Matthew 25:32

And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth [his] sheep from the goats:

And {G2532} before {G1715} him {G846} shall be gathered {G4863} all {G3956} nations {G1484}: and {G2532} he shall separate {G873} them {G846} one {G240} from {G575} another {G240}, as {G5618} a shepherd {G4166} divideth {G873} his sheep {G4263} from {G575} the goats {G2056}:

All the nations will be assembled before him, and he will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates sheep from goats.

All the nations will be gathered before Him, and He will separate the people one from another, as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats.

and before him shall be gathered all the nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as the shepherd separateth the sheep from the goats;

Commentary on Matthew 25:32 (KJV)

This verse is part of Jesus' powerful discourse on the end times, often referred to as the Olivet Discourse, and specifically concludes the introduction to the parable of the Sheep and the Goats.

Historical and Cultural Context:

The imagery of a shepherd separating sheep from goats was a common and practical task in the ancient Near East. Sheep and goats were often pastured together during the day but separated at night for various reasons, including shelter needs (goats are more resilient to cold) or preparing them for market or milking. The act of separation was familiar and easily understood by Jesus' audience.

Key Themes and Messages:

  • Universal Judgment: "all nations" indicates that the judgment described here is comprehensive, encompassing all peoples, not just Israel.
  • Divine Authority: Jesus Christ is presented as the one before whom all will be gathered and who possesses the authority to judge and separate.
  • Clear Separation: The analogy of the shepherd separating sheep from goats emphasizes that the final judgment will result in a definitive and unmistakable division between two groups of people.
  • Basis of Separation: While this verse states the fact of separation, the following verses (Matthew 25:34-46) explain the criteria for this separation, focusing on how individuals treated "the least of these" brothers and sisters, which Jesus identifies with service to Himself.

Linguistic Insights:

The Greek word for "nations" is ethne (ἔθνη), which can mean ethnic groups or nations. This reinforces the idea of a judgment that includes all humanity. The word for "separate" is aphorizo (ἀφορίζω), meaning to mark off, distinguish, or set apart. It implies a clear and decisive division.

Cross-references:

Other passages describing future judgment include:

Practical Application:

This verse serves as a solemn reminder of future accountability before Christ. It prompts reflection on which group one would be placed in and encourages living a life characterized by the love and service to others that Jesus identifies with the "sheep" in the subsequent verses. The separation is based not merely on profession, but on genuine action rooted in faith.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Matthew 13:49

    So shall it be at the end of the world: the angels shall come forth, and sever the wicked from among the just,

  • Malachi 3:18

    Then shall ye return, and discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not.

  • 2 Corinthians 5:10

    For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things [done] in [his] body, according to that he hath done, whether [it be] good or bad.

  • Psalms 98:9

    Before the LORD; for he cometh to judge the earth: with righteousness shall he judge the world, and the people with equity.

  • Ezekiel 34:17

    ¶ And [as for] you, O my flock, thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I judge between cattle and cattle, between the rams and the he goats.

  • Ezekiel 34:22

    Therefore will I save my flock, and they shall no more be a prey; and I will judge between cattle and cattle.

  • Psalms 96:13

    Before the LORD: for he cometh, for he cometh to judge the earth: he shall judge the world with righteousness, and the people with his truth.
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