Matthew 25:33

KJV

And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} he shall set {G2476}{G3303} the sheep {G4263} on {G1537} his {G846} right hand {G1188}, but {G1161} the goats {G2055} on {G1537} the left {G2176}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The `sheep' he will place at his right hand and the `goats' at his left.

Berean Standard Bible

He will place the sheep on His right and the goats on His left.

American Standard Version

and he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 25:33, a pivotal verse within Jesus' "Parable of the Sheep and the Goats," vividly portrays the ultimate separation of humanity at the final judgment. It describes the Son of Man, acting as the divine Judge, meticulously dividing individuals into two distinct groups: the "sheep" positioned on His right hand, signifying honor and favor, and the "goats" on His left, indicating disfavor and condemnation. This immediate and decisive division sets the stage for the subsequent criteria of judgment based on acts of compassion and service, underscoring the profound and eternal consequences of one's earthly life.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral part of Jesus' eschatological discourse on the Mount of Olives, delivered shortly before His crucifixion. It forms the opening scene of the "Parable of the Sheep and the Goats" in [Matthew 25:31-46](/matthew/25-31-46 "Matthew 25:31-46 - The Parable of the Sheep and the Goats"), which immediately follows the parables of the Ten Virgins ([Matthew 25:1-13](/matthew/25-1-13 "Matthew 25:1-13 - The Parable of the Ten Virgins")) and the Talents ([Matthew 25:14-30](/matthew/25-14-30 "Matthew 25:14-30 - The Parable of the Talents")). All three parables collectively emphasize the critical importance of readiness, faithfulness, and responsible stewardship in anticipation of the Son of Man's glorious return. Matthew 25:33 specifically establishes the visual and symbolic framework for the judgment, highlighting the clear and irreversible nature of the coming separation.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The imagery of sheep and goats was deeply familiar to Jesus' agrarian audience in ancient Israel. Shepherds routinely separated these animals for various practical reasons, such as feeding, breeding, or preparing them for market. Sheep were generally perceived as docile, communal, and valuable for wool and meat, often symbolizing God's people in the Old Testament (e.g., [Psalm 100:3](/psalm/100-3 "Psalm 100:3 - We are His people, the sheep of His pasture")). Goats, while also valuable, were often seen as more independent, stubborn, or even mischievous, and were sometimes associated with sin offerings or scapegoats in sacrificial rituals. The act of separation would have been understood as a natural, necessary, and decisive process, making the metaphor of divine judgment immediately comprehensible and impactful.

* **Key Themes:** Matthew 25:33 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the Gospel of Matthew and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates the theme of **Divine Judgment and Separation**, asserting that a definitive and irreversible division of humanity will occur based on divine assessment. Secondly, it introduces the theme of **Righteousness and Unrighteousness** as defined by practical, compassionate action, rather than mere profession of faith. The "sheep" represent those whose faith is evidenced by love for "the least of these" ([Matthew 25:40](/matthew/25-40 "Matthew 25:40 - Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me")), while the "goats" represent those who neglected such acts. Finally, the verse reinforces the **Ultimate Authority and Sovereignty of the Son of Man** (Jesus Christ) as the appointed Judge, a role underscored in passages like [John 5:27](/john/5-27 "John 5:27 - The Father has given the Son authority to execute judgment")). This highlights Christ's central role in determining eternal destinies.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **set (Greek, _hístēmi'_):** This verb signifies "to stand" or "to cause to stand," implying an act of placing, appointing, or establishing. In this context, it conveys the deliberate and authoritative action of the Son of Man in arranging or positioning the two groups. It is not a passive sorting but an active, judicial placement.
* **sheep (Greek, _próbaton'_):** Referring to a quadruped that walks forward, specifically a sheep. Symbolically, as used throughout Scripture, sheep often represent God's people, those who follow the Shepherd, are docile, and are part of His flock. Here, they represent the righteous, those who have lived in accordance with God's will, particularly through acts of compassion.
* **goats (Greek, _eríphion'_):** This term refers to a kidling or young goat. Symbolically, as explicitly stated in the Strong's data, it represents a "wicked person." In contrast to the sheep, the goats symbolize the unrighteous, those who have neglected to demonstrate practical love and mercy, thus failing to embody true faith.
* **right hand (Greek, _dexiós'_):** This refers to the right side or hand. In biblical and ancient Near Eastern cultures, the right hand consistently symbolized honor, favor, blessing, power, and authority. To be placed on the right hand of the judge or ruler was to be in a position of privilege, approval, and ultimate vindication.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he shall set the sheep on his right hand":** This clause introduces the divine Judge, the Son of Man, and His authoritative act of separation. The "sheep" represent those who are righteous, characterized by their genuine faith expressed through compassionate deeds. Their placement "on his right hand" immediately signifies a position of honor, favor, and ultimate salvation. This is the place of approval and blessing in the eschatological judgment.
* **"but the goats on the left":** This contrasting clause presents the second group and their fate. The conjunction "but" (Greek, _dé_) highlights the stark opposition. The "goats" symbolize the unrighteous, those who, despite perhaps outward religious observance, failed to demonstrate active love and mercy towards others. Their placement "on the left" signals disfavor, condemnation, and exclusion from the blessings bestowed upon those on the right. In ancient cultures, the left was often associated with less honor or even ill omen, making this a clear indicator of negative judgment.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 25:33 employs several powerful **literary devices**. The most prominent is **Symbolism**, where "sheep" and "goats" serve as potent symbols for two distinct categories of humanity at the final judgment: the righteous and the unrighteous, respectively. This agricultural imagery would have been immediately accessible and impactful to Jesus' audience. **Juxtaposition** is also central, as the verse starkly contrasts the "right hand" and the "left," creating a clear binary opposition that emphasizes the absolute and irreversible nature of the separation. This spatial **Metaphor** of right and left effectively conveys the differing destinies of the two groups, with the right signifying honor and the left signifying disfavor. The verse also utilizes **Foreshadowing**, as this initial separation sets the stage for the detailed explanation of the criteria for judgment and the eternal destinies that follow in the subsequent verses of the parable.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 25:33 stands as a profound theological statement on divine judgment, emphasizing that a clear and ultimate separation of humanity will occur based on one's relationship with God, as evidenced by their actions. It underscores the active role of Christ as the Judge and the decisive nature of the final reckoning. This separation is not arbitrary but rooted in the outworking of one's faith—or lack thereof—in tangible acts of love and service, particularly towards the vulnerable. The verse highlights God's justice and the reality of eternal consequences, serving as a sober reminder that every life will be evaluated.

