Matthew 25:40

KJV

And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done [it] unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done [it] unto me.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} the King {G935} shall answer {G611} and say {G2046} unto them {G846}, Verily {G281} I say {G3004} unto you {G5213}, Inasmuch {G1909} as {G3745} ye have done {G4160} it unto one {G1520} of the least {G1646} of these {G5130} my {G3450} brethren {G80}, ye have done {G4160} it unto me {G1698}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The King will say to them, `Yes! I tell you that whenever you did these things for one of the least important of these brothers of mine, you did them for me!'

Berean Standard Bible

And the King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of Mine, you did for Me.’

American Standard Version

And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it unto one of these my brethren, even these least, ye did it unto me.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 25:40 forms the climactic declaration in Jesus' Parable of the Sheep and the Goats, revealing the King's profound identification with the most vulnerable members of society. It unveils a startling truth: acts of compassion and service rendered to "the least of these" are not merely good deeds but are, in essence, direct acts of service and love offered to Christ Himself. This verse underscores the inseparable link between genuine faith and practical, tangible love for those in need, serving as a foundational principle for divine judgment.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the powerful conclusion to the King's judgment of the "sheep" in the Parable of the Sheep and the Goats, found in [Matthew 25:31-46](/matthew/25-31-46 "Matthew 25:31-46 - The Parable of the Sheep and the Goats"). It immediately follows the King's commendation of the righteous for their acts of mercy (feeding the hungry, giving drink to the thirsty, welcoming the stranger, clothing the naked, visiting the sick and imprisoned). The subsequent verses (Matthew 25:41-46) describe the condemnation of the "goats" for their failure to perform these same acts, culminating in the King's parallel declaration that neglecting "the least of these" is neglecting Him. This parable itself is the final of three parables (the Ten Virgins in [Matthew 25:1-13](/matthew/25-1-13 "Matthew 25:1-13 - The Parable of the Ten Virgins") and the Talents in [Matthew 25:14-30](/matthew/25-14-30 "Matthew 25:14-30 - The Parable of the Talents")) that Jesus delivers on the Mount of Olives, all focusing on the theme of readiness and faithful stewardship in anticipation of His second coming and the final judgment.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jesus' teachings in Matthew 25 reflect a deep engagement with Jewish ethical traditions, which emphasized care for the poor, the widow, and the orphan as a core expression of righteousness. The Old Testament prophets frequently condemned those who oppressed the vulnerable, and the Law provided specific provisions for their care (e.g., [Deuteronomy 15:7-11](/deuteronomy/15-7-11 "Deuteronomy 15:7-11 - Lending to the Poor")). In the Greco-Roman world, while acts of charity existed, they were often motivated by a desire for social standing or reciprocal benefit. Jesus' teaching here, however, elevates compassion for the marginalized to an ultimate criterion for eternal destiny, linking it directly to one's relationship with God. The concept of a final judgment where a divine King separates humanity based on their deeds was a familiar eschatological theme in Jewish thought, but Jesus' unique emphasis on identification with the "least" was revolutionary.
* **Key Themes:** Matthew 25:40 powerfully encapsulates several key themes prevalent throughout the Gospel of Matthew and Jesus' broader ministry. Firstly, it highlights the **Kingdom of Heaven's ethics**, where true righteousness is demonstrated not merely by religious observance but by tangible acts of love and mercy towards others, particularly the vulnerable. Secondly, it underscores the theme of **Jesus' Messianic identity** as the ultimate King and Judge, who possesses the authority to separate humanity and determine their eternal fate. Thirdly, it reveals the profound concept of **Christ's identification with humanity**, especially with those who are suffering or marginalized. This identification transforms seemingly ordinary acts of kindness into profoundly spiritual acts of worship. Finally, the verse contributes to the overarching theme of **eschatological accountability**, emphasizing that human actions in the present have eternal consequences, and that faithful stewardship includes compassionate service to others, as seen in the broader teachings on the [Kingdom of Heaven](/matthew/3-2 "Matthew 3:2 - Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at Hand") and the [final judgment](/matthew/13-40-43 "Matthew 13:40-43 - Parable of the Weeds Explained").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **King (Greek, _basileús'_):** From G935, meaning a sovereign, often derived from the notion of a foundation of power. In this context, "the King" unequivocally refers to Jesus Christ, the Son of Man, who is depicted sitting on His glorious throne in [Matthew 25:31](/matthew/25-31 "Matthew 25:31 - The Son of Man on His Glorious Throne"). This title emphasizes His supreme authority and divine prerogative to judge humanity.
