Matthew 25:44
New International Version
“They also will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?’

New Living Translation
“Then they will reply, ‘Lord, when did we ever see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and not help you?’

English Standard Version
Then they also will answer, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to you?’

Berean Standard Bible
And they too will reply, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to You?’

Berean Literal Bible
Then they also will answer, saying, 'Lord, when did we see You hungering, or thirsting, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister to You?'

King James Bible
Then shall they also answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto thee?

New King James Version
“Then they also will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to You?’

New American Standard Bible
Then they themselves also will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry, or thirsty, or as a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not take care of You?’

NASB 1995
“Then they themselves also will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry, or thirsty, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not take care of You?’

NASB 1977
“Then they themselves also will answer, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry, or thirsty, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not take care of You?’

Legacy Standard Bible
Then they themselves also will answer, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry, or thirsty, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not take care of You?’

Amplified Bible
Then they also [in their turn] will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry, or thirsty, or as a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister to You?’

Christian Standard Bible
“Then they too will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry, or thirsty, or a stranger, or without clothes, or sick, or in prison, and not help you? ’

Holman Christian Standard Bible
“Then they too will answer, Lord, when did we see You hungry, or thirsty, or a stranger, or without clothes, or sick, or in prison, and not help You?’

American Standard Version
Then shall they also answer, saying, Lord, when saw we thee hungry, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto thee?

Contemporary English Version
Then the people will ask, "Lord, when did we fail to help you when you were hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in jail?"

English Revised Version
Then shall they also answer, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto thee?

GOD'S WORD® Translation
"They, too, will ask, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or as a stranger or in need of clothes or sick or in prison and didn't help you?'

Good News Translation
Then they will answer him, 'When, Lord, did we ever see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and we would not help you?'

International Standard Version
"Then they will reply, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or as a stranger or naked or sick or in prison and didn't help you?'

Majority Standard Bible
And they too will reply, ?Lord, when did we see You hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to You??

NET Bible
Then they too will answer, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not give you whatever you needed?'

New Heart English Bible
"Then they will also answer, saying, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry, or thirsty, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not help you?'

Webster's Bible Translation
Then will they also answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee hungry, or thirsty, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister to thee?

Weymouth New Testament
"Then will they also answer, "'Lord, when did we see Thee hungry or thirsty or homeless or ill-clad or sick or in prison, and not come to serve Thee?'

World English Bible
“Then they will also answer, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry, or thirsty, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and didn’t help you?’
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
Then they will answer, they also, saying, Lord, when did we see You hungering, or thirsting, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and we did not minister to You?

Berean Literal Bible
Then they also will answer, saying, 'Lord, when did we see You hungering, or thirsting, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister to You?'

Young's Literal Translation
'Then shall they answer, they also, saying, Lord, when did we see thee hungering, or thirsting, or a stranger, or naked, or infirm, or in prison, and we did not minister to thee?

Smith's Literal Translation
Then shall they answer him, they also saying, Lord, when saw we thee hungry, or thirsty, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and attended not to thee?
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Then they also shall answer him, saying: Lord, when did we see thee hungry, or thirsty, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister to thee?

Catholic Public Domain Version
Then they will also answer him, saying: ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry, or thirsty, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister to you?’

New American Bible
Then they will answer and say, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or ill or in prison, and not minister to your needs?’

New Revised Standard Version
Then they also will answer, ‘Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not take care of you?’
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Then they also will answer and say, Our lord, when did we see you hungry, or thirsty, or a stranger, or naked, or sick or in the prison, and did not minister to you?

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
And those will answer, and they will say, 'Our Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and we did not minister to you?'
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
Then they also will answer, and say: Lord, when did we see thee hungry, or thirsty, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister to thee?

Godbey New Testament
Then will they also respond, saying, Lord, when saw we thee hungry, or thirsty, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and ministered not unto thee?

Haweis New Testament
Then shall they also answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee hungry, or thirsty, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto thee?

Mace New Testament
then will they answer, Lord, when did we see thee in hunger, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto thee?

Weymouth New Testament
"Then will they also answer, "'Lord, when did we see Thee hungry or thirsty or homeless or ill-clad or sick or in prison, and not come to serve Thee?'

