Matthew 25:37
Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink?
Original Language Analysis
τότε
Then
G5119
τότε
Then
Strong's:
G5119
Word #:
1 of 17
the when, i.e., at the time that (of the past or future, also in consecution)
ἀποκριθήσονται
answer
G611
ἀποκριθήσονται
answer
Strong's:
G611
Word #:
2 of 17
to conclude for oneself, i.e., (by implication) to respond; by hebraism (compare h6030) to begin to speak (where an address is expected)
αὐτῷ
him
G846
αὐτῷ
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
3 of 17
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
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
δίκαιοι
shall the righteous
G1342
δίκαιοι
shall the righteous
Strong's:
G1342
Word #:
5 of 17
equitable (in character or act); by implication, innocent, holy (absolutely or relatively)
λέγοντες
saying
G3004
λέγοντες
saying
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
6 of 17
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
Κύριε
Lord
G2962
Κύριε
Lord
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
7 of 17
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
εἴδομεν
saw we
G1492
εἴδομεν
saw we
Strong's:
G1492
Word #:
10 of 17
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
πεινῶντα
an hungred
G3983
πεινῶντα
an hungred
Strong's:
G3983
Word #:
11 of 17
to famish (absolutely or comparatively); figuratively, to crave
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
12 of 17
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐθρέψαμεν
fed
G5142
ἐθρέψαμεν
fed
Strong's:
G5142
Word #:
13 of 17
but perhaps strengthened from the base of g5157 through the idea of convolution); properly, to stiffen, i.e., fatten (by implication, to cherish (with
Cross References
Matthew 6:3But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth:1 Chronicles 29:14But 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.Isaiah 64:6But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.Proverbs 15:33The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom; and before honour is humility.1 Corinthians 15:10But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.
Historical Context
The righteous's surprised response contradicts merit-theology. In Second Temple Judaism, almsgiving was often calculated for merit (though the noblest rabbis warned against this). Jesus's parable inverts expectation: the righteous don't recall their works because works flowed naturally from new hearts (Ezekiel 36:26-27). This aligns with Paul's later teaching: 'We are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works' (Ephesians 2:10).
Questions for Reflection
- What does the righteous's surprise teach about the relationship between faith, works, and awareness?
- How does unconscious virtue differ from calculated good deeds done for recognition?
- In what ways should Christians pursue righteousness without self-congratulation?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Then shall the righteous answer (τότε ἀποκριθήσονται οἱ δίκαιοι, tote apokrithēsontai hoi dikaioi)—The term dikaioi (righteous) doesn't indicate self-righteousness but vindication through faith. Their surprise reveals unconscious virtue; they served without calculating reward.
When saw we thee an hungred? (πότε σε εἴδομεν πεινῶντα, pote se eidomen peinōnta)—Their genuine astonishment demonstrates the authenticity of grace-wrought obedience. They didn't serve Christ-in-disguise strategically; they served need because transformation had made them servants. True righteousness is unselfconscious (Matthew 6:3-4, 'let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth').