Matthew 25:42

KJV

For I was an hungred, and ye gave me no meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink:

KJV (with Strong's)

For {G1063} I was an hungred {G3983}, and {G2532} ye gave {G1325} me {G3427} no {G3756} meat {G5315}: I was thirsty {G1372}, and {G2532} ye gave {G4222} me {G3165} no {G3756} drink {G4222}:

Complete Jewish Bible

For I was hungry and you gave me no food, thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink,

Berean Standard Bible

For I was hungry and you gave Me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave Me nothing to drink,

American Standard Version

for I was hungry, and ye did not give me to eat; I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 25:42 presents a stark indictment from Jesus' discourse on the Last Judgment, revealing the King's condemnation of those who failed to demonstrate practical compassion. Within the broader "Parable of the Sheep and the Goats," this verse specifically highlights the neglect of basic human needs—food for the hungry and drink for the thirsty—as a critical failure that signifies a profound spiritual disconnect from Christ Himself, who identifies with the most vulnerable members of society.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral part of Jesus' eschatological discourse in [Matthew 24-25](/matthew/24 "Matthew 24-25 - Jesus' Olivet Discourse"), specifically occurring within the "Parable of the Sheep and the Goats" ([Matthew 25:31-46](/matthew/25-31-46 "Matthew 25:31-46 - The Judgment of the Nations")). Following parables emphasizing readiness (the Ten Virgins) and stewardship (the Talents), this final parable shifts focus to the criteria for ultimate judgment. Verse 42 immediately follows the King's commendation of the "sheep" for their compassionate actions and precedes the full list of neglected needs, serving as the opening charge against the "goats." It sets the tone for the profound revelation that one's treatment of "the least of these" is tantamount to their treatment of Christ Himself, a truth explicitly stated in [Matthew 25:40](/matthew/25-40 "Matthew 25:40 - Identification with the Least of These").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jesus' teachings here resonate deeply with Old Testament prophetic calls for social justice and care for the poor, the widow, and the orphan (e.g., [Deuteronomy 15:7-11](/deuteronomy/15-7-11 "Deuteronomy 15:7-11 - Lending to the Poor"); [Isaiah 58:6-7](/isaiah/58-6-7 "Isaiah 58:6-7 - True Fasting")). In ancient Near Eastern societies, hospitality and care for the stranger and the needy were not merely ethical ideals but fundamental social obligations. To deny food and drink to someone in distress was a severe breach of communal and religious duty, often leading to death in harsh environments. Jesus' audience would have understood the life-or-death implications of the actions (or inactions) described, making the King's judgment particularly poignant and culturally relevant. The emphasis on tangible acts of mercy would have been a familiar concept, yet Jesus elevates it by identifying Himself with the recipients of such acts.

