Matthew 25:45

KJV

Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did [it] not to one of the least of these, ye did [it] not to me.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then {G5119} shall he answer {G611} them {G846}, saying {G3004}, Verily {G281} I say {G3004} unto you {G5213}, Inasmuch {G1909} as {G3745} ye did {G4160} it not {G3756} to one {G1520} of the least {G1646} of these {G5130}, ye did {G4160} it not {G3761} to me {G1698}.

Complete Jewish Bible

And he will answer them, `Yes! I tell you that whenever you refused to do it for the least important of these people, you refused to do it for me!'

Berean Standard Bible

Then the King will answer, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for Me.’

American Standard Version

Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not unto one of these least, ye did it not unto me.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 25:45 serves as a profound pronouncement from Jesus within His discourse on the final judgment, revealing the inseparable connection between genuine faith and compassionate action towards the most vulnerable. In this pivotal verse, the King declares that any act of neglect or indifference shown to "one of the least of these" – those in dire need – is directly equivalent to neglecting Him personally, thereby establishing a critical criterion for eternal destiny.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within Jesus' eschatological discourse on the Mount of Olives, specifically as part of the "Parable of the Sheep and the Goats" in [Matthew 25:31-46](/matthew/25-31-46 "Matthew 25:31-46 - The Parable of the Sheep and the Goats"). This parable immediately follows the parables of the Ten Virgins ([Matthew 25:1-13](/matthew/25-1-13 "Matthew 25:1-13 - The Parable of the Ten Virgins")) and the Talents ([Matthew 25:14-30](/matthew/25-14-30 "Matthew 25:14-30 - The Parable of the Talents")), all of which emphasize readiness for the Master's return, faithful stewardship, and the ultimate accountability of His followers. Matthew 25:45 is the King's direct response to the "goats," those who failed to demonstrate active compassion, clarifying the profound implications of their inaction. It stands in stark contrast to His commendation of the "sheep" in [Matthew 25:34-40](/matthew/25-34-40 "Matthew 25:34-40 - The King's Commendation of the Righteous"), who unknowingly served Him by serving others.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Near Eastern and Jewish cultures, hospitality and care for the vulnerable (widows, orphans, sojourners, the poor) were deeply ingrained societal and religious obligations. The Law of Moses repeatedly commanded such care (e.g., [Deuteronomy 15:7-8](/deuteronomy/15-7-8 "Deuteronomy 15:7-8 - Lending to the Poor")). Prophets frequently condemned those who oppressed the poor and neglected justice (e.g., [Amos 2:6-7](/amos/2-6-7 "Amos 2:6-7 - Judgment on Israel's Sins")). Jesus' teaching here, therefore, resonates deeply with long-standing cultural and theological expectations, but He elevates it by personally identifying with the needy. The "least of these" would have been understood as the most marginalized and overlooked members of society – those without status, power, or resources, who were often dependent on the generosity of others.

