Matthew 25:40
And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 21
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἀποκριθεὶς
shall answer
G611
ἀποκριθεὶς
shall answer
Strong's:
G611
Word #:
2 of 21
to conclude for oneself, i.e., (by implication) to respond; by hebraism (compare h6030) to begin to speak (where an address is expected)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
βασιλεὺς
the King
G935
βασιλεὺς
the King
Strong's:
G935
Word #:
4 of 21
a sovereign (abstractly, relatively, or figuratively)
ἐρεῖ
and say
G2046
ἐρεῖ
and say
Strong's:
G2046
Word #:
5 of 21
an alternate for g2036 in certain tenses; to utter, i.e., speak or say
αὐτοῖς
unto them
G846
αὐτοῖς
unto them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
6 of 21
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
Ἀμὴν
Verily
G281
Ἀμὴν
Verily
Strong's:
G281
Word #:
7 of 21
properly, firm, i.e., (figuratively) trustworthy; adverbially, surely (often as interjection, so be it)
λέγω
I say
G3004
λέγω
I say
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
8 of 21
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
ἐφ'
Inasmuch
G1909
ἐφ'
Inasmuch
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
10 of 21
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
ἐποιήσατε
ye have done
G4160
ἐποιήσατε
ye have done
Strong's:
G4160
Word #:
12 of 21
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
15 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀδελφῶν
brethren
G80
ἀδελφῶν
brethren
Strong's:
G80
Word #:
16 of 21
a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
18 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Proverbs 19:17He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD; and that which he hath given will he pay him again.Proverbs 14:31He that oppresseth the poor reproacheth his Maker: but he that honoureth him hath mercy on the poor.Matthew 10:42And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward.Mark 9:41For whosoever shall give you a cup of water to drink in my name, because ye belong to Christ, verily I say unto you, he shall not lose his reward.1 Peter 1:22Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently:Galatians 5:6For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love.Galatians 5:22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,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.Matthew 10:40He that receiveth you receiveth me, and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me.Ephesians 5:30For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones.
Historical Context
This teaching appears in Jesus' final discourse before His crucifixion. He prepares disciples for a future when He would no longer be physically present—yet He remains mysteriously present in suffering believers. Early Christians took this literally, creating unprecedented systems of care for widows, orphans, poor, and sick (Acts 6:1-6; James 1:27). Their compassion distinguished Christianity from surrounding culture and testified to the gospel's transforming power. Roman emperor Julian (apostate who rejected Christianity) complained that Christians' care for the poor—even pagan poor—made Christianity attractive.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Christ's identification with 'the least of these' elevate the dignity of serving the marginalized?
- In what practical ways can you serve Christ by caring for vulnerable people this week?
- How does this teaching challenge individualistic faith disconnected from compassionate action toward the needy?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
This profound statement comes from Jesus' parable of the sheep and goats (Matthew 25:31-46), describing final judgment. The King (Christ) explains that serving 'the least of these my brethren' (τῶν ἀδελφῶν μου τῶν ἐλαχίστων/ton adelphon mou ton elachiston) equals serving Him personally. 'Inasmuch as' (ἐφ' ὅσον/eph' hoson) means 'to the extent that' or 'insofar as'—actions toward the vulnerable and marginalized directly affect Christ. This doesn't teach salvation by works; rather, genuine faith necessarily produces compassion for the needy (James 2:14-17). Those united to Christ by faith naturally care for His 'brethren'—likely referring primarily to fellow believers, though the principle extends to all in need. The passage lists concrete acts: feeding the hungry, welcoming strangers, clothing the naked, visiting the sick and imprisoned. These aren't extraordinary heroics but ordinary compassion. Our treatment of the vulnerable reveals whether we truly know Christ.