Matthew 25:36
New International Version
I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’

New Living Translation
I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me.’

English Standard Version
I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.’

Berean Standard Bible
I was naked and you clothed Me, I was sick and you looked after Me, I was in prison and you visited Me.’

Berean Literal Bible
naked, and you clothed Me; I was sick, and you visited Me; I was in prison, and you came to Me.'

King James Bible
Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.

New King James Version
I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.’

New American Standard Bible
naked, and you clothed Me; I was sick, and you visited Me; I was in prison, and you came to Me.’

NASB 1995
naked, and you clothed Me; I was sick, and you visited Me; I was in prison, and you came to Me.’

NASB 1977
naked, and you clothed Me; I was sick, and you visited Me; I was in prison, and you came to Me.’

Legacy Standard Bible
naked, and you clothed Me; I was sick, and you visited Me; I was in prison, and you came to Me.’

Amplified Bible
I was naked, and you clothed Me; I was sick, and you visited Me [with help and ministering care]; I was in prison, and you came to Me [ignoring personal danger].’

Christian Standard Bible
I was naked and you clothed me; I was sick and you took care of me; I was in prison and you visited me.’

Holman Christian Standard Bible
I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you took care of Me; I was in prison and you visited Me.’

American Standard Version
naked, and ye clothed me; I was sick, and ye visited me; I was in prison, and ye came unto me.

Contemporary English Version
and when I was naked, you gave me clothes to wear. When I was sick, you took care of me, and when I was in jail, you visited me."

English Revised Version
naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
I needed clothes, and you gave me something to wear. I was sick, and you took care of me. I was in prison, and you visited me.'

Good News Translation
naked and you clothed me; I was sick and you took care of me, in prison and you visited me.'

International Standard Version
I was naked, and you clothed me. I was sick, and you took care of me. I was in prison, and you visited me.'

NET Bible
I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me.'

New Heart English Bible
I was naked, and you clothed me. I was sick, and you visited me. I was in prison, and you came to me.'

Webster's Bible Translation
Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came to me.

Weymouth New Testament
when I was ill-clad, you clothed me; when I was sick, you visited me; when I was in prison, you came to see me.'
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
I was naked and you clothed Me, I was sick and you looked after Me, I was in prison and you visited Me.’

World English Bible
I was naked and you clothed me. I was sick and you visited me. I was in prison and you came to me.’
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
naked, and you clothed Me; I was sick, and you looked after Me; I was in prison, and you came to Me.

Berean Literal Bible
naked, and you clothed Me; I was sick, and you visited Me; I was in prison, and you came to Me.'

Young's Literal Translation
naked, and ye put around me; I was infirm, and ye looked after me; in prison I was, and ye came unto me.

Smith's Literal Translation
Naked, and ye put around me: I was sick, and ye reviewed me: I was in prison, and ye came to me.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Naked, and you covered me: sick, and you visited me: I was in prison, and you came to me.

Catholic Public Domain Version
naked, and you covered me; sick, and you visited me; I was in prison, and you came to me.’

New American Bible
naked and you clothed me, ill and you cared for me, in prison and you visited me.’

New Revised Standard Version
I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me.’
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
I was naked, and you covered me; I was sick, and you visited me; I was in prison, and you came to me.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
I was naked and you clothed me. I was sick, and you took care of me. I was in prison, and you came to me.'
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
naked, and you clothed me; I was sick, and you visited me; I was in prison, and you came to me.

Godbey New Testament
was naked, and ye clothed me: was sick, and ye visited me: was in prison, and ye came unto me.

Haweis New Testament
naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye took care of me: I was in prison, and ye came to me.

Mace New Testament
naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye took care of me: I was in prison, and ye visited me.

Weymouth New Testament
when I was ill-clad, you clothed me; when I was sick, you visited me; when I was in prison, you came to see me.'

Worrell New Testament
naked, and ye clothed Me; I was sick, and ye looked after Me; I was in prison, and ye came to Me.'

