Matthew 25:31

KJV

¶ When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory:

KJV (with Strong's)

When {G1161}{G3752} the Son {G5207} of man {G444} shall come {G2064} in {G1722} his {G846} glory {G1391}, and {G2532} all {G3956} the holy {G40} angels {G32} with {G3326} him {G846}, then {G5119} shall he sit {G2523} upon {G1909} the throne {G2362} of his {G846} glory {G1391}:

Complete Jewish Bible

"When the Son of Man comes in his glory, accompanied by all the angels, he will sit on his glorious throne.

Berean Standard Bible

When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the angels with Him, He will sit on His glorious throne.

American Standard Version

But when the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the angels with him, then shall he sit on the throne of his glory:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 25:31 introduces the climactic scene of Christ's return in glory, setting the stage for the final judgment of humanity. This verse vividly portrays the Son of Man, accompanied by all His holy angels, descending with unparalleled majesty to assume His rightful place upon a glorious throne, signifying His ultimate authority as King and Judge over all creation. It serves as a majestic prelude to the Parable of the Sheep and the Goats, emphasizing the certainty and grandeur of His second advent.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Matthew 25:31 marks a pivotal transition within the [Olivet Discourse](/matthew/24 "Matthew 24 - The Olivet Discourse"), which spans chapters 24 and 25 of Matthew's Gospel. Preceding this verse are parables emphasizing vigilance and faithful stewardship, such as the [Parable of the Ten Virgins](/matthew/25-1-13 "Matthew 25:1-13 - The Parable of the Ten Virgins") and the [Parable of the Talents](/matthew/25-14-30 "Matthew 25:14-30 - The Parable of the Talents"). These narratives prepare the disciples for the Lord's return, focusing on the *readiness* required. Matthew 25:31 then shifts the focus from preparation to the *event itself*—the glorious return of Christ—and directly introduces the [Parable of the Sheep and the Goats](/matthew/25-31-46 "Matthew 25:31-46 - The Parable of the Sheep and the Goats"), which details the criteria and outcome of the final judgment. This verse, therefore, acts as a grand overture, establishing the identity of the Judge and the splendor of His arrival.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** For first-century Jewish audiences, the concept of a Messiah was deeply rooted in Old Testament prophecy, often depicting a triumphant, kingly figure who would establish an everlasting kingdom and execute judgment. Passages like [Daniel 7:13-14](/daniel/7-13-14 "Daniel 7:13-14 - The Son of Man Receives Dominion") spoke of a "Son of Man" coming with the clouds of heaven to receive dominion, glory, and a kingdom. This expectation contrasted sharply with Jesus' first humble advent as a suffering servant. Matthew 25:31, therefore, resonates with the messianic hopes of a glorious, judging King, fulfilling prophecies that spoke of God's ultimate reign and the final reckoning. The imagery of a "throne" was universally understood as the seat of royal power and judicial authority in ancient Near Eastern cultures, reinforcing the gravity of the scene Jesus describes.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Matthew and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the **certainty and nature of the Second Coming of Christ**, portraying a visible, majestic, and definitive return of Jesus, contrasting sharply with His first humble appearance. Secondly, it highlights **Christ's divine sovereignty and kingship**, as He assumes His "throne of glory," asserting His ultimate authority over all nations and creation. This ties into the theme of the **Kingdom of God**, which Jesus consistently preached, now revealed in its full, consummated form. Thirdly, the verse introduces the theme of **final judgment**, establishing the identity of the Judge and the grand setting for the universal reckoning that will follow, as elaborated in [Matthew 25:32-46](/matthew/25-32-46 "Matthew 25:32-46 - The Judgment of the Nations"). Finally, the accompanying "holy angels" emphasize the **divine glory and majesty** of the event, signifying the cosmic significance of Christ's return.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Glory (Greek, _dóxa'_):** From G1391, this term signifies splendor, majesty, and inherent divine radiance. When Jesus comes "in his glory," it means He will manifest His full divine power and inherent splendor, a stark contrast to His first humble advent. It speaks of the visible manifestation of God's presence and character.
* **Come (Greek, _érchomai'_):** From G2064, this verb denotes movement, "to come or go." In this context, it signifies the active, decisive, and personal arrival of the Son of Man. It's not a passive event but a dynamic, intentional return with purpose and authority.
* **Throne (Greek, _thrónos'_):** From G2362, this word refers to a stately seat, implying power or, concretely, a potentate. The "throne of his glory" is not merely a chair but the symbol and actual seat of ultimate judicial and royal authority, from which Christ will administer justice and establish His eternal dominion.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"When the Son of man shall come in his glory":** This opening clause immediately identifies the central figure as "the Son of Man," a title Jesus frequently used for Himself, linking His humanity with the prophetic, divine authority seen in [Daniel 7:13](/daniel/7-13 "Daniel 7:13 - The Son of Man Coming with Clouds"). His arrival is not in humility, but "in his glory," signifying a visible, powerful manifestation of His inherent divine splendor and majesty, a stark contrast to His first advent.
* **"and all the holy angels with him":** This phrase emphasizes the grandeur and cosmic significance of His return. The "holy angels" serve as His glorious retinue, attendants to His divine majesty, and agents in the execution of His will. Their presence underscores the universal and awe-inspiring nature of this event, demonstrating the vastness of His heavenly host.
* **"then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory":** This final clause depicts the Son of Man assuming His ultimate position of authority. To "sit upon the throne" is a clear act of enthronement, signifying the commencement of His reign and, crucially, His role as the supreme Judge. The "throne of his glory" is the seat from which He will administer righteous judgment to all nations, establishing His eternal kingdom and dominion.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 25:31 is rich in **Imagery**, painting a vivid and majestic picture of Christ's return. The phrase "Son of man shall come in his glory" immediately evokes a sense of awe and power, contrasting with the humble imagery of His first coming. The accompanying "all the holy angels" further amplifies this grand spectacle, creating a powerful visual of a divine procession. **Symbolism** is prominent, particularly in "the throne of his glory," which is not merely a physical seat but a potent symbol of ultimate authority, kingship, and judicial power. This verse also employs **Anticipation** and **Foreshadowing**, as it serves as the grand introduction to the Parable of the Sheep and the Goats (Matthew 25:31-46), setting the stage for the detailed description of the final judgment. The implied **Contrast** between Jesus' first advent (humble, suffering servant) and His second (glorious, reigning King and Judge) adds theological depth, highlighting the full scope of His redemptive and sovereign work.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 25:31 is profoundly significant for understanding Christian eschatology and Christology. It affirms the biblical truth of Christ's literal, visible, and glorious return, a central tenet of Christian hope. This event is not merely a future possibility but a divine certainty, marking the culmination of God's redemptive plan and the full establishment of His kingdom. The Son of Man, who humbled Himself to become human and die on a cross, will return as the sovereign King and righteous Judge, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies of a Messiah who would reign in glory. His enthronement on the "throne of his glory" signifies His ultimate dominion over all creation and His rightful authority to judge humanity, not based on human merit, but on their response to Him, particularly as demonstrated by their compassion towards "the least of these" (Matthew 25:40). This passage underscores the seriousness of life and the eternal implications of our choices, calling believers to live in faithful anticipation and active service.

