Devine Scripture

Matthew 25:39

What does Matthew 25:39 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 25:39 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 25:39 means

The righteous persist in their questions, asking, "And when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee?" Their repeated inquiries affirm that their acts of mercy were not self-serving or a means to earn favor, but rather an authentic expression of love for their fellow human beings. Their surprise solidifies the idea that true righteousness is characterized by a natural, unpretentious outflow of compassion, rather than a calculated effort to minister directly to Christ in person.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee?

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee?

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee?

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And when did we see you ill, or in prison, and come to you?

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and when did we see thee infirm, or in prison, and we came unto thee?

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Or when did we see thee sick or in prison and came to thee?

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

and when saw we thee ill, or in prison, and came to thee?

Context

This verse concludes the three-part questioning of the righteous, building upon verses 37 and 38, specifically addressing their care for the sick and imprisoned. This final query underscores their consistent humility and unawareness of having ministered directly to Christ. This sustained questioning is crucial both for emphasizing the sincere nature of their faith and for leading directly into the King's definitive and profound answer in the very next verse.

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

v.39This passage

v.40And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it unto one of these my brethren, even these least, ye did it unto me.

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