Matthew 25:35
For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in:
Original Language Analysis
ἐπείνασα
I was an hungred
G3983
ἐπείνασα
I was an hungred
Strong's:
G3983
Word #:
1 of 15
to famish (absolutely or comparatively); figuratively, to crave
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 15
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
3 of 15
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐδώκατέ
ye gave
G1325
ἐδώκατέ
ye gave
Strong's:
G1325
Word #:
4 of 15
to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
8 of 15
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ξένος
a stranger
G3581
ξένος
a stranger
Strong's:
G3581
Word #:
11 of 15
foreign (literally, alien, or figuratively, novel); by implication, a guest or (vice-versa) entertainer
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
13 of 15
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Cross References
Ezekiel 18:7And hath not oppressed any, but hath restored to the debtor his pledge, hath spoiled none by violence, hath given his bread to the hungry, and hath covered the naked with a garment;Ezekiel 18:16Neither hath oppressed any, hath not withholden the pledge, neither hath spoiled by violence, but hath given his bread to the hungry, and hath covered the naked with a garment,Hebrews 13:16But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.James 1:27Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.Romans 12:13Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.Job 31:32The stranger did not lodge in the street: but I opened my doors to the traveller.Romans 12:20Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.Hebrews 6:10For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.Acts 16:15And when she was baptized, and her household, she besought us, saying, If ye have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come into my house, and abide there. And she constrained us.Acts 10:31And said, Cornelius, thy prayer is heard, and thine alms are had in remembrance in the sight of God.
Historical Context
First-century Palestine knew desperate poverty; day laborers often went hungry without work (Matthew 20:1-7). Travel was dangerous; strangers depended on hospitality for survival. Roman roads brought many displaced persons through Judea. Jesus's criteria aren't arbitrary—they reflect Torah's core justice concerns: feeding the hungry (Isaiah 58:7), welcoming strangers (Leviticus 19:34), caring for the vulnerable.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Christ's identification with the suffering ('ye gave me meat') transform our understanding of charity?
- In what ways might our modern comfort insulate us from encountering the hungry, thirsty, and stranger?
- What does 'took me in' (hospitality) require beyond material provision in contemporary contexts?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat (ἐπείνασα καὶ ἐδώκατέ μοι φαγεῖν, epeinasa kai edōkate moi phagein)—The aorist tense verbs indicate specific historical acts, not mere sentiment. The King identifies completely with His suffering people; ministry to the needy is ministry to Christ Himself.
I was thirsty... a stranger (ἐδιψησα... ξένος, edipsēsa... xenos)—Xenos means foreigner, outsider, one without legal protection. Biblical hospitality (philoxenia, Romans 12:13) wasn't optional courtesy but covenant obligation, rooted in Israel's memory: 'You were strangers in Egypt' (Exodus 22:21).