* **least (Greek, _eláchistos'_):** From G1646, the superlative of a word meaning "short," used as equivalent to _mikrós_ (small). It denotes the smallest, weakest, most insignificant, or lowest in dignity. This term highlights the extreme vulnerability and often overlooked status of the individuals Jesus identifies with, emphasizing that even the most seemingly inconsequential acts of kindness towards them hold immense significance in the King's eyes.
* **brethren (Greek, _adelphós'_):** From G80, meaning a brother, literally or figuratively, near or remote. In this context, "my brethren" is a critical phrase that has been debated among scholars. It can refer specifically to Jesus' disciples or fellow believers who suffer persecution or hardship for their faith (as in [Matthew 10:42](/matthew/10-42 "Matthew 10:42 - Cup of Cold Water")), or it can refer more broadly to all humanity, particularly the poor and marginalized, whom Jesus identifies with. Regardless of the precise scope, the term signifies a deep, familial connection that Jesus claims with those who are in need.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the King shall answer and say unto them":** This opening clause sets the scene for a divine pronouncement. The "King" is Jesus, the Son of Man, who has just commended the righteous. His "answer" is not a response to a question, but rather a solemn declaration, emphasizing the authoritative and definitive nature of His judgment. It signifies the culmination of the separation process described in the preceding verses.
* **"Verily I say unto you":** This is a classic authoritative declaration by Jesus, often translated as "Truly, truly" or "Amen, I say to you." The Greek word _amēn_ (G281, "verily") underscores the absolute truth and certainty of what follows. It demands attention and signifies a profound, unshakeable principle that Jesus is about to reveal, lending divine weight to His words.
* **"Inasmuch as ye have done [it] unto one of the least of these my brethren":** This clause establishes the condition and the recipients of the actions being judged. "Inasmuch as" (Greek _epí hósos_, G1909 + G3745) means "to the extent that" or "as long as," indicating that the actions are the basis for the King's pronouncement. The focus is on "one of the least" (G1520 + G1646), highlighting the most vulnerable, neglected, or powerless individuals. The phrase "my brethren" (G3450 + G80) signifies Jesus' personal and intimate connection to these marginalized ones, making their plight His own. The "it" refers to the acts of compassion detailed in the preceding verses (feeding, clothing, visiting, etc.).
* **"ye have done [it] unto me.":** This is the profound and startling identification. The actions performed for "the least of these" are not merely good deeds for others, but are directly imputed to the King Himself. This statement reveals the ultimate spiritual significance of practical charity: service to the vulnerable is service to Christ. It transforms human relationships and acts of mercy into a direct encounter with the divine, making compassion for others an essential expression of love for God.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 25:40 employs several powerful literary devices. **Identification** is central, as Jesus explicitly states His personal connection with "the least of these," making their suffering and needs His own. This creates a profound sense of **empathy** and **moral imperative** for the audience. The verse also utilizes **hyperbole** or **paradox** by equating service to the most insignificant with service to the glorious King, elevating the status of the marginalized and challenging conventional notions of power and importance. The structure of the statement, "Inasmuch as... ye have done it unto me," functions as a form of **analogy** or **metaphor**, drawing a direct parallel between two seemingly disparate actions (serving a human and serving God) to reveal a deeper spiritual truth. Finally, the entire parable, of which this verse is the climax, is an **allegory**, where the "sheep," "goats," and "King" represent spiritual realities and the judgment scene illustrates the ultimate consequences of one's life choices.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 25:40 offers a profound theological insight into the nature of God's kingdom and the criteria for genuine discipleship. It asserts that true faith is not merely intellectual assent or ritualistic observance, but is inextricably linked to tangible acts of love and compassion for the most vulnerable members of society. This verse reveals Christ's radical solidarity with the poor, the sick, the imprisoned, and the outcast, making their needs His own. It challenges believers to see the face of Christ in every person, especially those suffering, and to understand that their response to human need is a direct reflection of their relationship with the divine King. This principle serves as a powerful reminder that the Kingdom of God is characterized by active, self-sacrificial love that extends to the margins of society.

