Matthew 25:32
And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats:
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 21
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
συναχθήσεται
shall be gathered
G4863
συναχθήσεται
shall be gathered
Strong's:
G4863
Word #:
2 of 21
to lead together, i.e., collect or convene; specially, to entertain (hospitably)
ἔμπροσθεν
before
G1715
ἔμπροσθεν
before
Strong's:
G1715
Word #:
3 of 21
in front of (in place (literally or figuratively) or time)
αὐτοὺς
him
G846
αὐτοὺς
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
4 of 21
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἔθνη
nations
G1484
ἔθνη
nations
Strong's:
G1484
Word #:
7 of 21
a race (as of the same habit), i.e., a tribe; specially, a foreign (non-jewish) one (usually, by implication, pagan)
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
8 of 21
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἀφορίζει
divideth
G873
ἀφορίζει
divideth
Strong's:
G873
Word #:
9 of 21
to set off by boundary, i.e., (figuratively) limit, exclude, appoint, etc
αὐτοὺς
him
G846
αὐτοὺς
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
10 of 21
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
ἀπὸ
from
G575
ἀπὸ
from
Strong's:
G575
Word #:
11 of 21
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
14 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀφορίζει
divideth
G873
ἀφορίζει
divideth
Strong's:
G873
Word #:
16 of 21
to set off by boundary, i.e., (figuratively) limit, exclude, appoint, etc
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
17 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πρόβατα
his sheep
G4263
πρόβατα
his sheep
Strong's:
G4263
Word #:
18 of 21
something that walks forward (a quadruped), i.e., (specially), a sheep (literally or figuratively)
ἀπὸ
from
G575
ἀπὸ
from
Strong's:
G575
Word #:
19 of 21
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
Cross References
Matthew 13:49So shall it be at the end of the world: the angels shall come forth, and sever the wicked from among the just,Malachi 3:18Then shall ye return, and discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not.2 Corinthians 5:10For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.Psalms 98:9Before the LORD; for he cometh to judge the earth: with righteousness shall he judge the world, and the people with equity.Psalms 96:13Before the LORD: for he cometh, for he cometh to judge the earth: he shall judge the world with righteousness, and the people with his truth.Matthew 3:12Whose fan is in his hand, and he will throughly purge his floor, and gather his wheat into the garner; but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.Psalms 1:5Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous.John 10:14I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine.Romans 2:12For as many as have sinned without law shall also perish without law: and as many as have sinned in the law shall be judged by the law;Romans 2:16In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel.
Historical Context
Jesus delivered this Olivet Discourse teaching (Matthew 24-25) during Passion Week, days before His crucifixion. First-century Palestinian shepherds commonly managed mixed flocks, making this imagery immediately recognizable. The judgment scene echoes Daniel 7:13-14 (Son of Man receiving dominion) and Joel 3:2 (nations gathered for judgment).
Questions for Reflection
- How does the universality of judgment ('all nations') challenge nationalistic or tribal understandings of salvation?
- What does the shepherd's decisive separation reveal about the finality of God's judgment?
- In what ways does genuine faith manifest itself in actions that align with Christ's kingdom values?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Before him shall be gathered all nations (πάντα τὰ ἔθνη, panta ta ethnē)—the universal scope of final judgment encompasses every people group, not just Israel. The Greek ethne emphasizes Gentile inclusion in Christ's eschatological tribunal.
As a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats (ὥσπερ ὁ ποιμὴν ἀφορίζει, hōsper ho poimēn aphorizei)—The verb aphorizei means to mark off boundaries, to separate decisively. In Palestinian shepherding, sheep and goats often grazed together but were separated at night; sheep (more valuable, docile) received shelter, while goats (hardier) stayed outside. This agricultural image depicts irreversible eternal division.