Devine Scripture

Matthew 25:45

What does Matthew 25:45 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 25:45 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 25:45 means

The King definitively answers those on His left, stating, "Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not unto one of these least, ye did it not unto me." This pronouncement seals their condemnation, reiterating the inseparable link between caring for the vulnerable and caring for Christ Himself. Their failure to minister to "the least of these"—His brethren—was a direct failure to minister to Him. This reveals that spiritual indifference, rather than outright hostility, can be equally damning, signifying an absence of truly transformative faith.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not unto one of these least, ye did it not unto me.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not unto one of these least, ye did it not unto me.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Then will he make answer to them, saying, Truly I say to you, Because you did it not to the least of these, you did it not to me.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

`Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say to you, Inasmuch as ye did <FI>it<Fi> not to one of these, the least, ye did <FI>it<Fi> not to me.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Then he shall answer them, saying: Amen: I say to you, as long as you did it not to one of these least, neither did you do it to me.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

Then shall he answer them saying, Verily I say to you, Inasmuch as ye have not done it to one of these least, neither have ye done it to me.

Context

This verse delivers the King's definitive answer to the questions of the condemned, directly following their bewildered inquiries in verse 44. It is the theological climax of the judgment for this group, clearly articulating that their neglect of "the least of these" was a neglect of Christ himself. This statement serves as the final justification for their eternal punishment, setting the stage for the concluding declaration of their eternal destiny.

v.44Then shall they also answer, saying, Lord, when saw we thee hungry, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto thee?

v.45This passage

v.46And these shall go away into eternal punishment: but the righteous into eternal life.

Cross references

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

  • John 15:18

    If the world hateth you, ye know that it hath hated me before it hated you.

  • Zechariah 2:8

    For thus saith Jehovah of hosts: After glory hath he sent me unto the nations which plundered you; for he that toucheth you toucheth the apple of his eye.

  • Psalms 105:15

    Saying, Touch not mine anointed ones, And do my prophets no harm.

  • Proverbs 21:13

    Whoso stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor, He also shall cry, but shall not be heard.

  • Genesis 12:3

    and I will bless them that bless thee, and him that curseth thee will I curse: and in thee shall all the families of the earth be blessed.

  • 1 John 3:12

    not as Cain was of the evil one, and slew his brother. And wherefore slew he him? Because his works were evil, and his brother’s righteous.

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