Matthew 25:37

KJV

Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed [thee]? or thirsty, and gave [thee] drink?

KJV (with Strong's)

Then {G5119} shall the righteous {G1342} answer {G611} him {G846}, saying {G3004}, Lord {G2962}, when {G4219} saw we {G1492} thee {G4571} an hungred {G3983}, and {G2532} fed {G5142} thee? or {G2228} thirsty {G1372}, and {G2532} gave thee drink {G4222}?

Complete Jewish Bible

Then the people who have done what God wants will reply, `Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink?

Berean Standard Bible

Then the righteous will answer Him, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You something to drink?

American Standard Version

Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee hungry, and fed thee? or athirst, and gave thee drink?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 25:37 captures the profound surprise of the righteous within Jesus' Parable of the Sheep and the Goats. Having been commended by the King for their compassionate service, they humbly and genuinely question when they ever ministered to Him in His states of hunger, thirst, or other need. This verse powerfully underscores their selfless motivations and sets the stage for the King's revelation that service to the vulnerable is service rendered directly to Him.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral part of Jesus' eschatological discourse, specifically the Parable of the Sheep and the Goats (Matthew 25:31-46). It immediately follows the King's declaration to the "sheep" (the righteous) that they are blessed and have inherited the Kingdom prepared for them, precisely because they provided for Him when He was hungry, thirsty, a stranger, naked, sick, or in prison ([Matthew 25:34-36](/matthew/25-34-36 "Matthew 25:34-36 - The King's Commendation to the Righteous")). The righteous's bewildered response is crucial; it highlights their genuine humility and lack of self-serving motives, setting up the climactic revelation in [Matthew 25:40](/matthew/25-40 "Matthew 25:40 - Identifying Christ in the Least of These") that service to "the least of these" is service to Christ Himself. This parable concludes a series of parables in [Matthew 24-25](/matthew/24 "Matthew 24-25 - Eschatological Discourse and Parables") that emphasize vigilance, faithful stewardship, and readiness for the Lord's return.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The parable reflects a societal context where hospitality and care for the vulnerable were paramount virtues, especially in the ancient Near East. Travelers, the poor, and the sick often relied on the charity of others for survival. Jewish law and tradition, deeply rooted in the Torah, commanded compassion for the stranger, the orphan, and the widow (e.g., [Deuteronomy 10:18-19](/deuteronomy/10-18-19 "Deuteronomy 10:18-19 - Love for the Stranger")). Jesus' teaching here elevates these common acts of human kindness to a divine level, linking them directly to His own person. The imagery of a king judging his people was familiar, drawing on both Old Testament prophetic traditions (e.g., [Ezekiel 34](/ezekiel/34 "Ezekiel 34 - The Lord as Shepherd and Judge")) and contemporary Roman imperial judgment scenes, but Jesus subverts expectations by making the criteria for judgment not ritual observance or political allegiance, but rather tangible acts of mercy.

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Matthew's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. It underscores the **nature of true righteousness**, which is not merely adherence to external laws but an internal disposition of love and compassion that manifests in practical deeds. It powerfully articulates the theme of **identification with the vulnerable**, revealing that Christ Himself is present in the "least of these" (as explicitly stated in [Matthew 25:40](/matthew/25-40 "Matthew 25:40 - Christ in the Least of These")). Furthermore, it highlights the **eschatological judgment**, where deeds of mercy become the surprising criterion for inheriting the Kingdom, emphasizing that genuine faith is active and expressed through tangible love for others, echoing the call to bear good fruit found throughout [Matthew's Gospel](/matthew "The Gospel According to Matthew").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **righteous (Greek, _díkaios'_):** This term (G1342) describes those who are equitable in character and act, innocent, and holy. In this context, it refers to those whose lives are aligned with God's will, not merely by external adherence to law, but by an internal disposition that produces acts of justice and mercy. Their "righteousness" is demonstrated by their compassionate actions, even if they did not consciously perceive them as service to the King.
* **Lord (Greek, _kýrios'_):** This word (G2962) signifies supreme authority and mastery, used here as a respectful title for the King, who is revealed to be Jesus Himself. The righteous address Him with reverence, yet their question reveals their lack of full comprehension regarding His unique identification with the suffering. Their use of "Lord" acknowledges His authority, while their question highlights their humility and the unexpected nature of His revelation.
* **saw (Greek, _eídō'_):** This verb (G1492) means "to see" literally or figuratively, and by implication, "to know" or "perceive." The righteous's question, "when saw we thee?", implies a lack of conscious awareness or recognition. They did not "see" or "know" that it was the Lord Himself they were serving, underscoring that their acts were not performed for personal gain or recognition from the King, but out of pure, uncalculating compassion.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then shall the righteous answer him, saying,"**: This clause sets the scene for the response of those who have been blessed and invited into the Kingdom. Their "answer" (Greek, _apokrínomai'_) is not a retort but a humble, surprised inquiry, indicating their genuine bewilderment at the King's commendation. It underscores their lack of self-awareness regarding the profound significance of their actions.
* **"Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed [thee]?"**: The righteous address the King with the respectful title "Lord," yet their question reveals their profound humility and lack of conscious intent to serve Him directly. The phrase "an hungred" (Greek, _peináō'_) and "fed [thee]" (Greek, _tréphō'_) refers to providing food to someone starving. Their question is not one of denial, but of genuine surprise, implying that their acts of kindness were so natural and unassuming that they did not register them as extraordinary service to the divine.
* **"or thirsty, and gave [thee] drink?"**: This continues the pattern of their bewildered inquiry, extending it to the act of providing water to the thirsty (Greek, _dipsáō'_ for thirsty, _potízō'_ for gave drink). The use of "or" (Greek, _ḗ'_) indicates a continuation of the same type of question, covering another specific act of mercy. It reinforces the idea that their compassionate deeds were spontaneous and without expectation of divine recognition.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in Matthew 25:37 is **Irony**, specifically **Dramatic Irony**. The audience (and Jesus' disciples) understands the King's identity and the significance of His words, but the "righteous" characters within the parable do not. Their question, "Lord, when saw we thee...?", is ironic because they *did* minister to Him, though unknowingly. This device serves to highlight the unexpected nature of true righteousness and the King's identification with the marginalized. Another device is **Rhetorical Question**, used by the righteous not to elicit information they genuinely lack, but to express their astonishment and humility. The King's subsequent answer (in [Matthew 25:40](/matthew/25-40 "Matthew 25:40 - The King's Answer")) then provides the profound theological revelation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 25:37 is a pivotal verse that reveals a profound theological truth: acts of genuine compassion and service to the most vulnerable members of society are considered by Jesus as direct service to Himself. This challenges the notion that spiritual service is limited to overtly religious activities, expanding it to encompass every tangible expression of love for neighbor. The surprise of the righteous underscores that true piety is often unassuming, motivated by pure love rather than a desire for recognition or reward. It teaches that God values the heart behind the action, and that authentic faith is inherently active, manifesting in practical care for humanity, especially those in need.

