Matthew 25:33
And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 13
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
στήσει
he shall set
G2476
στήσει
he shall set
Strong's:
G2476
Word #:
2 of 13
to stand (transitively or intransitively), used in various applications (literally or figuratively)
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
μὲν
G3303
μὲν
Strong's:
G3303
Word #:
4 of 13
properly, indicative of affirmation or concession (in fact); usually followed by a contrasted clause with g1161 (this one, the former, etc.)
πρόβατα
the sheep
G4263
πρόβατα
the sheep
Strong's:
G4263
Word #:
5 of 13
something that walks forward (a quadruped), i.e., (specially), a sheep (literally or figuratively)
ἐξ
on
G1537
ἐξ
on
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
6 of 13
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
δεξιῶν
right hand
G1188
δεξιῶν
right hand
Strong's:
G1188
Word #:
7 of 13
the right side or (feminine) hand (as that which usually takes)
αὐτοῦ
G846
αὐτοῦ
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
8 of 13
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 #:
9 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐρίφια
the goats
G2055
ἐρίφια
the goats
Strong's:
G2055
Word #:
11 of 13
a kidling, i.e., (genitive case) goat (symbolically, wicked person)
Cross References
Psalms 100:3Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.Psalms 110:1The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool.Psalms 45:9Kings' daughters were among thy honourable women: upon thy right hand did stand the queen in gold of Ophir.Hebrews 1:3Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;Psalms 95:7For he is our God; and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand. To day if ye will hear his voice,Psalms 79:13So we thy people and sheep of thy pasture will give thee thanks for ever: we will shew forth thy praise to all generations.Ephesians 1:20Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places,Mark 16:19So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God.
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern courts positioned honored guests at the king's right hand (1 Kings 2:19). The imagery reflects biblical covenant theology where blessing and cursing, life and death, are set before humanity (Deuteronomy 30:15-20). This spatial division at judgment fulfills Jesus's earlier teaching about the narrow and wide gates (Matthew 7:13-14).
Questions for Reflection
- How does the sheep/goat distinction challenge cultural Christianity that claims faith without transformation?
- What does positioning at Christ's right hand teach about grace versus works in salvation?
- How should the reality of final separation affect our evangelistic urgency today?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Sheep on his right hand (τὰ πρόβατα ἐκ δεξιῶν, ta probata ek dexiōn)—The right hand (dexios) symbolizes honor, favor, and power throughout Scripture (Psalm 110:1, Acts 2:33-34). Sheep represent the redeemed, characterized by recognizing the Shepherd's voice (John 10:27).
Goats on the left (τὰ ἐρίφια ἐξ εὐωνύμων, ta eriphia ex euōnymōn)—The left hand position signifies dishonor and judgment. While goats aren't inherently evil in Scripture, here they represent those whose profession of faith proved empty, lacking the fruit of genuine conversion (James 2:14-26).