Matthew 25:36
What does Matthew 25:36 mean?
A plain-English look at Matthew 25:36 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Matthew 25:36 means
Continuing His commendation, the King cites further examples of the righteous' compassionate service: "naked, and ye clothed me; I was sick, and ye visited me; I was in prison, and ye came unto me." These acts further affirm a life lived in practical love and sacrificial care for the most vulnerable. They represent a selfless commitment to minister to others, often those overlooked by society. These deeds are not simply good works, but the natural overflow of a heart transformed by God's grace, reflecting Christ's own character.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000naked, and ye clothed me; I was sick, and ye visited me; I was in prison, and ye came unto me.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901naked, and ye clothed me; I was sick, and ye visited me; I was in prison, and ye came unto me.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949I had no clothing, and you gave it to me: when I was ill, or in prison, you came to me.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862naked, and ye put around me; I was infirm, and ye looked after me; in prison I was, and ye came unto me.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Naked, and you covered me: sick, and you visited me: I was in prison, and you came to me.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890naked, and ye clothed me; I was ill, and ye visited me; I was in prison, and ye came to me.
Context
This verse extends the list of righteous actions from verse 35, providing three more specific examples of compassionate care. It reinforces the criteria for distinguishing the sheep from the goats, emphasizing practical ministry to those in need. This detailed enumeration of their good works solidifies the King's case for their blessed status and sets the stage for the righteous' surprised response in the following verses.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Isaiah 58:7
Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh?
- Ezekiel 34:4
The diseased have ye not strengthened, neither have ye healed that which was sick, neither have ye bound up that which was broken, neither have ye brought back that which was driven away, neither have ye sought that which was lost; but with force and with rigor have ye ruled over them.
- 2 Timothy 1:16
The Lord grant mercy unto the house of Onesiphorus: for he oft refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain;
- Luke 3:11
And he answered and said unto them, He that hath two coats, let him impart to him that hath none; and he that hath food, let him do likewise.
- James 2:14
What doth it profit, my brethren, if a man say he hath faith, but have not works? can that faith save him?
- Philippians 4:10
But I rejoice in the Lord greatly, that now at length ye have revived your thought for me; wherein ye did indeed take thought, but ye lacked opportunity.
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