Matthew 25 34

Matthew 25:34 kjv

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 nkjv

Then the King will say to those on His right hand, 'Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:

Matthew 25:34 niv

"Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world.

Matthew 25:34 esv

Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.

Matthew 25:34 nlt

"Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the creation of the world.

Matthew 25 verses

Matthew 25 34 Meaning

Matthew 25:34 is a pivotal declaration by the King in the parables of the Sheep and the Goats, inviting the righteous into their eternal inheritance. It signifies divine approval and pre-determined salvation. The verse reveals that the King, identified as Jesus, bestows honor and entrance into God's eternal rule upon those on His right. This inheritance, the "kingdom," was not an afterthought but prepared by God the Father for His elect from the very inception of creation, underscoring God's sovereign plan and timeless design for His people.

Matthew 25 34 Context

Matthew 25:34 is a pivotal part of Jesus' eschatological discourse, specifically the Parable of the Sheep and the Goats (Matthew 25:31-46). This parable directly follows two other parables concerning readiness for the Master's return: the Ten Virgins and the Talents. Together, these parables in Matthew 24-25 underscore themes of vigilance, faithfulness, and accountability in light of Christ's anticipated return and final judgment.

The broader context is Jesus' final teachings in Jerusalem before His crucifixion, emphasizing what true discipleship looks like and the ultimate implications for those who follow Him. The scene in verses 31-46 depicts a universal judgment where all nations are gathered before the "Son of Man" acting as King and Judge. The segregation into "sheep" on His right and "goats" on His left immediately precedes the King's addresses to each group. Matthew 25:34 is the King's first utterance to the righteous, outlining their blessing and eternal destiny. The imagery draws on pastoral life common in the Middle East, with shepherds separating sheep from goats, a task that demanded discerning judgment. The cultural understanding of the "right hand" denoted a position of honor, favor, and authority, while the "left" signified disfavor or condemnation.

Matthew 25 34 Word analysis

• Then (Τότε - Tote): An adverb indicating a sequence in time, signifying the moment the King begins His authoritative address following the separation of the sheep and the goats. It points to a decisive, final moment in salvation history.

• the King (ὁ Βασιλεύς - ho Basileus): Refers directly to Jesus Christ, who was previously identified as the "Son of Man" sitting on His "glorious throne" (Matt 25:31). This title underscores His supreme authority, sovereignty, and role as the ultimate ruler and judge of all humanity. It fulfills Old Testament prophecies of a Messiah-King (e.g., Psa 2:6, Zech 9:9).

• will say (ἐρεῖ - erei): Future indicative, signifying a definitive, authoritative, and irrevocable declaration. It is a pronouncement of judgment and eternal destiny.

• to those on his right (τοῖς ἐκ δεξιῶν αὐτοῦ - tois ek dexiōn autou): "On His right hand" is a consistent biblical idiom signifying a position of highest honor, favor, blessing, and ultimate authority or partnership. (e.g., Psa 110:1). This spatial orientation distinguishes the blessed from those on the left (the cursed).

• Come (Δεῦτε - Deute): An imperative invitation, yet with kingly authority. It signifies entrance into His presence and His promised rest and joy. It contrasts sharply with the "Depart" (Matt 25:41) spoken to the condemned.

• you who are blessed (οἱ εὐλογημένοι - hoi eulogēmenoi): A perfect passive participle, indicating a state of being blessed as a result of a completed action by someone else. The "blessing" is divinely bestowed, implying a state of divine favor, grace, and approval from God, rather than something earned by human merit.

• by my Father (ὑπὸ τοῦ Πατρός μου - hypo tou Patros mou): This clarifies the source of the blessing: God the Father. It highlights Jesus' unique relationship with the Father and underscores the divine origin of the kingdom and the ultimate blessing. It emphasizes God's sovereign initiative and grace.

• inherit (κληρονομήσατε - klēronomēsate): An aorist imperative verb, commanding them to "receive as an heir." Inheritance implies a right that is granted by kinship or legal status, not earned. It emphasizes the concept of God's covenantal promises and His gracious gift. Believers receive a spiritual and eternal inheritance not based on their own works, but through adoption as sons of God in Christ (Rom 8:17, Gal 4:7).