* [Proverbs 19:17](/proverbs/19-17 "Proverbs 19:17 - Lending to the Lord")
* [Hebrews 13:2](/hebrews/13-2 "Hebrews 13:2 - Entertaining Angels Unawares")
* [1 John 4:20](/1_john/4-20 "1 John 4:20 - Love for God and Neighbor")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 25:37 serves as a powerful mirror for believers today, prompting us to examine the motivations and manifestations of our faith. The righteous's surprise is a testament to their genuine humility and selfless love; they served not to earn favor or recognition, but because it was the natural outflow of their transformed hearts. This challenges us to move beyond a transactional view of faith, where good deeds are performed with an eye towards reward, and instead cultivate a spirit of spontaneous, uncalculating compassion. It encourages us to intentionally seek out opportunities to serve those who are overlooked, marginalized, or suffering, recognizing that in their faces, we encounter Christ Himself. Our faith is not merely a set of beliefs, but a living, active force that compels us to alleviate suffering and extend mercy, demonstrating the authentic love of God to a world in need.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does the surprise of the righteous in this verse reveal about the nature of true humility and selfless service?**
* **How does Jesus' identification with the "least of these" challenge my current understanding of worship and service?**
* **In what practical ways can I cultivate a heart that serves others without seeking recognition, as exemplified by the righteous?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the righteous being "surprised" by the King's commendation?**

Answer: The surprise of the righteous is highly significant because it underscores their genuine humility and the purity of their motives. They were not performing acts of charity to gain favor or recognition from the King, nor did they consciously realize they were serving Him directly. Their service was a natural, uncalculated outflow of their compassionate character, demonstrating that their righteousness was authentic and deeply ingrained, rather than a performance for reward. This highlights that true faith produces good works spontaneously, without seeking human or even divine applause. It emphasizes that God values the heart and the genuine love behind the actions, rather than the conscious intent to "earn" salvation or reward.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 25:37, while depicting a future judgment scene, powerfully foreshadows and illuminates the very heart of Christ's earthly ministry and His ongoing work through His body, the Church. The King's identification with the hungry, thirsty, and imprisoned reveals Jesus as the ultimate servant, who Himself "emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant" ([Philippians 2:7](/philippians/2-7 "Philippians 2:7 - Christ's Humiliation")). His entire life was an embodiment of this principle, as He ministered to the sick, fed the multitudes ([Matthew 14:13-21](/matthew/14-13-21 "Matthew 14:13-21 - Feeding the Five Thousand")), and consistently associated with the marginalized and outcast. The surprise of the righteous is fulfilled in the New Covenant understanding that our acts of love are not merely good deeds, but an extension of Christ's own compassion, empowered by the Holy Spirit. When believers, indwelt by Christ, serve others, they are quite literally acting as His hands and feet in the world ([1 Corinthians 12:27](/1_corinthians/12-27 "1 Corinthians 12:27 - You Are the Body of Christ")). Therefore, the King's declaration in [Matthew 25:40](/matthew/25-40 "Matthew 25:40 - The Least of These") is not just a surprising revelation for the righteous, but a profound theological truth for all believers: in serving the "least of these," we are participating in the very mission of Christ, who came "not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many" ([Mark 10:45](/mark/10-45 "Mark 10:45 - The Son of Man Came to Serve")).

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

Matthew 6:3

But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth:

1 Peter 5:5

¶ Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all [of you] be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.

1 Peter 5:6

Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:

1 Chronicles 29:14

But who [am] I, and what [is] my people, that we should be able to offer so willingly after this sort? for all things [come] of thee, and of thine own have we given thee.

Proverbs 15:33

¶ The fear of the LORD [is] the instruction of wisdom; and before honour [is] humility.

1 Corinthians 15:10

But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which [was bestowed] upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.

Isaiah 64:6

¶ But we are all as an unclean [thing], and all our righteousnesses [are] as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.