King James Version

What Does Matthew 25:42 Mean?

Matthew 25:42 in the King James Version says “For I was an hungred, and ye gave me no meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink:” — study this verse from Matthew chapter 25 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“For I was an hungred, and ye gave me no meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink:”

Matthew 25:42 · KJV

Context

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.

41

Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:

42

For I was an hungred, and ye gave me no meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink:

43

I was a stranger, and ye took me not in: naked, and ye clothed me not: sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not.

44

Then shall they also answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto thee?

Read Matthew 25 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
I was an hungred, and ye gave me no meat (ἐπείνασα καὶ οὐκ ἐδώκατέ μοι φαγεῖν, epeinasa kai ouk edōkate moi phagein)—The identical language from v. 35 now condemns through negation. The Greek ouk (not) is emphatic: they actively failed to give. This isn't passive oversight but culpable neglect.

I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink (ἐδίψησα καὶ οὐκ ἐποτίσατέ με, edipsēsa kai ouk epotisate me)—Christ's cry from the cross, 'I thirst' (John 19:28), makes this judgment searingly personal. To refuse water to the thirsty is to re-crucify Christ in His members. The judgment isn't for what they did, but for what they failed to do.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The goats' condemnation echoes prophetic denunciations of Israel's failures: 'Woe unto you... for ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men' (Matthew 23:13). James would later write: 'To him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin' (James 4:17). First-century Christian communities practiced radical economic sharing (Acts 2:44-45, 4:32-35); those who refused to share faced judgment (Ananias and Sapphira, Acts 5:1-11).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does judgment for omission (what we failed to do) challenge cultural Christianity's focus on avoiding 'big sins'?
  2. What does Christ's identification with the thirsty teach about the seriousness of ignoring physical need?
  3. In what ways might comfortable Christians today be guilty of the same neglect as the goats?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 12 words
ἐπείνασα1 of 12

“I was an hungred”

G3983

to famish (absolutely or comparatively); figuratively, to crave

γὰρ2 of 12

“For”

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

καὶ3 of 12

“and”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

οὐκ4 of 12

“no”

G3756

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

ἐδώκατέ5 of 12

“ye gave”

G1325

to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)

μοι6 of 12

“me”

G3427

to me

φαγεῖν7 of 12

“meat”

G5315

to eat (literally or figuratively)

ἐδίψησα8 of 12

“I was thirsty”

G1372

to thirst for (literally or figuratively)

καὶ9 of 12

“and”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

οὐκ10 of 12

“no”

G3756

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

ἐποτίσατέ11 of 12

“drink”

G4222

to furnish drink, irrigate

με12 of 12

“me”

G3165

me

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 25:42 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 25:42 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Thessalonians 1:8James 2:15-241 Corinthians 16:22John 5:23Matthew 12:30John 8:42-44

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