* [Psalm 1:4-6](/psalm/1-4-6 "Psalm 1:4-6 - The Way of the Righteous and the Wicked")
* [Romans 2:6-8](/romans/2-6-8 "Romans 2:6-8 - God's Impartial Judgment")
* [2 Corinthians 5:10](/2_corinthians/5-10 "2 Corinthians 5:10 - The Judgment Seat of Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 25:33 compels us to a serious self-examination, prompting us to consider not just our stated beliefs, but the tangible evidence of our faith in our daily lives. The image of the Son of Man meticulously separating humanity should instill both a healthy fear of the Lord and a profound motivation to live in alignment with His kingdom values. It challenges us to reflect on whether our lives are characterized by active love, compassion, and service towards others, especially "the least of these," as these are the very acts that Jesus identifies as expressions of true devotion to Him. This verse serves as a powerful call to live with an eternal perspective, recognizing that our earthly choices have eternal ramifications and that genuine faith is always accompanied by works of mercy and justice.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the imagery of sheep and goats challenge my understanding of what it means to be a true follower of Christ?**
* **In what practical ways am I demonstrating love and compassion to "the least of these" in my daily life, and where might I need to grow in this area?**
* **How does the certainty of a future judgment, as depicted in this verse, influence my priorities and decisions today?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the "right hand" and "left hand" in this verse?**

Answer: In biblical and ancient Near Eastern cultures, the "right hand" consistently symbolized honor, favor, blessing, power, and authority. To be placed on the right hand of a king or judge was to be in a position of privilege and approval. Conversely, the "left hand" was often associated with disfavor, less honor, or even condemnation. Therefore, the placement of the "sheep" on the right hand signifies divine approval and entrance into eternal blessing, while the "goats" on the left signify divine disapproval and a different, negative outcome. This spatial distinction is a powerful visual metaphor for the ultimate separation and judgment described in the parable of [Matthew 25:31-46](/matthew/25-31-46 "Matthew 25:31-46 - The Parable of the Sheep and the Goats").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 25:33, while depicting Christ as the ultimate Judge, finds its Christ-centered fulfillment not merely in His judicial role, but in the very nature of His redemptive work and the criteria for judgment He establishes. The "sheep" are those who have ministered to Christ by ministering to others ([Matthew 25:40](/matthew/25-40 "Matthew 25:40 - Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me")), demonstrating a faith that is alive and active through love, a love that flows from their relationship with Him. This echoes the New Testament's emphasis that true faith in Christ is never barren but produces the fruit of the Spirit ([Galatians 5:22-23](/galatians/5-22-23 "Galatians 5:22-23 - The Fruit of the Spirit")) and good works prepared beforehand by God ([Ephesians 2:10](/ephesians/2-10 "Ephesians 2:10 - Created for Good Works")). Ultimately, Christ's judgment is not arbitrary but perfectly just, reflecting His own character as the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for His sheep ([John 10:11](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - Jesus, the Good Shepherd")). The separation reveals those who have genuinely received and embodied His transforming grace, aligning their lives with His kingdom values, and thus are truly His own, destined to inherit the kingdom prepared for them from the foundation of the world ([Matthew 25:34](/matthew/25-34 "Matthew 25:34 - Inheriting the Kingdom")).

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

Psalms 100:3

Know ye that the LORD he [is] God: [it is] he [that] hath made us, and not we ourselves; [we are] his people, and the sheep of his pasture.

John 21:15

¶ So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, [son] of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs.

John 21:17

He saith unto him the third time, Simon, [son] of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.

Psalms 110:1

¶ A Psalm of David. The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool.

Psalms 45:9

Kings' daughters [were] among thy honourable women: upon thy right hand did stand the queen in gold of Ophir.

John 10:26

But ye believe not, because ye are not of my sheep, as I said unto you.

John 10:28

And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any [man] pluck them out of my hand.