Matthew 25:40
New International Version
“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’

New Living Translation
“And the King will say, ‘I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!’

English Standard Version
And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to 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.’

Berean Literal Bible
And the King answering, will say to them, 'Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of the least of these brothers of Mine, you did it to Me.'

King James Bible
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.

New King James Version
And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.’

New American Standard Bible
And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it for one of the least of these brothers or sisters of Mine, you did it for Me.’

NASB 1995
“The King will answer and say to them, ‘Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of them, you did it to Me.’

NASB 1977
“And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of them, you did it to Me.’

Legacy Standard Bible
And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of them, you did it to Me.’

Amplified Bible
The King will answer and say to them, ‘I assure you and most solemnly say to you, to the extent that you did it for one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of them, you did it for Me.’

Christian Standard Bible
“And the King will answer them, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’

Holman Christian Standard Bible
“And the King will answer them, I assure 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.

Contemporary English Version
The king will answer, "Whenever you did it for any of my people, no matter how unimportant they seemed, you did it for me."

English Revised 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.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
"The king will answer them, 'I can guarantee this truth: Whatever you did for one of my brothers or sisters, no matter how unimportant [they seemed], you did for me.'

Good News Translation
The King will reply, 'I tell you, whenever you did this for one of the least important of these followers of mine, you did it for me!'

International Standard Version
The king will answer them, 'I tell all of you with certainty, since you did it for one of the least important of these brothers of mine, you did it for me.'

Majority 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.?

NET Bible
And the king will answer them, 'I tell you the truth, just as you did it for one of the least of these brothers or sisters of mine, you did it for me.'

New Heart English Bible
"The King will answer them, 'Truly I tell you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.'

Webster's Bible Translation
And the king will answer and say to them, Verily I say to you, Inasmuch as ye have done it to one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it to me.

Weymouth New Testament
"But the King will answer them, "'In solemn truth I tell you that in so far as you rendered such services to one of the humblest of these my brethren, you rendered them to myself.'

World English Bible
“The King will answer them, ‘Most certainly I tell you, because you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And the King answering, will say to them, Truly I say to you, inasmuch as you did [it] to one of these My brothers—the least—you did [it] to Me.

Berean Literal Bible
And the King answering, will say to them, 'Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of the least of these brothers of Mine, you did it to Me.'

Young's Literal Translation
And the king answering, shall say to them, Verily I say to you, Inasmuch as ye did it to one of these my brethren -- the least -- to me ye did it.

Smith's Literal Translation
And the king having answered, will say to them, Truly I say to you, Inasmuch as ye did to one of the least of my brethren, ye did to me.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And the king answering, shall say to them: Amen I say to you, as long as you did it to one of these my least brethren, you did it to me.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And in response, the King shall say to them, ‘Amen I say to you, whenever you did this for one of these, the least of my brothers, you did it for me.’

New American Bible
And the king will say to them in reply, ‘Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me.’

New Revised Standard Version
And the king will answer them, ‘Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.’
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
The king then will answer and say to them, Truly I tell you, Inasmuch as you have done it to one of these least brethren, you did it to me.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
And The King answers and says to them, 'Amen, I say to you, as much as you have done to one of these my little brothers, you have done that to me.'
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
And the King will answer and say to them: Verily I say to you, Inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these my brethren, you did it to me.

Godbey New Testament
And the King responding will say unto them, Truly I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did these things to one of the least of these my brethren, you did them unto me.

Haweis New Testament
And the king answering shall say to them, Verily I tell you, for as much as ye have done it to one of these my brethren, the very least of them, ye have done it unto me.

Mace New Testament
and the king will reply, I declare unto you, your having done this for one of the least of these my brethren, is the same thing as doing it for me.

Weymouth New Testament
"But the King will answer them, "'In solemn truth I tell you that in so far as you rendered such services to one of the humblest of these my brethren, you rendered them to myself.'

Worrell New Testament
"And, answering, the King will say to them, 'Verily I say to you, inasmuch as ye did it to one of My brethren, even the least, ye did it to Me.'