* **Key Themes:** Matthew 25:45 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Matthew's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **eschatological judgment** and accountability, underscoring that actions (or inactions) have eternal consequences. Secondly, it emphasizes the **nature of true discipleship**, demonstrating that authentic faith is not merely intellectual assent but is tangibly expressed through active love and service to others, particularly the vulnerable. This aligns with the Sermon on the Mount's emphasis on righteous living ([Matthew 5-7](/matthew/5-7 "Matthew 5-7 - The Sermon on the Mount")). Thirdly, it reveals Jesus' radical **identification with humanity**, especially the suffering and marginalized. This theme foreshadows His own suffering and ultimate sacrifice, where He became the ultimate "least" for the sake of humanity ([Philippians 2:5-8](/philippians/2-5-8 "Matthew 25:31-46 - The Parable of the Sheep and the Goats")). Finally, the verse reinforces the **integral connection between love for God and love for neighbor**, a principle Jesus frequently taught as the summation of the Law ([Matthew 22:37-40](/matthew/22-37-40 "Matthew 22:37-40 - The Greatest Commandment")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Verily (Greek, _amḗn'_):** This word, transliterated from Hebrew, means "firm," "trustworthy," or "surely." When Jesus uses "Amen" (often translated as "Verily" or "Truly") to introduce a statement, as He does frequently in the Gospels, it signals that what follows is a solemn, authoritative, and absolutely certain truth. It underscores the gravity and unquestionable nature of His declaration regarding judgment.
* **least (Greek, _eláchistos'_):** This is the superlative form of a word meaning "small" or "little," thus denoting "least," "smallest," or "most insignificant." In this context, it refers to those who are most humble, overlooked, or helpless in society – the hungry, the thirsty, the stranger, the naked, the sick, and the imprisoned, as detailed in the preceding verses. Jesus' use of this term emphasizes His focus on the most marginalized and vulnerable, elevating their status in the divine economy.
* **ye did it not (Greek, _poiéō'_ with _ou'_/_oudé'_):** The verb _poiéō_ means "to make or do" in a very wide application, encompassing actions, performance, and execution. The addition of the negative particles _ou_ (G3756) and _oudé_ (G3761, "not even" or "neither") transforms the meaning into a failure of action or neglect. The phrase "ye did it not" therefore signifies a deliberate or culpable omission – a failure to perform the necessary acts of compassion and service. It is not an active wrongdoing, but a passive neglect that carries profound consequences.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then shall he answer them, saying":** This introduces the King's definitive response to those on His left, the "goats," who are being judged. It signifies a moment of finality and authoritative declaration, where no further appeal or argument is possible. The King's words are the ultimate verdict.
* **"Verily I say unto you":** This solemn declaration, introduced by "Verily" (_amēn_), emphasizes the absolute truth and gravity of what Jesus is about to state. It demands the full attention and serious consideration of His audience, both then and now.
* **"Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these":** This clause establishes the specific criterion for judgment: the failure to act compassionately towards the most vulnerable. "The least of these" refers to those in society who are marginalized, suffering, and in desperate need, as exemplified by the hungry, thirsty, stranger, naked, sick, and imprisoned. The "did it not" highlights the sin of omission – the failure to extend practical love and care.
* **"ye did it not to me":** This is the shocking and profound climax of the verse. The King directly identifies Himself with "the least of these." He declares that any neglect shown to the marginalized is not merely a social failing but a personal affront and neglect of Himself. This statement elevates acts of charity and compassion from mere human kindness to a spiritual imperative with direct implications for one's relationship with Christ.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 25:45 powerfully employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. **Personification** is central, as Jesus, the King, personifies Himself with "the least of these" (the hungry, thirsty, stranger, naked, sick, imprisoned). This isn't merely a metaphorical identification but a radical claim that serving or neglecting the vulnerable is tantamount to serving or neglecting Christ Himself. The verse also exhibits strong **Parallelism**, specifically **Antithetical Parallelism**, by contrasting the actions (or inactions) of the "sheep" and the "goats." While the "sheep" are commended for what they *did* to the least, which was done to Christ ([Matthew 25:40](/matthew/25-40 "Matthew 25:40 - What you did for the least")), the "goats" are condemned for what they *did not* do, which was also done to Christ. This structural repetition underscores the direct and inescapable link between one's treatment of others and one's relationship with the King. Furthermore, the entire parable, including this verse, functions as an **Allegory**, where the characters (King, sheep, goats) and actions (feeding, clothing, visiting) represent deeper spiritual realities concerning judgment and the nature of true faith. The King's declaration in this verse serves as a climactic **Pronouncement**, a definitive and authoritative statement that seals the fate of those who neglected His "brothers."

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 25:45 profoundly shapes our understanding of divine judgment and the practical outworking of faith. It teaches that our treatment of fellow human beings, especially the most vulnerable, is not a peripheral matter but central to our relationship with God. This verse challenges any notion of a purely intellectual or privatized faith, asserting that genuine belief in Christ must manifest in tangible acts of compassion and service. While salvation is by grace through faith ([Ephesians 2:8-9](/ephesians/2-8-9 "Ephesians 2:8-9 - Salvation by Grace Through Faith")), this passage clarifies that works of love are the undeniable evidence and fruit of that saving faith, serving as a criterion in the final judgment, not as a means to earn salvation, but as proof of a transformed heart.

