Matthew 25:37
New International Version
“Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink?

New Living Translation
“Then these righteous ones will reply, ‘Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink?

English Standard Version
Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you 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?

Berean Literal Bible
Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, 'Lord, when did we see You hungering, and fed You? Or thirsting, and gave You to drink?

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

New King James Version
“Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You drink?

New American 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?

NASB 1995
“Then the righteous will answer Him, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry, and feed You, or thirsty, and give You something to drink?

NASB 1977
“Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry, and feed You, or thirsty, and give You drink?

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

Amplified 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?

Christian 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?

Holman Christian 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?

Contemporary English Version
Then the ones who pleased the Lord will ask, "When did we give you something to eat or drink?

English Revised Version
Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or athirst, and gave thee drink?

GOD'S WORD® Translation
"Then the people who have God's approval will reply to him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you or see you thirsty and give you something to drink?

Good News Translation
The righteous will then answer him, 'When, Lord, did we ever see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you a drink?

International Standard Version
"Then the righteous will say to him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and give you something to eat, or thirsty and give you something to drink?

Majority 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?

NET 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?

New Heart English Bible
"Then the righteous will answer him, saying, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry, and feed you; or thirsty, and give you a drink?

Webster's Bible Translation
Then will the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee hungry, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink?

Weymouth New Testament
"'When, Lord,' the righteous will reply, 'did we see Thee hungry, and feed Thee; or thirsty, and give Thee drink?

World English Bible
“Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you a drink?
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
Then will the righteous answer Him, saying, Lord, when did we see You hungering, and we nourished? Or thirsting, and we gave to drink?

Berean Literal Bible
Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, 'Lord, when did we see You hungering, and fed You? Or thirsting, and gave You to drink?

Young's Literal Translation
'Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when did we see thee hungering, and we nourished? or thirsting, and we gave to drink?

Smith's Literal Translation
Then shall the just answer him saying, Lord, when saw we thee hungering, and nourished or thirsting, and gave to drink.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Then shall the just answer him, saying: Lord, when did we see thee hungry, and fed thee; thirsty, and gave thee drink?

Catholic Public Domain Version
Then the just will answer him, saying: ‘Lord, when have we see you hungry, and fed you; thirsty, and given you drink?

New American Bible
Then the righteous will answer him and say, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink?

New Revised Standard Version
Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry and gave you food, or thirsty and gave you something to drink?
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Then the righteous will say to him, Our Lord, when did we see you hungry, and feed you? or thirsty and gave you drink?

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
Then the righteous will say to him, 'Our Lord, When did we see you that you were hungry and we fed you, or that you were thirsty and we gave you drink?
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
Then will the righteous answer him, saying: Lord, when did we see thee hungry, and feed thee? or thirsty, and give thee drink?

Godbey New Testament
Then the righteous will respond to Him, saying; Lord, when saw we thee then hungry, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink?

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

Mace New Testament
then will the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when did we see thee in hunger, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink?

Weymouth New Testament
"'When, Lord,' the righteous will reply, 'did we see Thee hungry, and feed Thee; or thirsty, and give Thee drink?

Worrell New Testament
"Then will the righteous answer Him, saying, 'Lord, when did we see Thee hungering, and fed Thee? or thirsting, and gave Thee drink?

Worsley New Testament
Then will the righteous answer Him, saying, Lord, when did we see thee hungry, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink?

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Sheep and the Goats
36I was naked and you clothed Me, I was sick and you looked after Me, I was in prison and you visited Me.’ 37Then the righteous will answer Him, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You something to drink? 38When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe You?…

Cross References
James 2:15-16
Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. / If one of you tells him, “Go in peace; stay warm and well fed,” but does not provide for his physical needs, what good is that?

Isaiah 58:7
Isn’t it to share your bread with the hungry, to bring the poor and homeless into your home, to clothe the naked when you see him, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?

Luke 3:11
John replied, “Whoever has two tunics should share with him who has none, and whoever has food should do the same.”

Proverbs 19:17
Kindness to the poor is a loan to the LORD, and He will repay the lender.