Worsley New Testament
I was naked, and ye clothed me; I was sick, and ye took care of me; I was in prison, and ye visited me.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Sheep and the Goats
35For I was hungry and you gave Me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave Me something to drink, I was a stranger and you took Me in, 36I was naked and you clothed Me, I was sick and you looked after Me, I was in prison and you visited Me.’ 37Then the righteous will answer Him, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You something to drink?…

Cross References
Isaiah 58:7
Isn’t it to share your bread with the hungry, to bring the poor and homeless into your home, to clothe the naked when you see him, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?

Hebrews 13:3
Remember those in prison as if you were bound with them, and those who are mistreated as if you were suffering with them.

James 2:15-16
Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. / If one of you tells him, “Go in peace; stay warm and well fed,” but does not provide for his physical needs, what good is that?

Galatians 6:10
Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to the family of faith.

Luke 3:11
John replied, “Whoever has two tunics should share with him who has none, and whoever has food should do the same.”

Job 31:32
but no stranger had to lodge on the street, for my door has been open to the traveler—

Romans 12:13
Share with the saints who are in need. Practice hospitality.

1 John 3:17
If anyone with earthly possessions sees his brother in need, but withholds his compassion from him, how can the love of God abide in him?

Acts 20:35
In everything, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words of the Lord Jesus Himself: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”

Proverbs 19:17
Kindness to the poor is a loan to the LORD, and He will repay the lender.

Ezekiel 18:7
He does not oppress another, but restores the pledge to the debtor. He does not commit robbery, but gives his bread to the hungry and covers the naked with clothing.

1 Timothy 6:18
Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, and to be generous and ready to share,

2 Corinthians 9:9
As it is written: “He has scattered abroad His gifts to the poor; His righteousness endures forever.”

Isaiah 61:1
The Spirit of the Lord GOD is on Me, because the LORD has anointed Me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent Me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and freedom to the prisoners,

Luke 10:34-37
He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. / The next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Take care of him,’ he said, ‘and on my return I will repay you for any additional expense.’ / Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?” ...


Treasury of Scripture

Naked, and you clothed me: I was sick, and you visited me: I was in prison, and you came to me.

Naked.

Job 31:19,20
If I have seen any perish for want of clothing, or any poor without covering; …

Luke 3:11
He answereth and saith unto them, He that hath two coats, let him impart to him that hath none; and he that hath meat, let him do likewise.

James 2:14-16
What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him? …

was sick.

Matthew 25:43
I was a stranger, and ye took me not in: naked, and ye clothed me not: sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not.

Ezekiel 34:4
The diseased have ye not strengthened, neither have ye healed that which was sick, neither have ye bound up that which was broken, neither have ye brought again that which was driven away, neither have ye sought that which was lost; but with force and with cruelty have ye ruled them.

Acts 20:35
I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.

I was in.

Philippians 4:10-14
But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care of me hath flourished again; wherein ye were also careful, but ye lacked opportunity…

2 Timothy 1:16-18
The Lord give mercy unto the house of Onesiphorus; for he oft refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain: …

Hebrews 10:34
For ye had compassion of me in my bonds, and took joyfully the spoiling of your goods, knowing in yourselves that ye have in heaven a better and an enduring substance.

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Matthew 25
1. The parable of the ten virgins,
14. and of the talents.
31. Also the description of the last judgment.














I was naked and you clothed Me
This phrase highlights the importance of providing for the basic needs of others, reflecting the biblical principle of loving one's neighbor. In biblical times, clothing was a significant part of one's identity and social status. The act of clothing the naked is a tangible expression of compassion and mercy, aligning with the teachings found in Isaiah 58:7, which calls for sharing with the needy. This act of kindness is seen as serving Christ Himself, as He identifies with the least of these. The imagery of clothing also connects to the spiritual concept of being clothed in righteousness, as seen in passages like Isaiah 61:10.

