Matthew 25:43

KJV

I was a stranger, and ye took me not in: naked, and ye clothed me not: sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not.

KJV (with Strong's)

I was {G2252} a stranger {G3581}, and {G2532} ye took {G4863} me {G3165} not {G3756} in {G4863}: naked {G1131}, and {G2532} ye clothed {G4016} me {G3165} not {G3756}: sick {G772}, and {G2532} in {G1722} prison {G5438}, and {G2532} ye visited {G1980} me {G3165} not {G3756}.

Complete Jewish Bible

a stranger and you did not welcome me, needing clothes and you did not give them to me, sick and in prison and you did not visit me.'

Berean Standard Bible

I was a stranger and you did not take Me in, I was naked and you did not clothe Me, I was sick and in prison and you did not visit Me.’

American Standard Version

I was a stranger, and ye took me not in; naked, and ye clothed me not; sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 25:43 is a pivotal statement from Jesus within His discourse on the final judgment, specifically in the Parable of the Sheep and the Goats. It articulates the condemnation of those who failed to demonstrate practical compassion and hospitality to the vulnerable, highlighting their neglect of strangers, the naked, the sick, and those in prison. This verse underscores the profound spiritual significance of tangible acts of mercy, revealing that indifference to human suffering is a grave spiritual failing and a direct affront to Christ Himself.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Matthew 25:43 is part of Jesus' extensive Olivet Discourse, delivered on the Mount of Olives shortly before His crucifixion. This discourse, spanning [Matthew 24-25](/matthew/24-25 "Matthew 24-25 - The Olivet Discourse"), focuses on eschatological themes, including the destruction of the temple, signs of the end times, and the parables of preparation for the Lord's return. Verse 43 is embedded within the "Parable of the Sheep and the Goats" ([Matthew 25:31-46](/matthew/25-31-46 "Matthew 25:31-46 - The Parable of the Sheep and the Goats")), which describes the separation of humanity at the final judgment. While [Matthew 25:35-36](/matthew/25-35-36 "Matthew 25:35-36 - Actions of the Righteous") commends the "sheep" for their acts of mercy, verse 43 explicitly details the omissions of the "goats," emphasizing that their condemnation stems not from active malice, but from a passive failure to act. This parable serves as the culmination of Jesus' teaching on preparedness for His return, linking genuine faith to active, compassionate service.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Near Eastern societies, hospitality (xenia) was a sacred duty and a cornerstone of social life. To deny a stranger shelter, food, or clothing was a severe breach of cultural and moral norms, often seen as an offense against God. Travelers were particularly vulnerable, and without a robust social safety net, the sick and imprisoned were often utterly dependent on the charity of others. Prisons were not places of rehabilitation but often held individuals awaiting trial or punishment, and conditions were typically squalid and inhumane, making visits from family or community members crucial for survival. Jesus' audience would have understood the profound implications of neglecting these basic acts of human kindness, as such neglect would have been considered a failure of fundamental communal responsibility, rooted in the Mosaic Law's commands to care for the vulnerable, such as the sojourner, the orphan, and the widow ([Deuteronomy 10:18-19](/deuteronomy/10-18-19 "Deuteronomy 10:18-19 - God's Love for the Sojourner")).
* **Key Themes:** Matthew 25:43 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Matthew's Gospel and biblical theology. Foremost is the theme of **Identification with Christ**, where Jesus unequivocally states that acts done (or not done) to "the least of these" are done (or not done) to Him directly ([Matthew 25:40](/matthew/25-40 "Matthew 25:40 - Identification with the Least") and [Matthew 25:45](/matthew/25-45 "Matthew 25:45 - Identification with the Needy")). This elevates human compassion to a divine encounter. Another crucial theme is **Active Compassion and Mercy**, highlighting that true faith is not merely intellectual assent or ritualistic observance but must manifest in tangible acts of love and service to those in need. The verse also underscores **Judgment by Deeds**, emphasizing that while salvation is by grace through faith, genuine faith produces the fruit of good works, which serve as evidence of one's transformed heart. This aligns with other New Testament teachings that faith without works is dead ([James 2:17](/james/2-17 "James 2:17 - Faith Without Works")). Finally, the verse powerfully illustrates **The Sin of Neglect**, demonstrating that inaction in the face of suffering can be as spiritually damning as active wrongdoing, challenging believers to proactive engagement rather than passive indifference.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **xénos (Greek, _xénos'_):** This word, translated "stranger," refers to someone foreign, alien, or unknown. In the context of hospitality, it implies someone without a home, family, or social network in a particular place, making them highly vulnerable. To "take in" a _xénos_ was a profound act of charity and protection, offering not just shelter but also a sense of belonging and safety. The failure to do so was a rejection of a fundamental human and divine obligation.
