Matthew 25 40

Matthew 25:40 kjv

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.

Matthew 25:40 nkjv

And the King will answer and say to them, 'Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.'

Matthew 25:40 niv

"The King will reply, 'Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.'

Matthew 25:40 esv

And the King will answer them, 'Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.'

Matthew 25:40 nlt

"And the King will say, 'I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!'

Matthew 25 verses

Matthew 25 40 Meaning

This verse is a profound statement from Jesus, identifying Himself directly with those in the deepest need and suffering. It reveals that acts of genuine mercy, compassion, and practical aid extended to the most vulnerable individuals are, in fact, rendered to Christ Himself. Conversely, failing to show care to "the least of these" is seen as a failure to minister to Christ. It underscores the intrinsic connection between selfless service to others and love for God, defining a central criterion for the ultimate judgment.

Matthew 25 40 Context

Matthew 25:40 is part of Jesus' teaching on the Last Judgment, found within the Olivet Discourse (Matthew 24-25). This discourse primarily addresses end-times events, including the destruction of the Temple, signs of Jesus' return, and the necessity for vigilance and faithfulness. Chapter 25 specifically contains three parables that highlight preparation and accountability: the Ten Virgins (preparedness), the Talents (faithfulness in stewarding resources), and the Sheep and the Goats (the criteria for final judgment). Verse 40 comes at the climax of the Parable of the Sheep and the Goats (Matthew 25:31-46), where Christ, as the King, separates the nations based on how they treated "the least of these." It's not a description of how to earn salvation, but how true salvation (or lack thereof) is demonstrated through active love and compassion for suffering humanity, specifically identified with Christ's own being. This judgment is depicted as encompassing "all the nations," suggesting its universal applicability.

Matthew 25 40 Word analysis

• Truly (ἀμὴν - amēn): A Hebrew affirmation used by Jesus frequently. It signifies absolute truth, certainty, and divine authority in His declaration, akin to "Amen, I tell you" or "Verily."
• I say to you (λέγω ὑμῖν - legō hymin): Emphasizes Jesus' authority as He imparts essential truth. It signifies a direct, weighty, and personal pronouncement.
• Inasmuch as (ἐφ’ ὅσον - eph’ hoson): Means "to the extent that," "as much as," or "provided that." It implies a direct correlation between the action done (or not done) and the identification with Christ. It is a proportional qualifier.
• you did it (ἐποιήσατε - epoiēsate): An aorist active verb, emphasizing a definite, completed action. The focus is on doing, not merely intending or believing.
• one of the least (ἑνὶ ... τῶν ἐλαχίστων - heni ... tōn elachistōn):
  • Least (ἐλάχιστος - elachistos): The superlative form of "small." It denotes the absolute lowest, most insignificant, humble, helpless, or marginalized. This refers to those who are poor, hungry, thirsty, strangers, naked, sick, or imprisoned, as described in the preceding verses.
• of these my brothers (τούτων τῶν ἀδελφῶν μου - toutōn tōn adelphōn mou):
  • Brothers (ἀδελφῶν - adelphōn): While sometimes meaning literal siblings or fellow believers, in this context of universal judgment for all nations and the preceding descriptions of basic human needs, it broadly refers to fellow human beings, especially those suffering and in dire need. Jesus here identifies with suffering humanity, particularly those who embody profound vulnerability and marginalization. Some interpretations emphasize that "my brothers" primarily refers to Christ's faithful disciples, especially those who are persecuted or vulnerable, aligning with other uses of "brothers" for His followers. However, the universal nature of the acts of mercy (feeding hungry, sheltering strangers) and the judgment of "all nations" implies a scope beyond only one's immediate spiritual family, expanding "brother" to anyone suffering. The key is Jesus’ profound identification with them.
  • My (μου - mou): The possessive "my" here establishes Jesus' intimate connection and personal identification with these "least" ones. Any act for or against them is an act for or against Him directly.
• you did it to Me (ἐμοὶ ἐποιήσατε - emoi epoiēsate): Directly equates serving the needy with serving Christ Himself. "Me" is emphasized, indicating Jesus as the ultimate recipient of the actions, good or bad.

• "Truly I say to you, Inasmuch as...": This phrase signifies the divine authority of Jesus' statement and introduces a fundamental principle of the Kingdom: the direct link between acts of service to others and service to Himself.
• "...you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to Me.": This entire clause is the theological crux. It reveals the invisible presence of Christ in the poor, suffering, and marginalized. It's not just a metaphorical connection, but a profound spiritual identification that redefines how God views our human interactions, especially concerning charity and justice. This teaching underpins the core ethic of active love (agape) in Christian discipleship.

Matthew 25 40 Bonus section

This verse implies a radical reorientation of values. The world often values strength, wealth, and status, but Jesus teaches that true significance is found in humble service to the overlooked and neglected. It suggests that our spiritual health is inseparable from our practical acts of love and justice. This passage isn't presenting "works" as a means of salvation distinct from grace, but rather as the inevitable fruit and evidence of a heart transformed by God's grace and indwelt by His Spirit. The emphasis on "My brothers" subtly yet powerfully includes Christ's faithful disciples who often face suffering, reminding the community of their mutual responsibility and interconnectedness in Him. The verse underscores that Christianity is not merely about creed but also about deed; it's about active love flowing from a loving heart, mirroring God's own character.

Matthew 25 40 Commentary

Matthew 25:40 is a foundational declaration of Christ's solidarity with the poor and afflicted, revealing the heart of the Gospel in action. It articulates that genuine love for God is intrinsically linked to tangible compassion for fellow human beings, particularly those who are marginalized and vulnerable. The "least of these my brothers" encompasses anyone in desperate need, and Jesus, in a divine mystery, considers any act of kindness or neglect towards them as an act directed towards Himself. This means that charity is not merely social welfare but a profound encounter with Christ. This verse highlights that at the final judgment, deeds of mercy will be the discerning factor, demonstrating the true state of one's heart and their relationship with God, as faith without works is dead. It challenges believers to see Christ's face in every struggling person, urging practical engagement rather than mere passive sympathy or religious rituals devoid of active love.

Examples:

• Providing food to a homeless person on the street is feeding Christ.
• Visiting a sick person in a hospital is visiting Christ.
• Offering support to a lonely elderly neighbor is comforting Christ.