* **Key Themes:** Matthew 25:42 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the Gospel of Matthew and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Practical Compassion and Service**, asserting that authentic faith is not merely intellectual assent but is visibly expressed through concrete deeds of love and mercy towards others. Secondly, it highlights Jesus' profound **Identification with the Needy**, revealing that acts of charity (or neglect) directed towards the marginalized are perceived by Christ as direct actions towards (or against) Him. This theme is central to understanding the nature of the Kingdom of God, where the King's presence is found among the vulnerable, as echoed in [Matthew 10:42](/matthew/10-42 "Matthew 10:42 - A Cup of Cold Water"). Lastly, the verse emphasizes **Judgment by Omission**, a crucial theological point where condemnation is not for overt wrongdoing but for the failure to act mercifully. This concept challenges the passive assumption that inaction is benign, revealing that a lack of love can be as spiritually damning as active malice, aligning with the call to bear good fruit found in [Matthew 7:19](/matthew/7-19 "Matthew 7:19 - Every Tree That Does Not Bear Good Fruit").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **hungred (Greek, _peináō'_):** This verb means "to famish" or "to be hungry," often with the implication of intense craving or need. It describes a fundamental human condition of physical deprivation. In this context, Jesus uses it to vividly portray the dire state of those He identifies with, emphasizing the basic, life-sustaining nature of the need for food.
* **meat (Greek, _phágō'_):** While the KJV translates this as "meat," the underlying Greek verb refers to the general act of "eating" or "food" in a broad sense, not specifically animal flesh. This clarifies that Jesus is speaking of any form of nourishment necessary to sustain life, underscoring the universal and essential nature of the provision being withheld.
* **thirsty (Greek, _dipsáō'_):** This verb means "to thirst for," whether literally or figuratively. Here, it refers to the literal physical need for water, another absolute necessity for human survival. Paired with "hungred," it forms a comprehensive picture of basic human needs, highlighting the severity of the neglect described.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For I was an hungred":** Jesus begins by stating His own experience of hunger, using the first person "I." This is a profound statement of identification, where the King of Glory places Himself in the position of the most vulnerable and deprived. It establishes the premise for the subsequent judgment, framing the neglect of the hungry as a personal affront to Him.
* **"and ye gave me no meat:":** This clause presents the first specific failure of the condemned. The phrase "ye gave me no meat" (food) directly contrasts with the King's hunger. The "no" (Greek _ou_) is an absolute negation, indicating a complete absence of provision. This highlights the sin of omission—it's not what they *did* to Him, but what they *failed to do*.
* **"I was thirsty":** Parallel to the first clause, Jesus reiterates His identification, this time with those experiencing thirst. This repetition reinforces the personal nature of the need and the King's solidarity with the suffering, broadening the scope of basic human necessities.
* **"and ye gave me no drink:":** Completing the parallel, this clause details the second specific failure: the withholding of water. Like the previous phrase, it emphasizes the absolute lack of provision ("no drink") for a fundamental need. This parallel structure underscores the consistency of the neglect and the comprehensive nature of the King's expectation for compassionate action.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 25:42 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message. **Parallelism** is evident in the symmetrical structure of the two clauses: "I was an hungred, and ye gave me no meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink." This rhythmic repetition emphasizes the consistent nature of the neglect and highlights the fundamental, life-sustaining needs that were ignored. **Identification** is a central device, as Jesus, the King, explicitly equates Himself with "the hungry" and "the thirsty." This is not merely a metaphor but a profound theological statement that transforms acts of charity towards the marginalized into direct service (or disservice) to Christ. Furthermore, the verse uses **Metonymy** or **Synecdoche**, where "hunger" and "thirst" stand in for a broader spectrum of human suffering and vulnerability, inviting the audience to consider all forms of need. Finally, there is a stark **Juxtaposition** between the King's stated need and the subjects' active inaction, creating a dramatic contrast that underscores the severity of their failure.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 25:42 is a cornerstone passage for understanding the practical outworking of faith and the nature of divine judgment. It unequivocally links genuine discipleship not merely to creedal affirmation but to tangible acts of love and mercy towards the most vulnerable. The theological implication is profound: how one treats "the least of these" is a direct reflection of one's relationship with Christ. This passage challenges any notion of a passive faith, asserting that inaction in the face of suffering is a grave spiritual offense. It underscores God's deep concern for justice and compassion, revealing that true righteousness is characterized by active engagement with the needs of others, echoing the prophetic call for righteousness and justice to flow like a river.