• the kingdom (τὴν βασιλείαν - tēn basileian): Refers to God's eternal sovereign rule and realm, the fulfillment of His promises, the "kingdom of glory." It is not just an abstract concept but a concrete, eternal reality of fellowship with God.

• prepared for you (ἡτοιμασμένην ὑμῖν - hētoimasmenēn hymin): A perfect passive participle, reinforcing the idea of divine preparation and forethought. God proactively made ready this kingdom for His chosen ones. The "you" is plural, highlighting the corporate aspect of entering the kingdom.

• from the foundation of the world (ἀπὸ καταβολῆς κόσμου - apo katabolēs kosmou): This phrase emphasizes God's eternal pre-planning and sovereign purpose. It means "from the very beginning of the cosmos." It highlights God's timeless design, demonstrating that this salvation and the kingdom itself were part of God's ultimate plan, predetermined before creation began (Eph 1:4, 1 Pet 1:20). It points to election and predestination.

• Words-group Analysis:

  • "The King will say to those on his right": This phrase establishes the authoritative setting and the segregation. It immediately communicates who is speaking and to whom, setting the tone for a definitive judgment and pronouncement of destiny for the favored group.
  • "Come, you who are blessed by my Father": This is an invitation from ultimate authority, revealing the deep, relational truth behind their standing. Their blessed status is attributed directly to God the Father's sovereign favor and grace, not human effort.
  • "inherit the kingdom prepared for you": This clarifies the nature of their reward—it's an "inheritance," a gratuitous gift given to heirs. It emphasizes divine provision and a prepared destiny rather than a prize won by individual performance.
  • "from the foundation of the world": This crucial temporal marker underscores the eternal, predetermined nature of God's plan for His people. Their salvation and place in the kingdom were not an afterthought but woven into the fabric of creation and God's sovereign purpose from eternity past.

Matthew 25 34 Bonus section

The scene in Matthew 25 is unique in that Jesus portrays Himself not only as the judge but also as the recipient of the loving acts performed for the "least of these." The King identifies Himself completely with the suffering and the marginalized, underscoring that acts of genuine compassion and mercy are tangible expressions of faith and love for Him. This reciprocal identification, where caring for others becomes caring for Christ Himself, reveals the very heart of the kingdom ethic.

Furthermore, the "surprise" element noted in Matthew 25:37-39, where the righteous are unaware that their acts were counted as service to the King, highlights the selfless and genuine nature of their compassion. They acted out of intrinsic love and mercy, not seeking reward or recognition. This distinguishes true discipleship from outward performative religiosity and demonstrates that their hearts were truly aligned with the Father's character, enabling them to naturally embody the qualities that belong to those "blessed by my Father." Their character reflects their predetermined identity as God's beloved children, destined for His kingdom.

Matthew 25 34 Commentary

Matthew 25:34 unveils a profound truth about divine sovereignty, grace, and eternal destiny. The authoritative pronouncement from "the King" — Jesus Christ, the Son of Man returned in glory — marks the culmination of the separation and judgment of humanity. The chosen recipients are those on His right, indicating their status of favor and blessing.

Their qualification for entrance is explicitly stated: "you who are blessed by my Father." This clarifies that their salvation is not a product of human merit but originates purely from the Father's gracious favor and eternal election. The subsequent command, "inherit the kingdom," further emphasizes this, as an inheritance is received by right of relationship (e.g., adoption as sons, Rom 8:17) rather than earned by deeds. While the "sheep" demonstrate loving service to "the least of these" (Matt 25:35-36), these actions are revealed as the spontaneous, genuine fruit of a heart transformed by God's blessing, not a payment for the inheritance. They are evidence of faith, not its cause.

Most strikingly, the verse declares that this kingdom was "prepared for you from the foundation of the world." This phrase highlights the magnificent scope of God's eternal plan. From before creation began, God had a predetermined purpose for His elect, an unfolding divine drama leading to their ultimate inheritance in His glorious reign. This signifies God's absolute sovereignty and the certainty of His purpose for His people, offering immense comfort and assurance. It underscores that God's plan of redemption is ancient, deliberate, and perfectly executed.

Practically, this verse calls believers to rest in the eternal security of God's plan, understanding that their standing before God is by His gracious choice. It also reminds that true faith manifests in loving service to others, particularly those in need, as if ministering directly to the King.