King James Version
Matthew 25:43 in the King James Version says “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.” — study this verse from Matthew chapter 25 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.
“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.”
Matthew 25:43 · KJV
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:
For I was an hungred, and ye gave me no meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink:
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.
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?
Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me.
KJV Study — Public Domain
“a stranger”
G3581foreign (literally, alien, or figuratively, novel); by implication, a guest or (vice-versa) entertainer
“and”
G2532and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
“in”
G4863to lead together, i.e., collect or convene; specially, to entertain (hospitably)
“and”
G2532and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
“ye clothed”
G4016to throw all around, i.e., invest (with a palisade or with clothing)
“and”
G2532and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
“prison”
G5438a guarding or (concretely, guard), the act, the person; figuratively, the place, the condition, or (specially), the time (as a division of day or nigh
“and”
G2532and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
“ye visited”
G1980to inspect, i.e., (by implication) to select; by extension, to go to see, relieve
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.
Matthew 25:43 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.