Matthew 25:38
When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee?
Original Language Analysis
εἴδομεν
saw we
G1492
εἴδομεν
saw we
Strong's:
G1492
Word #:
4 of 11
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
ξένον
a stranger
G3581
ξένον
a stranger
Strong's:
G3581
Word #:
5 of 11
foreign (literally, alien, or figuratively, novel); by implication, a guest or (vice-versa) entertainer
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
6 of 11
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
συνηγάγομεν
took thee in
G4863
συνηγάγομεν
took thee in
Strong's:
G4863
Word #:
7 of 11
to lead together, i.e., collect or convene; specially, to entertain (hospitably)
Historical Context
Hospitality to strangers was foundational to ancient Mediterranean ethics, rooted in divine visitation stories—Abraham entertaining angels unaware (Hebrews 13:2 cites Genesis 18). Clothing the naked fulfilled prophetic religion: 'Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry... when thou seest the naked, cover him?' (Isaiah 58:7). The righteous embodied what Israel's prophets had demanded.
Questions for Reflection
- How might we 'entertain angels unawares' by showing hospitality without recognizing Christ's presence?
- What does comprehensive mercy (addressing multiple needs) reveal about the scope of gospel transformation?
- In what ways does modern individualism prevent us from seeing strangers as worthy of sacrificial care?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
When saw we thee a stranger? (πότε δέ σε εἴδομεν ξένον, pote de se eidomen xenon)—The continued interrogatives underscore their genuine bewilderment. The Greek structure emphasizes you (σε, se)—'When did we see you?'—revealing they never imagined serving Christ Himself.
Or naked, and clothed thee? (ἢ γυμνὸν καὶ περιεβάλομεν, ē gymnon kai periebalomen)—The simple conjunction ē (or) links these acts of mercy as one seamless pattern. Their righteousness wasn't selective (helping some categories of need while ignoring others) but comprehensive, flowing from transformed character.