Devine Scripture

Matthew 25:40

What does Matthew 25:40 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 25:40 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 25:40 means

The King reveals the profound truth: "Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it unto one of these my brethren, even these least, ye did it unto me." This declaration is central to the judgment. It teaches that showing practical love and compassion to the most vulnerable among humanity—whom Jesus identifies as "my brethren," referring to His disciples or those closely identified with Him—is equivalent to showing love to Christ Himself. This elevates acts of mercy to a sacred level, linking our service to others directly to our relationship with the Lord.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And 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.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And 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.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And the King will make answer and say to them, Truly I say to you, Because you did it to the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

`And the king answering, shall say to them, Verily I say to you, Inasmuch as ye did <FI>it<Fi> to one of these my brethren--the least--to me ye did <FI>it<Fi> .

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And the king answering shall say to them: Amen I say to you, as long as you did it to one of these my least brethren, you did it to me.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And the King answering shall say to them, Verily, I say to you, Inasmuch as ye have done it to one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it to me.

Context

This verse delivers the King's profound and pivotal answer to the righteous' questions, directly following their repeated inquiries in verses 37-39. This statement is the theological heart of this judgment scene, revealing the deep spiritual significance of their compassionate actions. It directly establishes the principle of identifying with "the least of these," setting a clear benchmark for what true righteousness looks like in practice, before the King turns to judge those on His left.

v.39And when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee?

v.40This passage

v.41Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into the eternal fire which is prepared for the devil and his angels:

Cross references

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

  • Galatians 5:22

    But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,

  • Matthew 18:10

    See that ye despise not one of these little ones: for I say unto you, that in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father who is in heaven.

  • Hebrews 6:10

    for God is not unrighteous to forget your work and the love which ye showed toward his name, in that ye ministered unto the saints, and still do minister.

  • Proverbs 19:17

    He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto Jehovah, And his good deed will he pay him again.

  • 1 Thessalonians 4:9

    But concerning love of the brethren ye have no need that one write unto you: for ye yourselves are taught of God to love one another;

  • Romans 8:29

    For whom he foreknew, he also foreordained to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren:

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