1 John 3:17-18
If anyone with earthly possessions sees his brother in need, but withholds his compassion from him, how can the love of God abide in him? / Little children, let us love not in word and speech, but in action and truth.

Hebrews 13:2
Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it.

Galatians 6:10
Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to the family of faith.

Ezekiel 18:7
He does not oppress another, but restores the pledge to the debtor. He does not commit robbery, but gives his bread to the hungry and covers the naked with clothing.

Job 31:16-20
If I have denied the desires of the poor or allowed the widow’s eyes to fail, / if I have eaten my morsel alone, not sharing it with the fatherless— / though from my youth I reared him as would a father, and from my mother’s womb I guided the widow— ...

Romans 12:13
Share with the saints who are in need. Practice hospitality.

Deuteronomy 15:7-11
If there is a poor man among your brothers within any of the gates in the land that the LORD your God is giving you, then you are not to harden your heart or shut your hand from your poor brother. / Instead, you are to open your hand to him and freely loan him whatever he needs. / Be careful not to harbor this wicked thought in your heart: “The seventh year, the year of release, is near,” so that you look upon your poor brother begrudgingly and give him nothing. He will cry out to the LORD against you, and you will be guilty of sin. ...

Acts 20:35
In everything, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words of the Lord Jesus Himself: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”

2 Corinthians 9:9-10
As it is written: “He has scattered abroad His gifts to the poor; His righteousness endures forever.” / Now He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your store of seed and will increase the harvest of your righteousness.

Isaiah 58:10
and if you give yourself to the hungry and satisfy the afflicted soul, then your light will go forth in the darkness, and your night will be like noonday.

Luke 14:13-14
But when you host a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind, / and you will be blessed. Since they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.”


Treasury of Scripture

Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we you an hungered, and fed you? or thirsty, and gave you drink?

when.

Matthew 6:3
But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth:

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.

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Matthew 25
1. The parable of the ten virgins,
14. and of the talents.
31. Also the description of the last judgment.














Then the righteous
The term "righteous" in this context refers to those who are justified and sanctified by their faith in Christ. The Greek word used here is "δίκαιοι" (dikaioi), which implies those who are in right standing with God. Historically, righteousness in the Jewish tradition was closely tied to adherence to the Law, but in the New Testament, it is redefined through the lens of faith in Jesus Christ. This righteousness is not self-derived but is a gift from God, reflecting a life transformed by the Holy Spirit.

will answer Him
The phrase "will answer Him" indicates a response to a direct question or statement from Jesus, who is depicted as the King and Judge in this parable. The Greek word "ἀποκριθήσονται" (apokrinthēsontai) suggests a formal reply, often used in legal or judicial settings. This highlights the solemnity and gravity of the moment, as the righteous are called to account for their actions, not in fear, but in humble acknowledgment of their service.

‘Lord
The use of "Lord" (Greek: "Κύριε," Kyrie) signifies recognition of Jesus' divine authority and sovereignty. In the historical context of the New Testament, calling someone "Lord" was a declaration of allegiance and submission. For the early Christians, this was a profound confession of faith, acknowledging Jesus as the Messiah and the Son of God, in contrast to the Roman practice of declaring Caesar as lord.

when did we see You hungry and feed You
This question reflects the genuine humility and surprise of the righteous. They are unaware of the significance of their actions, which were done out of love and compassion rather than for recognition or reward. The Greek word for "hungry" is "πεινῶντα" (peinōnta), which conveys a deep, physical need. Feeding the hungry is a recurring theme in Scripture, symbolizing not only physical sustenance but also spiritual nourishment. Historically, acts of charity were central to Jewish and early Christian communities, reflecting God's heart for the poor and needy.

or thirsty and give You something to drink?
The act of giving drink to the thirsty is a continuation of the theme of meeting basic human needs. The Greek word "διψῶντα" (dipsōnta) for "thirsty" emphasizes a pressing need for refreshment and relief. In the biblical context, water is often symbolic of life and spiritual renewal. The righteous, in their service, unknowingly minister to Christ Himself, embodying the love and compassion that He taught. This reflects the Christian calling to see Christ in every person, especially those in need, and to serve them as if serving the Lord directly.