* [Deuteronomy 15:7-8](/deuteronomy/15-7-8 "Lending to the Poor")
* [1 John 4:20](/1_john/4-20 "Loving God and Brother")
* [James 2:26](/james/2-26 "Faith Without Works Is Dead")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 25:45 is a piercing call to self-examination and compassionate action for every believer. It compels us to look beyond superficial appearances and recognize the inherent dignity of every human being, particularly those who are marginalized, suffering, or overlooked by society. The verse challenges us to consider whether our faith is merely theoretical or if it translates into tangible acts of love and service. It reminds us that our daily interactions, our generosity, and our willingness to engage with the needs of others are not merely social niceties but spiritual acts with eternal significance. To neglect the hungry, the thirsty, the stranger, the naked, the sick, or the imprisoned is, in Christ's own words, to neglect Him. This should motivate us to actively seek opportunities to serve, to advocate for justice, and to extend radical hospitality, knowing that in doing so, we are ministering directly to our King.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific ways might I be neglecting "the least of these" in my own community or sphere of influence?**
* **How does Jesus' identification with the vulnerable challenge my current priorities and use of resources?**
* **What practical steps can I take this week to demonstrate tangible compassion to someone in need, recognizing Christ in them?**
* **How does this verse deepen my understanding of the relationship between faith and works?**

### FAQ

**Who are "the least of these" that Jesus refers to?**
Answer: While there has been scholarly debate, the most widely accepted and pastorally impactful interpretation is that "the least of these" refers to any human being in a state of profound vulnerability, need, or marginalization – those who are hungry, thirsty, strangers, naked, sick, or imprisoned, as enumerated in [Matthew 25:35-36](/matthew/25-35-36 "Matthew 25:35-36 - Serving the Least of These"). Some interpretations suggest it refers specifically to Jesus' disciples or fellow believers who are suffering for their faith, but the broader theological consensus emphasizes the universal call to compassion for all humanity in distress, recognizing that Christ identifies with all who suffer.

**Does this verse teach salvation by works?**
Answer: No, this verse does not teach salvation by works. Christian theology consistently affirms that salvation is by grace through faith in Jesus Christ alone ([Ephesians 2:8-9](/ephesians/2-8-9 "Ephesians 2:8-9 - Salvation by Grace Through Faith")). However, this passage, particularly [Matthew 25:31-46](/matthew/25-31-46 "Matthew 25:31-46 - The Parable of the Sheep and the Goats"), clarifies that genuine faith produces tangible fruit in the form of love and compassion for others. The works described here are not the *cause* of salvation but the *evidence* of a transformed heart and a true relationship with Christ. Those who genuinely love God will naturally express that love by caring for their neighbors, especially the vulnerable, because they see Christ in them.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 25:45 finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment not only in Jesus' identification with the suffering but profoundly in His own life, death, and resurrection. Jesus Himself is the ultimate "least of these" who became poor for our sakes ([2 Corinthians 8:9](/2_corinthians/8-9 "2 Corinthians 8:9 - Christ's Poverty for Our Riches")), taking on the form of a servant and humbling Himself even to death on a cross ([Philippians 2:7-8](/philippians/2-7-8 "Philippians 2:7-8 - Christ's Humiliation")). He was the one who, though innocent, was imprisoned, mocked, and executed, experiencing the ultimate vulnerability. His entire ministry was characterized by compassion for the marginalized – healing the sick, feeding the hungry, welcoming the outcasts, and teaching the poor ([Luke 4:18-19](/luke/4-18-19 "Luke 4:18-19 - Jesus' Mission Statement")). Therefore, when He declares that neglecting the least is neglecting Him, He speaks from a position of perfect empathy and solidarity. Moreover, His atoning sacrifice on the cross is the supreme act of service to "the least" – to humanity lost in sin, utterly helpless and deserving of judgment. By His death, He became the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), offering salvation to all who are spiritually "least" and in need of His mercy. Thus, the call to serve the least is a call to participate in the very heart of Christ, who perfectly embodied and fulfilled this divine imperative.

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 21:13

¶ Whoso stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor, he also shall cry himself, but shall not be heard.

Proverbs 17:5

¶ Whoso mocketh the poor reproacheth his Maker: [and] he that is glad at calamities shall not be unpunished.

Proverbs 14:31

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

Acts 9:5

And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: [it is] hard for thee to kick against the pricks.

Matthew 25:40

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.

1 John 5:1

¶ Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him.

1 John 5:3

For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.