* [Proverbs 19:17](/proverbs/19-17 "Proverbs 19:17 - Lending to the Poor")
* [Luke 10:16](/luke/10-16 "Luke 10:16 - He Who Hears You Hears Me")
* [Hebrews 13:2](/hebrews/13-2 "Hebrews 13:2 - Do Not Forget to Show Hospitality")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This verse serves as a powerful and convicting mirror for every believer, challenging us to examine the authenticity of our faith through the lens of our actions. It compels us to move beyond passive belief to active, sacrificial love, reminding us that our spiritual health is deeply intertwined with our practical engagement with the suffering world around us. To truly follow Christ means to adopt His heart for the marginalized, to see His image in those often overlooked, and to understand that every act of kindness, however small, offered to "the least of these" is a direct offering of worship to the King of Kings. It calls us to embody the gospel not just in our words, but in our hands and feet, transforming our compassion into concrete action, knowing that such service is not merely humanitarianism but a profound expression of our devotion to Jesus.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what practical ways can I better identify and serve "the least of these" in my community or sphere of influence?**
* **How does this verse challenge my understanding of what it means to truly worship God?**
* **Am I prone to neglecting certain groups of people, and if so, how might this verse call me to repentance and renewed action?**
* **What specific steps can I take this week to demonstrate Christ-like compassion to someone in need?**

### FAQ
**Who are "the least of these my brethren" that Jesus refers to?**

Answer: While scholars debate the precise scope, "the least of these my brethren" most broadly refers to all humanity, particularly the poor, the marginalized, the vulnerable, the sick, the imprisoned, and those suffering any form of hardship or oppression. Some interpretations suggest a more specific reference to Jesus' disciples who suffer persecution for their faith, but the broader application aligns more closely with the universal nature of the acts of mercy described (feeding, clothing, visiting, etc.) and the inclusive love taught throughout Jesus' ministry. Regardless of the specific group, the core message remains: Christ identifies profoundly with those in greatest need, making their care a direct act of service to Him. This principle is foundational to understanding the [Kingdom of God](/matthew/6-33 "Matthew 6:33 - Seek First the Kingdom of God").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 25:40 finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment not only in Jesus' declaration but in His very life and redemptive work. Jesus, the glorious King, paradoxically became "the least" Himself, emptying Himself of divine prerogative to take on the form of a servant, born in humble circumstances, and identifying completely with humanity's suffering (as described in [Philippians 2:6-8](/philippians/2-6-8 "Philippians 2:6-8 - Christ's Humiliation")). He was the "man of sorrows, acquainted with grief" ([Isaiah 53:3](/isaiah/53-3 "Isaiah 53:3 - Man of Sorrows")), who experienced hunger ([Matthew 4:2](/matthew/4-2 "Matthew 4:2 - Jesus' Temptation")), thirst ([John 19:28](/john/19-28 "John 19:28 - Jesus' Thirst on the Cross")), homelessness ([Matthew 8:20](/matthew/8-20 "Matthew 8:20 - Foxes Have Holes")), and ultimately, imprisonment and execution. His entire ministry was characterized by reaching out to the outcasts, the sick, the sinners, and the marginalized, embodying the very compassion He commends. Therefore, when Jesus declares that acts done for "the least of these" are done for Him, He is not merely stating a principle; He is revealing His own incarnational identity and the very heart of His mission. Our service to the vulnerable is a participation in His ongoing work of redemption and restoration, a reflection of the [love of God poured into our hearts](/romans/5-5 "Romans 5:5 - Love Poured into Our Hearts") through the Holy Spirit, enabling us to live out the [new commandment to love one another](/john/13-34-35 "John 13:34-35 - The New Commandment").

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

Proverbs 19:17

¶ He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD; and that which he hath given will he pay him again.

Proverbs 14:31

¶ He that oppresseth the poor reproacheth his Maker: but he that honoureth him hath mercy on the poor.

Matthew 10:42

And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold [water] only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward.

Mark 9:41

¶ For whosoever shall give you a cup of water to drink in my name, because ye belong to Christ, verily I say unto you, he shall not lose his reward.

1 Peter 1:22

Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, [see that ye] love one another with a pure heart fervently:

Matthew 18:5

And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me.

Matthew 18:6

But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and [that] he were drowned in the depth of the sea.