* **synágō (Greek, _synágō'_):** Translated "took... in" (from the phrase "ye took me not in"), this verb means "to lead together," "to collect," or "to convene." In this specific context, it carries the specialized meaning of "to entertain hospitably" or "to receive into one's home." It denotes an active, intentional welcoming and gathering of someone who is outside, bringing them into a place of warmth, provision, and community. The negative "ye took me not in" signifies a deliberate refusal of this vital act of hospitality.
* **episképtomai (Greek, _episképtomai'_):** Rendered "visited" (from "ye visited me not"), this word implies more than a casual call. It means "to inspect," "to look out for," or "to go to see with the purpose of relieving or caring for." It denotes a purposeful, compassionate visit aimed at providing aid, comfort, and practical support to those who are sick or imprisoned. The omission of this act indicates a profound lack of genuine concern and practical love for those in distress.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"I was a stranger, and ye took me not in":** Jesus identifies with the vulnerable outsider, the one without a home or community. The failure to "take in" (receive hospitably) this stranger reveals a lack of compassion and a closed heart towards those in need of basic shelter, safety, and belonging. This is a direct indictment of the absence of radical hospitality.
* **"naked, and ye clothed me not":** This clause speaks to the failure to provide for fundamental physical needs. "Naked" could mean literally unclothed, or inadequately clothed, exposed to the elements and shame. The refusal to clothe indicates a neglect of basic human dignity and a failure to extend practical help to those suffering from destitution and exposure.
* **"sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not":** Here, Jesus highlights two distinct but equally vulnerable groups. The "sick" are those suffering physically, often isolated and unable to care for themselves. Those "in prison" are confined, often unjustly, and cut off from society, dependent on external support for sustenance and comfort. The failure to "visit" (care for, inspect, relieve) these individuals signifies a profound absence of active empathy and practical care for suffering and marginalized members of society.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 25:43 employs several powerful **literary devices** to convey its message. The primary device is **Parallelism**, specifically **Antithetical Parallelism**, as this verse directly contrasts with the preceding verses ([Matthew 25:35-36](/matthew/25-35-36 "Matthew 25:35-36 - Actions of the Righteous")) that describe the positive actions of the "sheep." The structure of "I was X, and ye did not Y" is repeated three times, creating a strong **Anaphora** and a rhythmic, memorable condemnation. This repetition emphasizes the consistent pattern of neglect. Furthermore, the entire passage relies on **Metonymy** and **Identification**, where Jesus uses the suffering of "the least of these" as a stand-in for Himself. This is a profound theological statement, making acts of charity not merely humanitarian gestures but direct interactions with the divine. The cumulative effect of these neglected actions builds a powerful case for the judgment, highlighting the pervasive nature of their indifference.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 25:43 profoundly shapes Christian understanding of discipleship, linking genuine faith inextricably to active love for one's neighbor. It reveals that God's justice is not merely about punishing overt sin, but also about holding individuals accountable for their omissions—the good they failed to do. The verse challenges any notion of a passive or purely intellectual faith, asserting that true righteousness is demonstrated through tangible acts of mercy and compassion, especially towards the most vulnerable members of society. This passage underscores the biblical truth that our love for God is intrinsically tied to our love for humanity, particularly those who are marginalized and suffering. It serves as a stark reminder that indifference to human need is a serious spiritual condition, reflecting a heart that is not aligned with God's own heart of compassion.

