν λέγω ὑμῖν, οὐκ οἶδα ὑμᾶς, Amēn legō hymin, ouk oida hymas). The bridegroom's response is chilling: I know you not (οὐκ οἶδα, ouk oida)—not mere lack of acquaintance but covenantal repudiation. In biblical usage, 'knowing' implies intimate relationship (Genesis 4:1, Amos 3:2, John 10:14). Christ's denial—'I never knew you' (Matthew 7:23)—means no saving relationship existed despite external religious participation.

This is the parable's devastating conclusion: entrance to the kingdom depends not on profession, association, or religious activity, but on being known by Christ through genuine saving faith. The foolish virgins attended the vigil, carried lamps, called Him 'Lord,' yet were eternally excluded. Assurance rests not on our claim to know Him but on His knowing us—sovereign election and personal relationship, evidenced by Spirit-wrought transformation (the oil).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Jesus concluded the parable with this pronouncement of exclusion (v. 13: 'Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh'). Spoken Tuesday of Passion Week (AD 33), this teaching prepared disciples for His departure and warned against presumptive faith. The early church preserved this teaching as urgent apostolic doctrine: examine yourselves (2 Corinthians 13:5).

Reflection Questions

  1. Does Christ know you in saving, covenantal relationship—or will He say 'I never knew you'?
  2. What evidence in your life demonstrates you are 'known' by Christ beyond mere religious profession?
  3. How does this parable's sobering conclusion drive you to examine the genuineness of your faith right now?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 10 words
ὁ1 of 10
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

δὲ2 of 10

“But”

G1161

but, and, etc

ἀποκριθεὶς3 of 10

“he answered”

G611

to conclude for oneself, i.e., (by implication) to respond; by hebraism (compare h6030) to begin to speak (where an address is expected)

εἶπεν4 of 10

“and said”

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

Ἀμὴν5 of 10

“Verily”

G281

properly, firm, i.e., (figuratively) trustworthy; adverbially, surely (often as interjection, so be it)

λέγω6 of 10

“I say”

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

ὑμῖν7 of 10

“unto you”

G5213

to (with or by) you

οὐκ8 of 10

“not”

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

οἶδα9 of 10

“I know”

G1492

used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl

ὑμᾶς10 of 10

“you”

G5209

you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Matthew. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Matthew 25:12 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Matthew 25:12 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

John 10:272 Timothy 2:191 Corinthians 8:3Luke 13:26-30Psalms 1:6John 9:31

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