Worsley New Testament
And the king replying will say unto them, Verily I declare unto you, inasmuch as ye did it to one of the lest of these my brethren, ye did it to me.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Sheep and the Goats
39When did we see You sick or in prison and visit You?’ 40And 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.’ 41Then He will say to those on His left, ‘Depart from Me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.…

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

Hebrews 6:10
For God is not unjust. He will not forget your work and the love you have shown for His name as you have ministered to the saints and continue to do so.

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?

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

Luke 10:36-37
Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?” / “The one who showed him mercy,” replied the expert in the law. Then Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.”

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.

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?

Proverbs 14:31
Whoever oppresses the poor taunts their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors Him.

Luke 6:31
Do to others as you would have them do to you.

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.’”

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

1 Timothy 6:18
Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, and to be generous and ready to share,

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— ...

Deuteronomy 15:11
For there will never cease to be poor in the land; that is why I am commanding you to open wide your hand to your brother and to the poor and needy in your land.


Treasury of Scripture

And the King shall answer and say to them, Truly I say to you, Inasmuch as you have done it to one of the least of these my brothers, you have done it to me.

the King.

Matthew 25:34
Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:

Proverbs 25:6,7
Put not forth thyself in the presence of the king, and stand not in the place of great men: …

Inasmuch.

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.

2 Samuel 9:1,7
And David said, Is there yet any that is left of the house of Saul, that I may shew him kindness for Jonathan's sake? …

Proverbs 14:31
He that oppresseth the poor reproacheth his Maker: but he that honoureth him hath mercy on the poor.

the least.

Matthew 12:49,50
And he stretched forth his hand toward his disciples, and said, Behold my mother and my brethren! …

Matthew 18:5,6,10
And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me…

Matthew 28:10
Then said Jesus unto them, Be not afraid: go tell my brethren that they go into Galilee, and there shall they see me.

ye have done it unto me.

Acts 9:4,5
And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? …

Ephesians 5:30
For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones.

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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.














And the King will reply
In this passage, "the King" refers to Jesus Christ, who is depicted as the ultimate judge and ruler. This imagery aligns with Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah as a kingly figure (e.g., Isaiah 9:6-7). The title "King" emphasizes His authority and sovereignty, which is a central theme in the Gospel of Matthew, highlighting Jesus as the fulfillment of the Davidic covenant (2 Samuel 7:12-16).

Truly I tell you
This phrase is a solemn affirmation used by Jesus to underscore the truth and importance of His statement. It is akin to the Hebrew "Amen," which signifies certainty and reliability. Jesus often uses this phrase to introduce significant teachings, indicating that what follows is of utmost importance and should be heeded carefully.

whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of Mine
"The least of these" refers to those who are marginalized, vulnerable, or in need. In the cultural context of the time, this would include the poor, the sick, and the socially outcast. "Brothers of Mine" suggests a familial relationship, indicating that these individuals are part of the community of believers. This phrase echoes the biblical theme of God's concern for the poor and needy, as seen in passages like Proverbs 19:17 and Isaiah 58:6-7. It also reflects the early Christian community's emphasis on caring for one another (Acts 2:44-45).

you did for Me
This statement reveals the profound identification of Jesus with His followers. Acts of kindness and service to others are seen as acts done directly to Christ Himself. This concept is rooted in the idea of the Church as the Body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:27), where believers are interconnected with Christ as the head. It underscores the incarnational aspect of Jesus' ministry, where He is present in the lives of His followers and the world. This teaching challenges believers to see Christ in every person and to serve others as they would serve Him.

Persons / Places / Events
1. The King
Represents Jesus Christ, who is depicted as the sovereign judge in this parable. He is the one who separates the sheep from the goats and rewards or punishes based on their actions.

2. The Least of These
Refers to those who are marginalized, needy, or vulnerable. In the context of the parable, they are the ones who receive acts of kindness and mercy from the righteous.

3. The Brothers of Mine
This phrase can be interpreted as fellow believers or those who are part of the Christian community, emphasizing the importance of caring for one another within the body of Christ.

4. The Sheep and the Goats
Symbolic groups representing the righteous and the unrighteous. The sheep are those who have acted with compassion, while the goats have failed to do so.

