Matthew 25 32

Matthew 25:32 kjv

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:

Matthew 25:32 nkjv

All the nations will be gathered before Him, and He will separate them one from another, as a shepherd divides his sheep from the goats.

Matthew 25:32 niv

All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats.

Matthew 25:32 esv

Before him will be gathered all the nations, and he will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats.

Matthew 25:32 nlt

All the nations will be gathered in his presence, and he will separate the people as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats.

Matthew 25 verses

Matthew 25 32 Meaning

Matthew 25:32 describes the future event of the universal judgment where the Son of Man, Jesus Christ, will preside. Before Him, all humanity, represented as "all nations," will be assembled. He will then execute a definitive and perfect separation, dividing people into two distinct groups, much as a shepherd accurately distinguishes and divides his sheep from his goats.

Matthew 25 32 Context

This verse is integral to Jesus' Olivet Discourse, particularly within the final parable of Matthew 25, often called the "Parable of the Sheep and the Goats" (vv. 31-46). Immediately preceding it, Matthew 25:31 sets the majestic scene of the Son of Man's glorious return with His angels, enthroned in judgment. The entire chapter 25, with the parables of the Ten Virgins and the Talents, underscores the themes of readiness, faithfulness, and responsible stewardship in anticipation of Christ's return. Matthew 25:32 describes the first action of the Son of Man upon His glorious arrival: the assembling and subsequent divine separation of all peoples, leading to the ultimate revelation of the basis of their judgment.

Matthew 25 32 Word analysis

• And before him: Signifies a direct, personal encounter with the exalted Christ, highlighting the universal accountability of all before His sovereign authority and judicial presence (compare Mat 25:31, which introduces His glorious throne).
• shall be gathered (συναχθήσονται - synachthēsontai): From the Greek verb synagō, meaning "to gather together" or "to assemble." This emphasizes the comprehensive and unavoidable nature of this divine assembly. No individual or nation will escape being brought into His presence for this judgment.
• all nations (πάντα τὰ ἔθνη - panta ta ethnē): Ethne (nations) in this context refers to all people groups, emphasizing the global and universal scope of this final judgment, encompassing humanity from every ethnic and geographical background (cf. Rev 20:12). While ethne can sometimes specifically refer to "Gentiles" in contrast to Israel, here, it generally indicates the universal gathering of humanity for judgment, beyond specific groups.
• and he shall separate (ἀφοριεῖ - aphoriei): From aphorizō, meaning "to set apart," "to distinguish," or "to mark off by boundaries." This term denotes a precise, decisive, and final division. It implies divine discernment and an unchangeable verdict without ambiguity or error.
• them one from another: Reinforces the distinct and absolute nature of the separation. There will be no blending or blurred lines between the two categories established by the Judge. This separation is definitive and irreversible.
• as a shepherd: This simile draws on a common, practical, and readily understood aspect of agrarian life in ancient Israel. Shepherds routinely separated their sheep from their goats, for practical reasons like management, feeding, or breeding due to their distinct characteristics. This illustrates the skilled and natural manner of the Son of Man's judgment.
• divideth: Though the explicit Greek verb diaireō (to divide) is not used here, the sense of active, careful separation is carried by aphoriei. It is a deliberate and purposeful action by the Shepherd.
• his sheep from the goats (τὰ πρόβατα ἀπὸ τῶν ἐρίφων - ta probata apo tōn eriphōn):
  • sheep (probata): Traditionally symbolize innocence, docility, and those belonging to the shepherd, representing the righteous who will be saved (compare Jn 10:27-28).
  • goats (eriphia): Literally "young goats" or "kids." In biblical and cultural contexts, goats were often seen as more headstrong, independent, or mischievous, here representing the unrighteous who will be condemned (compare Eze 34:17). The vivid image emphasizes that Christ will flawlessly distinguish between these two groups based on their inherent nature and ultimate disposition towards Him.

Matthew 25 32 Bonus section

• This specific judgment scene focuses on the actions taken (or not taken) towards "the least of these," which, interpreted as either Christ's believing brethren or humanity's needy, represents the practical fruit of faith and love—the internal state manifested outwardly.
• The analogy of sheep and goats was common and intuitive in ancient Israel, as shepherds would regularly separate these animals for reasons of diet, shelter (sheep need dry conditions), or breeding purposes. This illustrates the natural and logical basis of the coming divine separation, implying that God's discernment is as clear and unerrant as a shepherd's.
• While all nations are gathered, the judgment itself appears to be an individual assessment, where people are separated based on their personal deeds and alignment with the King (cf. 2 Cor 5:10).

Matthew 25 32 Commentary

Matthew 25:32 serves as a pivotal verse, setting the stage for the eschatological judgment scene presented in the remainder of the chapter. It vividly portrays the comprehensive nature of Christ's kingly and judicial authority over all humanity. The gathering of "all nations" signifies the universal scope of this final accountability, implying that every individual, from every time and place, will stand before the Son of Man. The subsequent act of "separation" is the central action of the verse, underscoring that this judgment results in two distinct and mutually exclusive groups. The pastoral analogy of the "shepherd divid[ing] his sheep from the goats" conveys both the certainty and the simplicity of this distinction from the divine perspective, reflecting an intimate knowledge of each one's true nature. It implies a perfect, unwavering discernment by the ultimate Judge, leading to an absolute, unchangeable division between those found righteous and those found unrighteous, the consequences of which are elaborated in the subsequent verses. This foundational separation points to eternal destinies.