Matthew 25:45
Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me.
Original Language Analysis
τότε
Then
G5119
τότε
Then
Strong's:
G5119
Word #:
1 of 18
the when, i.e., at the time that (of the past or future, also in consecution)
ἀποκριθήσεται
shall he answer
G611
ἀποκριθήσεται
shall he answer
Strong's:
G611
Word #:
2 of 18
to conclude for oneself, i.e., (by implication) to respond; by hebraism (compare h6030) to begin to speak (where an address is expected)
αὐτοῖς
them
G846
αὐτοῖς
them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
3 of 18
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
λέγω
I say
G3004
λέγω
I say
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
4 of 18
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
Ἀμὴν
Verily
G281
Ἀμὴν
Verily
Strong's:
G281
Word #:
5 of 18
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 #:
6 of 18
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 #:
8 of 18
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 did
G4160
ἐποιήσατε
ye did
Strong's:
G4160
Word #:
11 of 18
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
14 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐλαχίστων
of the least
G1646
ἐλαχίστων
of the least
Strong's:
G1646
Word #:
15 of 18
used as equivalent to g3398; least (in size, amount, dignity, etc.)
Cross References
Proverbs 21:13Whoso stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor, he also shall cry himself, but shall not be heard.Proverbs 14:31He that oppresseth the poor reproacheth his Maker: but he that honoureth him hath mercy on the poor.Proverbs 17:5Whoso mocketh the poor reproacheth his Maker: and he that is glad at calamities shall not be unpunished.Matthew 25:40And 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.Acts 9:5And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.Psalms 105:15Saying, Touch not mine anointed, and do my prophets no harm.Zechariah 2:8For thus saith the LORD of hosts; After the glory hath he sent me unto the nations which spoiled you: for he that toucheth you toucheth the apple of his eye.Genesis 12:3And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.Numbers 24:9He couched, he lay down as a lion, and as a great lion: who shall stir him up? Blessed is he that blesseth thee, and cursed is he that curseth thee.
Historical Context
Jesus's teaching radically elevated the status of the elachistos. Greco-Roman society practiced patronage; benefactors gave to those who could repay with honor. Jesus inverts this: 'When thou makest a feast, call the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind... thou shalt be recompensed at the resurrection of the just' (Luke 14:13-14). The early church's care for widows, orphans, and the destitute scandalized pagans and drew converts (Julian the Apostate complained Christians cared for even non-Christian poor).
Questions for Reflection
- How does Christ's complete identification with 'the least of these' challenge prosperity gospel theology?
- What does this passage teach about the inseparability of loving God and loving neighbor (1 John 4:20)?
- In what practical ways should this judgment scene reshape Christian priorities regarding wealth, time, and compassion?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Verily I say unto you (ἀμὴν λέγω ὑμῖν, amēn legō hymin)—The Hebrew amen emphasizes absolute truth and authority. This solemn pronouncement carries Jesus's full judicial weight as Son of Man (v. 31).
Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me (ἐφ' ὅσον οὐκ ἐποιήσατε ἑνὶ τούτων τῶν ἐλαχίστων, οὐδὲ ἐμοὶ ἐποιήσατε, eph' hoson ouk epoiēsate heni toutōn tōn elachistōn, oude emoi epoiēsate)—Elachistos (least, smallest) describes society's most vulnerable and overlooked. The double negative ouk... oude (not... neither) reinforces total identification: Christ so fully unites with His suffering people that neglecting them is rejecting Him. This isn't mere metaphor but mystical reality (1 Corinthians 12:12-27, the body of Christ).