I was sick and you looked after Me
Caring for the sick is a demonstration of mercy and compassion, reflecting the healing ministry of Jesus. In the historical context, illness often led to social isolation, as seen in the treatment of lepers. By looking after the sick, believers are called to emulate Christ's example, who healed many during His earthly ministry (Matthew 8:16-17). This phrase underscores the call to serve others selflessly, as seen in James 5:14-15, where the church is encouraged to pray for and anoint the sick. It also reflects the broader biblical theme of God as the ultimate healer.

I was in prison and you visited Me
Visiting those in prison was a radical act of compassion in the ancient world, where prisoners were often neglected and reliant on outsiders for basic needs. This phrase emphasizes the call to remember those who are marginalized and forgotten, as seen in Hebrews 13:3, which urges believers to remember those in prison as if they were bound with them. The act of visiting prisoners reflects the heart of the gospel, which brings hope and redemption to the captive. It also mirrors the mission of Jesus, who proclaimed freedom for the prisoners (Luke 4:18), and serves as a reminder of the spiritual liberation offered through Christ.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jesus Christ
The speaker of this verse, Jesus is teaching about the final judgment and the importance of serving others as a reflection of serving Him.

2. The Sheep and the Goats
In the broader context of Matthew 25, Jesus uses the parable of the sheep and the goats to illustrate the separation of the righteous from the unrighteous at the final judgment.

3. The Disciples
The immediate audience of Jesus' teaching, who are being instructed on how to live out their faith in practical ways.

4. The Needy
Represented by those who are naked, sick, or in prison, these individuals symbolize the marginalized and vulnerable in society whom Jesus calls His followers to serve.

5. The Kingdom of Heaven
The ultimate place of reward for those who have lived out their faith through acts of compassion and service.
Teaching Points
Compassion in Action
True Christian faith is demonstrated through acts of compassion and service to others. Jesus identifies Himself with the needy, showing that serving them is serving Him.

Holistic Ministry
The call to clothe the naked, care for the sick, and visit the imprisoned highlights the importance of addressing both physical and spiritual needs.

Eternal Perspective
Our actions on earth have eternal significance. Serving others in love is a reflection of our relationship with Christ and will be recognized in the final judgment.

Community Responsibility
The church is called to be a community that actively seeks out and supports those who are marginalized and in need.

Personal Reflection
Believers are encouraged to examine their own lives and consider how they can better serve those around them in practical ways.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of Matthew 25:36?

2. How can we actively "clothe" and "visit" others in our community today?

3. What does Matthew 25:36 teach about serving Christ through serving others?

4. How does Matthew 25:36 connect to the parable of the Good Samaritan?

5. In what ways can your church embody the actions described in Matthew 25:36?

6. How does serving others in need reflect our faith in Jesus Christ?

7. How does Matthew 25:36 challenge our understanding of Christian compassion and service to others?

8. What historical context influences the interpretation of Matthew 25:36?

9. How does Matthew 25:36 relate to the concept of salvation through works versus faith?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Matthew 25?

11. Who were the Hospitaller Knights of St. John?

12. Who are the least of these among us?

13. What does a chaplain do?

14. What are the roles and duties of nuns?
What Does Matthew 25:36 Mean
I was naked and you clothed Me

• Jesus’ words picture literal lack of clothing, a basic human need. In Genesis 3:21, “The LORD God made garments of skin for Adam and his wife and clothed them,” showing God Himself meets this need.

Isaiah 58:7 urges, “Is it not to share your bread with the hungry and to bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see the naked, to cover him?” Caring for the unclothed is part of authentic worship.

James 2:15-16 warns that faith without action is dead if we say, “‘Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,’ but do nothing about his physical needs.”

1 John 3:17 presses the point: withholding compassion contradicts God’s love.

• Clothing the needy therefore becomes concrete evidence that Christ lives in us (Ephesians 2:10). When we dress the destitute, Jesus counts it as clothing Him.


I was sick and you looked after Me

• The Lord speaks of hands-on care: visiting, feeding, cleaning, comforting. In Matthew 10:8 He told the Twelve, “Heal the sick… freely you have received, freely give.”

• The Good Samaritan “bandaged his wounds… and took care of him” (Luke 10:34). Jesus highlights practical mercy, not mere sentiment.