* [Proverbs 19:17](/proverbs/19-17 "Proverbs 19:17 - Lending to the Lord")
* [Hebrews 13:2](/hebrews/13-2 "Hebrews 13:2 - Hospitality to Strangers")
* [1 John 3:17](/1_john/3-17 "1 John 3:17 - Love in Action")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 25:43 serves as a profound and challenging mirror for every believer. It compels us to move beyond mere sentimentality or intellectual agreement with biblical principles and into proactive, tangible expressions of love and mercy. This verse forces us to consider not only what we *do* that might be wrong, but also what good we *fail to do*. In a world still rife with strangers, the naked, the sick, and those in prison (whether literal or figurative, such as the socially isolated or emotionally confined), Jesus' words demand a radical reorientation of our priorities. We are called to cultivate a heart that actively seeks out opportunities to serve, recognizing that in every act of compassion towards another human being, we are ministering directly to Christ. Our compassion, or lack thereof, is not a peripheral issue but a central indicator of our spiritual health and the authenticity of our faith. It challenges us to open our homes, our resources, and our time to those in need, understanding that such service is not optional but foundational to following Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific ways might I be neglecting opportunities to show compassion to "the least of these" in my own community or sphere of influence?**
* **How does Jesus' identification with the vulnerable challenge my understanding of who my "neighbor" is and how I am called to love them?**
* **What practical steps can I take this week to actively engage with the needs of strangers, the poor, the sick, or the imprisoned around me?**
* **How does my current lifestyle reflect or contradict the call to radical hospitality and service found in this verse?**

### FAQ

**Does Matthew 25:43 teach salvation by works?**

Answer: No, Matthew 25:43, within the broader context of the Parable of the Sheep and the Goats, does not teach salvation by works in the sense of earning one's way into heaven. Instead, it illustrates that genuine faith, which is the basis of salvation by grace through Christ, inevitably produces good works as its fruit. The "sheep" are not saved *because* of their works, but their works *demonstrate* that they are truly Christ's disciples, indwelt by His Spirit. The "goats," on the other hand, show no evidence of such faith through their actions, indicating that their hearts were not aligned with God's. This parable emphasizes that our actions reveal the true condition of our hearts and our relationship with Christ, serving as evidence of whether we have truly received Him and His transforming grace. As [James 2:17](/james/2-17 "James 2:17 - Faith Without Works") states, "faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead."

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 25:43 finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the one who, though God, "emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant" ([Philippians 2:7](/philippians/2-7 "Philippians 2:7 - Christ's Humility")), becoming the ultimate "stranger" in a fallen world, not recognized or received by many ([John 1:11](/john/1-11 "John 1:11 - He Came to His Own")). He was "naked" on the cross, stripped of dignity and covered in our shame, that we might be clothed in His righteousness ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Our Righteousness in Christ")). Throughout His earthly ministry, Jesus consistently identified with the sick, the marginalized, and the outcasts, healing the diseased, befriending tax collectors and sinners, and proclaiming good news to the poor and liberty to the captives ([Luke 4:18-19](/luke/4-18-19 "Luke 4:18-19 - Jesus' Mission Statement")). He Himself was "in prison" and unjustly condemned, ultimately suffering on our behalf. His life was a perfect embodiment of the compassion He demands, and His atoning death on the cross is the ultimate act of self-giving love, making it possible for us to receive mercy and, in turn, extend it to others. Thus, when we serve "the least of these," we are not only obeying His command but participating in the very character and mission of Christ, who perfectly fulfilled all righteousness through His life of selfless service and His sacrificial death.

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.