(37) When saw we thee an hungred?--It is clear that this question of surprise could not be asked by any who, as believers in Christ, have come under this teaching. They know, even now, the full significance of their acts of mercy, and that knowledge is as their strongest motive. But in the lips of the heathen who stand before the judgment-seat such a question will be natural enough. They have acted from what seemed merely human affection towards merely human objects, and they are therefore rightly represented as astonished when they hear that they have, in their ministrations to the sons of men, been ministering to the Son of Man.

Verses 37-39. - Shall the righteous answer him. The righteous are those on the right hand, those who have passed through earthly probation, and have come forth holy and pure. Their reply (which is given before the Lord's explanation) is contained in three verses, which recapitulate the deeds specified by the Lord, with some slight variation in the wording. When saw we thee, etc.? If this reply is conceived as spoken by the followers of Christ, who most be supposed to know what he had said (ch. 10:40-42, "He that receiveth you receiveth me," etc.), it must be considered as expressive, not so much of surprise, as profound humility, which had never hitherto realized the grand idea. They had done so little, they had rendered him no service personally, they were unworthy so to do - how could they merit such a reward? If the answer is taken as given by non-Christians, it shows ignorance of the high value of their service, and astonishment that, in following the dictates of conscience and charity, they had unwittingly had the supreme honour of serving Christ. Mediaeval legends have exemplified the identity of Christ and his suffering members by telling how saints have seen him in those whom they relieved. Such stories are told of Saints Augustine, Christopher, Martin, and others. And fed thee (ἐθρέψαμεν). Instead of "gave me to eat" (ver. 35). Sick or in prison, and came unto thee. Instead of "sick, and ye visited me; in prison," etc. The Lord could not more emphatically have recommended works of mercy as having the highest value in his estimation. "There is a mystery in many of the actions of men, which needs the interpretation of the Master" (Morison).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
Then
Τότε (Tote)
Adverb
Strong's 5119: Then, at that time. From ho and hote; the when, i.e. At the time that.

the
οἱ (hoi)
Article - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

righteous
δίκαιοι (dikaioi)
Adjective - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 1342: From dike; equitable; by implication, innocent, holy.

will answer
ἀποκριθήσονται (apokrithēsontai)
Verb - Future Indicative Passive - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 611: From apo and krino; to conclude for oneself, i.e. to respond; by Hebraism to begin to speak.

Him,
αὐτῷ (autō)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

‘Lord,
Κύριε (Kyrie)
Noun - Vocative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2962: Lord, master, sir; the Lord. From kuros; supreme in authority, i.e. controller; by implication, Master.

when
πότε (pote)
Conjunction
Strong's 4219: When, at what time. From the base of pou and te; interrogative adverb, at what time.

did we see
εἴδομεν (eidomen)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 1st Person Plural
Strong's 3708: Properly, to stare at, i.e. to discern clearly; by extension, to attend to; by Hebraism, to experience; passively, to appear.

You
σε (se)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.

hungry
πεινῶντα (peinōnta)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3983: To be hungry, needy, desire earnestly. From the same as penes; to famish; figuratively, to crave.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

feed [You],
ἐθρέψαμεν (ethrepsamen)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 1st Person Plural
Strong's 5142: A primary verb; properly, to stiffen, i.e. Fatten (with food, etc.), pamper, rear).

or
(ē)
Conjunction
Strong's 2228: Or, than. A primary particle of distinction between two connected terms; disjunctive, or; comparative, than.

thirsty
διψῶντα (dipsōnta)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 1372: To thirst for, desire earnestly. From a variation of dipsos; to thirst for.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

give [You] something to drink?
ἐποτίσαμεν (epotisamen)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 1st Person Plural
Strong's 4222: To cause to drink, give to drink; irrigate, water. From a derivative of the alternate of pino; to furnish drink, irrigate.


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