5. The Judgment
The event where Jesus, as King, evaluates the actions of individuals, highlighting the eternal significance of their treatment of others.
Teaching Points
The Call to Compassion
As followers of Christ, we are called to show compassion and kindness to those in need, recognizing that our actions towards them are actions towards Christ Himself.

Eternal Perspective
Our treatment of others has eternal significance. The way we serve and love "the least of these" reflects our relationship with Jesus and impacts our eternal destiny.

Community Responsibility
Within the body of Christ, there is a special responsibility to care for fellow believers, ensuring that no one is left in need or marginalized.

Practical Faith
Genuine faith is demonstrated through tangible actions. Our love for God is expressed through our love for others, particularly those who are vulnerable.

Judgment and Reward
The parable reminds us that there will be a day of judgment where our actions will be evaluated. Living a life of service and love is not only a command but also a path to eternal reward.(40) Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren.--The words are true, in different degrees of intensity, in proportion as the relationship is consciously recognised, of every member of the family of man. Of all it is true that He, the Lord, who took their flesh and blood, "is not ashamed to call them brethren" (Hebrews 2:11). We have here, in its highest and divinest form, that utterance of sympathy which we admire even in one of like passions with ourselves. We find that He too "counts nothing human alien from Himself."

Verse 40. - The King shall answer. The royal Judge condescends to explain the meaning of the seeming paradox. Inasmuch as; ἐφ ὅσον, rendered in the Vulgate quamdiu, rather, quatenus, in which sense the phrase is found also in Romans 11:13. Unto one of the least of these my brethren. That is, not the apostles, nor specially but all the afflicted who have fellowship with Christ in his sufferings and Any such he is not ashamed to call his brethren. Ye have done (ye did) it unto me. The Lord so perfectly identifies himself with the human family, whose nature he assumed, that he made their sorrows sufferings his own (Isaiah 53:4; Isaiah 63:9; Matthew 8:17), he suffered with the sufferers; his perfect sympathy placed him in their position; in all their affliction he was afflicted From this identification it follows that he regards that which is done to others as done to himself. Thus he could expostulate the persecutor, "Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?" And we have the amazing revelation that he receives with the same graciousness the pious workings of natural religion in the case of those who know no better.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
And
Καὶ (Kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

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

King
Βασιλεὺς (Basileus)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 935: A king, ruler, but in some passages clearly to be translated: emperor. Probably from basis; a sovereign.

will reply,
ἐρεῖ (erei)
Verb - Future Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2046: Probably a fuller form of rheo; an alternate for epo in certain tenses; to utter, i.e. Speak or say.

‘Truly
Ἀμὴν (Amēn)
Hebrew Word
Strong's 281: Of Hebrew origin; properly, firm, i.e. trustworthy; adverbially, surely.

I tell
λέγω (legō)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 3004: (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command.

you,
ὑμῖν (hymin)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.

whatever
ἐφ’ (eph’)
Preposition
Strong's 1909: On, to, against, on the basis of, at.

you did
ἐποιήσατε (epoiēsate)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 4160: (a) I make, manufacture, construct, (b) I do, act, cause. Apparently a prolonged form of an obsolete primary; to make or do.

for one
ἑνὶ (heni)
Adjective - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 1520: One. (including the neuter Hen); a primary numeral; one.

of the
τῶν (tōn)
Article - Genitive 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.

least
ἐλαχίστων (elachistōn)
Adjective - Genitive Masculine Plural - Superlative
Strong's 1646: Superlative of elachus; used as equivalent to mikros; least.

of these
τούτων (toutōn)
Demonstrative Pronoun - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 3778: This; he, she, it.

brothers
ἀδελφῶν (adelphōn)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 80: A brother, member of the same religious community, especially a fellow-Christian. A brother near or remote.

of Mine,
μου (mou)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.

you did
ἐποιήσατε (epoiēsate)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 4160: (a) I make, manufacture, construct, (b) I do, act, cause. Apparently a prolonged form of an obsolete primary; to make or do.

for Me.’
ἐμοὶ (emoi)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.


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NT Gospels: Matthew 25:40 The King will answer them 'Most certainly (Matt. Mat Mt)
Matthew 25:39
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