King James Version

What Does Matthew 25:34 Mean?

Matthew 25:34 in the King James Version says “Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you... — study this verse from Matthew chapter 25 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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 · KJV


Context

32

And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats:

33

And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left.

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:

35

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:

36

Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The King's invitation 'Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world' reveals election and grace. 'Blessed of my Father' shows salvation originates in divine favor, not human merit. 'Inherit' indicates receiving what belongs to children—adoption language. 'Prepared... from the foundation of the world' emphasizes God's eternal plan (Ephesians 1:4)—salvation wasn't an afterthought but predetermined. This kingdom inheritance was planned before creation.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The sheep (righteous) receive eternal kingdom prepared before time. Their works (vv. 35-36) evidenced genuine faith, not earned salvation. The works flowed from transformed hearts, not self-righteous effort. They served Christ in 'the least of these' unknowingly—authentic love serves without seeking reward.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does inheriting a kingdom 'prepared from the foundation of the world' teach about God's sovereignty in salvation?
  2. How do your works demonstrate genuine faith rather than attempt to earn salvation?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 22 words
τότε1 of 22

Then

G5119

the when, i.e., at the time that (of the past or future, also in consecution)

ἐρεῖ2 of 22

say

G2046

an alternate for g2036 in certain tenses; to utter, i.e., speak or say

3 of 22
G3588

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

βασιλεὺς4 of 22

shall the King

G935

a sovereign (abstractly, relatively, or figuratively)

τοῖς5 of 22
G3588

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

ἐκ6 of 22

unto them on

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

δεξιῶν7 of 22

right hand

G1188

the right side or (feminine) hand (as that which usually takes)

αὐτοῦ8 of 22
G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

Δεῦτε9 of 22

Come

G1205

come hither!

οἱ10 of 22
G3588

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

εὐλογημένοι11 of 22

ye blessed

G2127

to speak well of, i.e., (religiously) to bless (thank or invoke a benediction upon, prosper)

τοῦ12 of 22
G3588

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

πατρός13 of 22

Father

G3962

a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)

μου14 of 22

of my

G3450

of me

κληρονομήσατε15 of 22

inherit

G2816

to be an heir to (literally or figuratively)

τὴν16 of 22
G3588

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

ἡτοιμασμένην17 of 22

prepared

G2090

to prepare

ὑμῖν18 of 22

for you

G5213

to (with or by) you

βασιλείαν19 of 22

the kingdom

G932

properly, royalty, i.e., (abstractly) rule, or (concretely) a realm (literally or figuratively)

ἀπὸ20 of 22

from

G575

"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)

καταβολῆς21 of 22

the foundation

G2602

a deposition, i.e., founding; figuratively, conception

κόσμου22 of 22

of the world

G2889

orderly arrangement, i.e., decoration; by implication, the world (including its inhabitants, literally or figuratively (morally))


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 25:34 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 25:34 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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