Matthew 25:40

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis

καὶ

G2532

And

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

ἀποκριθεὶς

G611

shall answer

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

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

βασιλεὺς

G935

the King

a sovereign (abstractly, relatively, or figuratively)

ἐρεῖ

G2046

and say

an alternate for g2036 in certain tenses; to utter, i.e., speak or say

αὐτοῖς

G846

unto them

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

G281

Verily

properly, firm, i.e., (figuratively) trustworthy; adverbially, surely (often as interjection, so be it)

λέγω

G3004

I say

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

ὑμῖν

G5213

unto you

to (with or by) you

#10

ἐφ'

G1909

Inasmuch

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

#11

ὅσον

G3745

as (much, great, long, etc.) as

#12

ἐποιήσατε

G4160

ye have done

to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)

#13

ἑνὶ

G1520

it unto one

one

#14

τούτων

G5130

of these

of (from or concerning) these (persons or things)

#15

τῶν

G3588

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

#16

ἀδελφῶν

G80

brethren

a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)

#17

μου

G3450

of me

#18

τῶν

G3588

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

#19

ἐλαχίστων

G1646

of the least

used as equivalent to g3398; least (in size, amount, dignity, etc.)

#20

ἐμοὶ

G1698

it unto me

to me

#21

ἐποιήσατε

G4160

ye have done

to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)

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 revelation 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

This passage must be understood within Roman imperial rule over Jewish Palestine with messianic expectations. The author writes to address Jewish Christians seeking to understand Jesus as Messiah, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
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?

Related Resources

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Matthew 25:40

Analysis

Historical Context

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

Topics

People

Study Resources