King James Version

What Does Matthew 25:44 Mean?

Matthew 25:44 in the King James Version says “Then shall they also answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick... — study this verse from Matthew chapter 25 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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?

Matthew 25:44 · KJV


Context

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?

45

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.

46

And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Then shall they also answer him, saying, Lord (τότε ἀποκριθήσονται καὶ αὐτοὶ λέγοντες, Κύριε, tote apokrithēsontai kai autoi legontes, Kyrie)—Even the condemned call Him Kyrie (Lord), echoing Jesus's warning: 'Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven' (Matthew 7:21). Verbal profession without obedient action proves empty.

When saw we thee an hungred, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto thee? (πότε σε εἴδομεν... καὶ οὐ διηκονήσαμέν σοι, pote se eidomen... kai ou diēkonēsamen soi)—The verb diakoneō means to serve, to minister. Their protest reveals they never saw Christ in the needy; they lacked the eyes of faith that perceive Christ's presence among 'the least of these.'

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The goats' defensive question parallels Israel's complaint in Malachi 3:13-15: 'What have we spoken so much against thee?' When confronted with their hard words, they feign innocence. Similarly, the goats can't recall neglecting Christ because they never perceived His presence in the vulnerable. This judicial scene anticipates Revelation 20:12-15, where books are opened and the dead judged 'according to their works.'

Reflection Questions

  1. How does calling Jesus 'Lord' without obedience constitute taking His name in vain?
  2. What spiritual blindness prevents people from seeing Christ in the suffering and marginalized?
  3. In what ways might our theological correctness mask practical failure to serve Christ through serving others?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 26 words
τότε1 of 26

Then

G5119

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

ἀποκριθήσονται2 of 26

answer

G611

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

αὐτοὶ3 of 26

him

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

καὶ4 of 26

also

G2532

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

αὐτοὶ5 of 26

him

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

λέγοντες6 of 26

saying

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

Κύριε7 of 26

Lord

G2962

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

πότε8 of 26

when

G4219

interrogative adverb, at what time

σε9 of 26

thee

G4571

thee

εἴδομεν10 of 26

saw we

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

πεινῶντα11 of 26

an hungred

G3983

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

12 of 26

or

G2228

disjunctive, or; comparative, than

διψῶντα13 of 26

athirst

G1372

to thirst for (literally or figuratively)

14 of 26

or

G2228

disjunctive, or; comparative, than

ξένον15 of 26

a stranger

G3581

foreign (literally, alien, or figuratively, novel); by implication, a guest or (vice-versa) entertainer

16 of 26

or

G2228

disjunctive, or; comparative, than

γυμνὸν17 of 26

naked

G1131

nude (absolute or relative, literal or figurative)

18 of 26

or

G2228

disjunctive, or; comparative, than

ἀσθενῆ19 of 26

sick

G772

strengthless (in various applications, literal, figurative and moral)

20 of 26

or

G2228

disjunctive, or; comparative, than

ἐν21 of 26

in

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

φυλακῇ22 of 26

prison

G5438

a guarding or (concretely, guard), the act, the person; figuratively, the place, the condition, or (specially), the time (as a division of day or nigh

καὶ23 of 26

also

G2532

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

οὐ24 of 26

not

G3756

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

διηκονήσαμέν25 of 26

did

G1247

to be an attendant, i.e., wait upon (menially or as a host, friend, or (figuratively) teacher); technically, to act as a christian deacon

σοι26 of 26

unto thee

G4671

to thee


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 25:44 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 25:44 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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