James 5:14-15 urges the church to pray over the sick, anointing with oil. Galatians 6:2 adds, “Carry one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”

• Whether illness is temporary or chronic, believers step in, reflecting Christ’s compassion shown in Matthew 14:14 when He “was moved with compassion for them and healed their sick.”

• Looking after the sick displays faith that works through love (Galatians 5:6) and reassures the sufferer that God has not forgotten them.


I was in prison and you visited Me

• Jesus identifies with prisoners, many of whom suffer injustice, isolation, or the consequences of sin. Hebrews 13:3 commands, “Remember those in prison as if you were bound with them.”

• Paul experienced this comfort: “Onesiphorus often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chains… he searched hard for me until he found me” (2 Timothy 1:16-17).

Acts 12:5 shows the church praying earnestly for Peter while he was imprisoned, coupling spiritual support with concern for his release.

• Even under arrest, Paul still called himself “an ambassador in chains” (Ephesians 6:20), reminding us that Christ’s mission reaches behind bars.

• Visiting prisoners declares the gospel’s power to redeem the worst past and affirms every soul’s value before God (Luke 4:18).


summary

Matthew 25:36 teaches that genuine discipleship displays itself in tangible mercy. Clothing the naked, caring for the sick, and visiting prisoners are not optional extras; they are everyday opportunities to serve Jesus Himself. Such acts do not earn salvation, but they unmistakably reveal a heart transformed by His grace and committed to loving others as He first loved us.

(36) Ye visited me.--The Greek word is somewhat stronger than the modern meaning of the English, and includes "looking after," "caring for." The verb is formed from the same root as Episcopos, the bishop, or overseer of the Church.

Verse 36. - Ye visited me. The visitation of the sick has become a common term among us. It implies properly going to see, though other ideas are connoted. Ye came unto me. It was easier in those days to visit friends in prison than it is at the present time. Good men, if they could not obtain release of prisoners, might comfort and sympathize with them. The seven corporal works of mercy which antiquity has endorsed have been preserved in the mnemonic line, "Visito, poto, cibo, redimo, tego, colligo, condo. All these might be performed by non-Christians who professed the fear of God and followed the guidance of conscience. God never leaves himself without witness; his Spirit strives with man, and in the absence of higher and completer revelation, to be wholly guided by these inner motions is to work out salvation, as far as circumstances allow, and in a certain restricted sense. In a universal judgment regard is had to this consideration. "In return for what do they receive such things? For the covering of a roof, for a garment, for bread, for cold water, for visiting, for going into the prison. For indeed in every case it is for what is needed; and sometimes not even for that. For surely the sick and he that is in bonds seek not for this only, but the one to be loosed, the other to be delivered from his infirmity. But he, being gracious, requires only what is within our power, or rather even less than what is within our power, leaving to us to exert our generosity in doing more" (St. Chrysostom, in loc.).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
[I was] naked
γυμνὸς (gymnos)
Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 1131: Rarely: stark-naked; generally: wearing only the under-garment; bare, open, manifest; mere. Of uncertain affinity; nude.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

you clothed
περιεβάλετέ (periebalete)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 4016: From peri and ballo; to throw all around, i.e. Invest.

Me,
με (me)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.

I was sick
ἠσθένησα (ēsthenēsa)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 770: To be weak (physically: then morally), To be sick. From asthenes; to be feeble.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

you looked after
ἐπεσκέψασθέ (epeskepsasthe)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Middle - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 1980: To look upon, visit, look out, select.

Me,
με (me)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.

I was
ἤμην (ēmēn)
Verb - Imperfect Indicative Middle - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.

in
ἐν (en)
Preposition
Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.

prison
φυλακῇ (phylakē)
Noun - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 5438: From phulasso; a guarding or, the act, the person; figuratively, the place, the condition, or, the time, literally or figuratively.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

you visited
ἤλθατε (ēlthate)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 2064: To come, go.

Me.’
με (me)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.


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NT Gospels: Matthew 25:36 I was naked and you clothed me (Matt. Mat Mt)
Matthew 25:35
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