* [James 2:15-16](/james/2-15-16 "James 2:15-16 - Faith Without Works is Dead")
* [1 John 3:17-18](/1_john/3-17-18 "1 John 3:17-18 - Love in Deed and Truth")
* [Proverbs 19:17](/proverbs/19-17 "Proverbs 19:17 - Lending to the Lord")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 25:42 serves as a profound mirror for self-examination, challenging believers to move beyond mere intellectual assent to a vibrant, active faith. It compels us to ask: do we truly see Christ in the faces of the hungry, the thirsty, the stranger, the sick, and the imprisoned? This verse reminds us that our spiritual health is inextricably linked to our practical compassion. It calls us to a lifestyle of intentional generosity and service, recognizing that every act of kindness (or neglect) towards those in need is, in essence, an act towards Christ Himself. This isn't about earning salvation, but about demonstrating the transformative power of a salvation already received, where the love of God compels us to love our neighbor. It urges us to open our eyes, our hearts, and our hands to alleviate suffering, using our resources, time, and talents to reflect the boundless love of God to a hurting world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what practical ways am I currently addressing the needs of the hungry and thirsty in my community or globally?**
* **How does Jesus' identification with "the least of these" reshape my understanding of service and compassion?**
* **Am I more prone to sins of omission (what I fail to do) than sins of commission (what I actively do wrong)? How can I cultivate a more proactive posture of love?**
* **What specific steps can I take this week to embody the practical compassion called for in this verse?**

### FAQ

**What does "meat" mean in the King James Version of Matthew 25:42?**

Answer: In the King James Version, the word "meat" (from the Greek _phágō_, G5315) does not refer exclusively to animal flesh as it commonly does today. Instead, it means "food" in a general sense, encompassing any form of nourishment. This archaic usage can be confusing for modern readers, but understanding the original Greek clarifies that Jesus was speaking about the fundamental need for sustenance of any kind, not specifically a type of food. The parallel with "drink" further emphasizes the basic necessities of life.

**Why is judgment in this passage based on what people *didn't* do, rather than what they *did* do wrong?**

Answer: This passage highlights the concept of "judgment by omission," which is a crucial aspect of biblical ethics. While many biblical condemnations address active wrongdoing (sins of commission), Matthew 25:42-43 focuses on the failure to act when compassion was required. This underscores that true righteousness involves not just refraining from evil, but actively pursuing good and demonstrating love. The absence of compassion is revealed as a grave spiritual failing because it indicates a heart that is not aligned with the King's own character and priorities. Jesus teaches that genuine faith is active and expressed through tangible love for others, as seen in [James 2:17](/james/2-17 "James 2:17 - Faith Without Works is Dead"). Therefore, the failure to meet basic needs is seen as a direct rejection of Christ's presence in the needy.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 25:42 finds its ultimate fulfillment and profound meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is not merely the King who issues this judgment; He is the one who perfectly embodied the very compassion He demands. Jesus, though rich, became poor for our sakes ([2 Corinthians 8:9](/2_corinthians/8-9 "2 Corinthians 8:9 - Christ's Poverty for Our Riches")), identifying with humanity in its deepest hunger and thirst—not just for physical sustenance, but for spiritual truth and salvation. His entire life was a testament to serving "the least of these," as He healed the sick, fed the multitudes ([Matthew 14:13-21](/matthew/14-13-21 "Matthew 14:13-21 - Feeding the Five Thousand")), and ministered to the outcast. Ultimately, on the cross, Jesus experienced the ultimate hunger and thirst, crying out, "I thirst" ([John 19:28](/john/19-28 "John 19:28 - Jesus' Thirst on the Cross")), bearing the spiritual deprivation of humanity. His self-giving sacrifice provides the "bread of life" ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")) and the "living water" ([John 4:10-14](/john/4-10-14 "John 4:10-14 - Jesus, the Living Water")) for all who believe. Thus, when Jesus identifies with the hungry and thirsty, He calls His followers to participate in His ongoing mission of compassion, extending the same love and provision that He, the Good Shepherd, has shown to His flock ([John 10:11](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - The Good Shepherd")). Our acts of mercy are not just good deeds, but an overflow of the life of Christ within us, a tangible expression of His Kingdom come.

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

James 2:15

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

James 2:24

Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.

John 5:23

That all [men] should honour the Son, even as they honour the Father. He that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father which hath sent him.

Matthew 12:30

He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad.

2 Thessalonians 1:8

In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ:

1 Corinthians 16:22

If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be Anathema Maranatha.

John 8:42

Jesus said unto them, If God were your Father, ye would love me: for I proceeded forth and came from God; neither came I of myself, but he sent me.