Devine Scripture

Matthew 25:37

What does Matthew 25:37 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 25:37 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 25:37 means

The righteous, surprised by the King's words, humbly question, "Lord, when saw we thee hungry, and fed thee? or athirst, and gave thee drink?" Their genuine bewilderment indicates that their acts of charity were performed spontaneously, out of pure love and compassion for others, without expecting recognition or even understanding that they were ministering to the King Himself. This highlights the sincerity and uncalculating nature of their service, demonstrating that their actions were a natural outflow of their transformed hearts.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee hungry, and fed thee? or athirst, and gave thee drink?

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink?

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee hungry, and fed thee? or athirst, and gave thee drink?

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Then will the upright make answer to him, saying, Lord, when did we see you in need of food, and give it to you? or in need of drink, and give it to you?

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

`Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when did we see thee hungering, and we nourished? or thirsting, and we gave to drink?

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Then shall the just answer him, saying: Lord, when did we see thee hungry and fed thee: thirsty and gave thee drink?

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

Then shall the righteous answer him saying, Lord, when saw we thee hungering, and nourished thee; or thirsting, and gave thee to drink?

Context

This verse marks a shift in tone for the section concerning the righteous, immediately following the King's comprehensive list of their compassionate actions in verses 35-36. Their surprised question reveals the genuine humility of the righteous and that their good works were performed without direct knowledge of serving Christ. This sets up the King's profound response in verse 40, revealing the true recipient of their mercy.

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

v.37This passage

v.38And when saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee?

Cross references

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

  • 1 Corinthians 15:10

    But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not found vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.

  • 1 Chronicles 29:14

    But who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able to offer so willingly after this sort? for all things come of thee, and of thine own have we given thee.

  • Proverbs 15:33

    The fear of Jehovah is the instruction of wisdom; And before honorgoethhumility.

  • Isaiah 64:6

    For we are all become as one that is unclean, and all our righteousnesses are as a polluted garment: and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, take us away.

  • 1 Peter 5:5

    Likewise, ye younger, be subject unto the elder. Yea, all of you gird yourselves with humility, to serve one another: for God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace to the humble.

  • Matthew 6:3

    But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth:

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