Matthew 25:45

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
τότε
G5119
Then
the when, i.e., at the time that (of the past or future, also in consecution)
#2
ἀποκριθήσεται
G611
shall he answer
to conclude for oneself, i.e., (by implication) to respond; by hebraism (compare h6030) to begin to speak (where an address is expected)
#3
αὐτοῖς
G846
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
#4
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
#5
Ἀμὴν
G281
Verily
properly, firm, i.e., (figuratively) trustworthy; adverbially, surely (often as interjection, so be it)
#6
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
#7
ὑμῖν
G5213
unto you
to (with or by) you
#8
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
#9
ὅσον
G3745
as
as (much, great, long, etc.) as
#10
οὐκ
G3756
it not
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
#11
ἐποιήσατε
G4160
ye did
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
#12
ἑνὶ
G1520
to one
one
#13
τούτων
G5130
of these
of (from or concerning) these (persons or things)
#14
τῶν
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#15
ἐλαχίστων
G1646
of the least
used as equivalent to g3398; least (in size, amount, dignity, etc.)
#16
οὐδὲ
G3761
it not
not however, i.e., neither, nor, not even
#17
ἐμοὶ
G1698
to me
to me
#18
ἐποιήσατε
G4160
ye did
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

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 revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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