Matthew 25:37

Authorized King James Version

Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink?

Word-by-Word Analysis

τότε

G5119

Then

the when, i.e., at the time that (of the past or future, also in consecution)

ἀποκριθήσονται

G611

answer

to conclude for oneself, i.e., (by implication) to respond; by hebraism (compare h6030) to begin to speak (where an address is expected)

αὐτῷ

G846

him

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

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

δίκαιοι

G1342

shall the righteous

equitable (in character or act); by implication, innocent, holy (absolutely or relatively)

λέγοντες

G3004

saying

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

G2962

Lord

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

πότε

G4219

when

interrogative adverb, at what time

σε

G4571

thee

#10

εἴδομεν

G1492

saw we

used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl

#11

πεινῶντα

G3983

an hungred

to famish (absolutely or comparatively); figuratively, to crave

#12

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#13

ἐθρέψαμεν

G5142

fed

but perhaps strengthened from the base of g5157 through the idea of convolution); properly, to stiffen, i.e., fatten (by implication, to cherish (with

#14

ἢ

G2228

thee or

disjunctive, or; comparative, than

#15

διψῶντα

G1372

thirsty

to thirst for (literally or figuratively)

#16

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#17

ἐποτίσαμεν

G4222

gave thee drink

to furnish drink, irrigate

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine sovereignty contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of Jewish biographical literature presenting Jesus as the fulfillment of Scripture shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Matthew Understanding a worldview expecting divine intervention through a promised Messiah helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How does this verse's literary context within Matthew chapter 25 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine sovereignty address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?

Related Resources

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Matthew 25:37

Analysis

Historical Context

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

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People

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