* [Daniel 7:13-14](/daniel/7-13-14 "Daniel 7:13-14 - The Son of Man Receives Dominion")
* [Revelation 1:7](/revelation/1-7 "Revelation 1:7 - Every Eye Shall See Him")
* [Acts 1:11](/acts/1-11 "Acts 1:11 - Christ's Ascension and Promise of Return")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 25:31 calls us to a profound reflection on the future and its implications for our present lives. The certainty of Christ's glorious return as King and Judge should inspire both awe and a deep sense of responsibility. For the believer, it offers immense hope and assurance that our Lord will ultimately triumph, bringing justice and establishing His eternal kingdom. This hope should motivate us to live with purpose, diligently stewarding the gifts and opportunities God has given us, knowing that our actions have eternal significance. It compels us to live in readiness, not out of fear, but out of love and eager anticipation for His appearing. Furthermore, recognizing Christ as the ultimate Judge should shape our understanding of righteousness and compassion, prompting us to actively serve those in need, as this is presented as a key criterion for judgment in the verses that follow. Our lives today are a preparation for that glorious, decisive day.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the certainty of Christ's glorious return impact my daily living and priorities?**
* **In what ways am I actively preparing for the "Son of Man" to sit on His throne of glory?**
* **How does the image of Christ as the ultimate Judge shape my understanding of justice and mercy in my interactions with others?**

