Matthew 25:35

For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in:

For {G1063} I was an hungred {G3983}, and {G2532} ye gave {G1325} me {G3427} meat {G5315}: I was thirsty {G1372}, and {G2532} ye gave {G4222} me {G3165} drink {G4222}: I was {G2252} a stranger {G3581}, and {G2532} ye took {G4863} me {G3165} in {G4863}:

For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you made me your guest,

For I was hungry and you gave Me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave Me something to drink, I was a stranger and you took Me in,

for I was hungry, and ye gave me to eat; I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink; I was a stranger, and ye took me in;

Commentary

Matthew 25:35 is a pivotal verse from Jesus' parable of the Sheep and the Goats, found within His larger discourse on the end times. It outlines the compassionate actions that characterize those who are welcomed into the eternal kingdom.

Context

This verse is part of the "Judgment of the Nations" parable (Matthew 25:31-46), delivered by Jesus as part of the Olivet Discourse, His final major teaching before His crucifixion. In this parable, the King (representing Jesus Himself) separates humanity into two groups: the "sheep" (the righteous) and the "goats" (the unrighteous). Verse 35 specifically lists the first three acts of mercy that distinguish the "sheep," emphasizing practical service to those in need. It sets the stage for the profound revelation that serving the vulnerable is equivalent to serving Christ directly, as explained in Matthew 25:40.

Key Themes

  • Compassion and Service: The verse highlights fundamental acts of human kindness—providing food, drink, and shelter. These are not merely good deeds but expressions of genuine love and empathy towards others, reflecting God's heart for the vulnerable.
  • Identification with Christ: A central and profound theme in this parable is that Jesus identifies Himself with the "least of these" among humanity. When believers minister to the hungry, thirsty, or stranger, they are, in essence, ministering to Christ Himself. This elevates acts of charity from mere philanthropy to sacred service.
  • Practical Righteousness: This passage underscores that true faith is not just intellectual assent or verbal profession, but is demonstrated through tangible actions. It aligns with the biblical principle that faith without works is dead.
  • Basis for Judgment: The parable presents these acts of mercy as a key criterion for entering the eternal kingdom, illustrating God's value for how His followers treat their fellow human beings, especially the marginalized.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "I was an hungred" is an archaic but grammatically correct form of "I was hungry." Similarly, "meat" in this context refers to food in general, not specifically flesh, as was common usage in older English. The simplicity of the language ("gave me meat," "gave me drink," "took me in") underscores the straightforward and fundamental nature of these acts of mercy, making them accessible and understandable to all.

Practical Application

Matthew 25:35 serves as a powerful call to action for believers today. It compels us to look beyond ourselves and actively seek opportunities to serve those around us who are in need. This includes not only the physically hungry or thirsty but also the lonely, the marginalized, the immigrant, and anyone who feels like a "stranger" in society. Every act of kindness, no matter how small, offered to another person, is seen by Christ as an act of service to Him. This verse encourages a lifestyle of active compassion, reminding us that our faith is visibly demonstrated through our love for our neighbor, echoing the spirit of the Parable of the Good Samaritan.

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Cross-References

  • 1 John 3:16 (23 votes)

    Hereby perceive we the love [of God], because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down [our] lives for the brethren.

  • 1 John 3:19 (23 votes)

    And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before him.

  • James 2:15 (18 votes)

    If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food,

  • James 2:16 (18 votes)

    And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be [ye] warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what [doth it] profit?

  • Deuteronomy 15:7 (17 votes)

    If there be among you a poor man of one of thy brethren within any of thy gates in thy land which the LORD thy God giveth thee, thou shalt not harden thine heart, nor shut thine hand from thy poor brother:

  • Deuteronomy 15:11 (17 votes)

    For the poor shall never cease out of the land: therefore I command thee, saying, Thou shalt open thine hand wide unto thy brother, to thy poor, and to thy needy, in thy land.

  • Ezekiel 18:7 (13 votes)

    And hath not oppressed any, [but] hath restored to the debtor his pledge, hath spoiled none by violence, hath given his bread to the hungry, and hath covered the naked with a garment;