Devine Scripture

Matthew 25:35

What does Matthew 25:35 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 25:35 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 25:35 means

The King reveals the practical evidence of the righteous: "for I was hungry, and ye gave me to eat; I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink; I was a stranger, and ye took me in." These acts of mercy demonstrate genuine love and compassion expressed through tangible service. This shows that true faith is not merely intellectual assent but is actively lived out in self-giving care for those in need, validating their spiritual state. These are not conditions for salvation but rather fruit that evidences a regenerated heart.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

for I was hungry, and ye gave me to eat; I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink; I was a stranger, and ye took me in;

KJV

King James Version · 1611

For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in:

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

for I was hungry, and ye gave me to eat; I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink; I was a stranger, and ye took me in;

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

For I was in need of food, and you gave it to me: I was in need of drink, and you gave it to me: I was wandering, and you took me in;

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

for I did hunger, and ye gave me to eat; I did thirst, and ye gave me to drink; I was a stranger, and ye received me;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

For I was hungry, and you gave me to eat: I was thirsty, and you gave me to drink: I was a stranger, and you took me in:

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

for I hungered, and ye gave me to eat; I thirsted, and ye gave me to drink; I was a stranger, and ye took me in;

Context

This verse begins the King's explanation of *why* those on His right hand are blessed, directly following His invitation in verse 34. It lists the first three specific acts of mercy and care for the needy, providing concrete examples of the kind of practical love that characterizes the righteous. These actions are crucial in defining what true faith looks like in practice, leading into further examples in the next verse.

v.34Then 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:

v.35This passage

v.36naked, and ye clothed me; I was sick, and ye visited me; I was in prison, and ye came unto me.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Ezekiel 18:16

    neither hath wronged any, hath not taken aught to pledge, neither hath taken by robbery, but hath given his bread to the hungry, and hath covered the naked with a garment;

  • 2 Corinthians 9:7

    Let each man do according as he hath purposed in his heart: not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.

  • 3 John 1:5

    Beloved, thou doest a faithful work in whatsoever thou doest toward them that are brethren and strangers withal;

  • Philemon 1:7

    For I had much joy and comfort in thy love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through thee, brother.

  • Luke 11:41

    But give for alms those things which are within; and behold, all things are clean unto you.

  • Job 29:13

    The blessing of him that was ready to perish came upon me; And I caused the widow’s heart to sing for joy.

Related questions readers ask

Keep reading

Want to dig deeper? Explore Matthew 25

Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Matthew 25.

Keep exploring

Follow this verse across Scripture

Topics, devotionals, original-language word studies, and figures connected to Matthew 25:35.

Browse every hub

BibleTopicsBible answersDevotionalsFamous passagesWord studiesPeoplePlacesVerses for…Reading plansCommentary