### FAQ

**Is "Son of man" in Matthew 25:31 a title of humanity or divinity?**

Answer: The title "Son of Man" (Greek: *huios tou anthrōpou*) as used by Jesus, particularly in this context, is a profound and multifaceted title that encompasses both His humanity and His divinity. While it clearly identifies Him with humanity, emphasizing His true human nature, it also carries deep Old Testament prophetic significance, especially from [Daniel 7:13-14](/daniel/7-13-14 "Daniel 7:13-14 - The Son of Man Receives Dominion, Glory, and a Kingdom"). In Daniel's vision, the "Son of Man" is a celestial, divine figure who comes with the clouds of heaven and is given everlasting dominion, glory, and a kingdom. Therefore, in Matthew 25:31, when Jesus refers to Himself as the "Son of Man" coming in glory to sit on a throne of glory, He is simultaneously affirming His identification with humanity and asserting His unique, divine authority as the prophesied King and Judge.

**What is the significance of "all the holy angels" accompanying Him?**

Answer: The presence of "all the holy angels" accompanying the Son of Man in His return signifies several crucial aspects of this event. Firstly, it underscores the **divine majesty and cosmic grandeur** of Christ's second coming. Angels are celestial beings who serve as God's messengers and attendants, and their vast number indicates the immense importance and universal scope of this event. Secondly, it highlights Christ's **supreme authority and power**; He is not returning alone but with a heavenly host, demonstrating His dominion over all spiritual realms. Thirdly, angels often serve as agents in the execution of God's will and judgment throughout scripture (e.g., [Matthew 13:41](/matthew/13-41 "Matthew 13:41 - The Son of Man Will Send Out His Angels")). Their presence here suggests their active participation in the events of the final judgment, serving as His retinue and enforcers of His righteous decrees.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 25:31, depicting the glorious return of the Son of Man to His throne of glory, finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the entire redemptive narrative of Jesus. His first advent, marked by humility and self-emptying as described in [Philippians 2:6-8](/philippians/2-6-8 "Philippians 2:6-8 - Christ's Humiliation"), was essential to make this glorious second coming possible. It was through His obedient life, atoning death on the cross, and victorious resurrection that He secured the right to reign and judge. The "throne of his glory" is not merely a future seat but is intrinsically linked to His present exaltation, as He is currently seated at the right hand of God, exercising all authority in heaven and on earth (see [Ephesians 1:20-22](/ephesians/1-20-22 "Ephesians 1:20-22 - Christ Seated at God's Right Hand")). The judgment He will administer, as foreshadowed in this verse and elaborated in the subsequent parable, is rooted in His perfect righteousness and His ultimate authority, which was granted to Him by the Father (as seen in [John 5:22](/john/5-22 "John 5:22 - The Father Has Committed All Judgment to the Son")). Therefore, Matthew 25:31 is the glorious culmination of Christ's entire mission—from His incarnation to His ascension (cf. [Acts 1:9-11](/acts/1-9-11 "Acts 1:9-11 - Christ's Ascension and Promise of Return"))—where His redemptive work is fully realized, and His rightful reign as King of kings and Lord of lords is universally acknowledged.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Revelation 1:7

Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they [also] which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen.

Matthew 19:28

And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

2 Thessalonians 1:7

And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels,

2 Thessalonians 1:8

In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ:

Matthew 16:27

For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works.

Mark 8:38

Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.

Psalms 9:7

But the LORD shall endure for ever: he hath prepared his throne for judgment.