Worrell New Testament
"Then will they also answer, saying, 'Lord, when did we see Thee hungering, or thirsting, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister to Thee?'

Worsley New Testament
Then will they also answer Him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee famishing, or a-thirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not relieve thee?

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Sheep and the Goats
43I was a stranger and you did not take Me in, I was naked and you did not clothe Me, I was sick and in prison and you did not visit Me.’ 44And they too will reply, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to You?’ 45Then the King will answer, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for Me.’…

Cross References
Matthew 7:21-23
Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of My Father in heaven. / Many will say to Me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’ / Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you workers of lawlessness!’

Luke 6:46
Why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ but do not do what I say?

James 2:14-17
What good is it, my brothers, if someone claims to have faith, but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? / 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? ...

1 John 3:17-18
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? / Little children, let us love not in word and speech, but in action and truth.

Isaiah 58:6-7
Isn’t this the fast that I have chosen: to break the chains of wickedness, to untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and tear off every yoke? / 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?

Ezekiel 18:7-9
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. / He does not engage in usury or take excess interest, but he withholds his hand from iniquity and executes true justice between men. / He follows My statutes and faithfully keeps My ordinances. That man is righteous; surely he will live, declares the Lord GOD.

Proverbs 21:13
Whoever shuts his ears to the cry of the poor, he too shall cry out and receive no answer.

Galatians 6:7-10
Do not be deceived: God is not to be mocked. Whatever a man sows, he will reap in return. / The one who sows to please his flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; but the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. / Let us not grow weary in well-doing, for in due time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. ...

Romans 2:13
For it is not the hearers of the law who are righteous before God, but it is the doers of the law who will be declared righteous.

1 Corinthians 13:1-3
If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a ringing gong or a clanging cymbal. / If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have absolute faith so as to move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. / If I give all I possess to the poor and exult in the surrender of my body, but have not love, I gain nothing.

Luke 10:25-37
One day an expert in the law stood up to test Him. “Teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?” / “What is written in the Law?” Jesus replied. “How do you read it?” / He answered, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’ and ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” ...

Micah 6:8
He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you but to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?

Amos 5:21-24
“I hate, I despise your feasts! I cannot stand the stench of your solemn assemblies. / Even though you offer Me burnt offerings and grain offerings, I will not accept them; for your peace offerings of fattened cattle I will have no regard. / Take away from Me the noise of your songs! I will not listen to the music of your harps. ...

Isaiah 1:16-17
Wash and cleanse yourselves. Remove your evil deeds from My sight. Stop doing evil! / Learn to do right; seek justice and correct the oppressor. Defend the fatherless and plead the case of the widow.”

Jeremiah 22:15-16
Does it make you a king to excel in cedar? Did not your father have food and drink? He administered justice and righteousness, and so it went well with him. / He took up the cause of the poor and needy, and so it went well with him. Is this not what it means to know Me?” declares the LORD.


Treasury of Scripture

Then shall they also answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we you an hungered, or thirsty, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister to you?

when.

Matthew 25:24-27
Then he which had received the one talent came and said, Lord, I knew thee that thou art an hard man, reaping where thou hast not sown, and gathering where thou hast not strawed: …

Matthew 7:22
Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?

1 Samuel 15:13-15,20,21
And Samuel came to Saul: and Saul said unto him, Blessed be thou of the LORD: I have performed the commandment of the LORD…

Jump to Previous
Athirst Care Clothing Drink Food Help Homeless Hungering Hungred Hungry Ill Ill-Clad Infirm Minister Naked Need Needing Prison Serve Sick Stranger Themselves Thirsting Thirsty Wandering
Jump to Next
Athirst Care Clothing Drink Food Help Homeless Hungering Hungred Hungry Ill Ill-Clad Infirm Minister Naked Need Needing Prison Serve Sick Stranger Themselves Thirsting Thirsty Wandering
Matthew 25
1. The parable of the ten virgins,
14. and of the talents.
31. Also the description of the last judgment.














And they too will reply
This phrase indicates a response from those on the left, the goats, in the parable of the sheep and the goats. The Greek word for "reply" is "apokrinomai," which means to answer or respond. This response is significant as it shows a sense of surprise and defensiveness. Historically, this reflects the human tendency to justify oneself when confronted with wrongdoing, highlighting the importance of self-awareness and accountability in Christian life.

‘Lord
The use of "Lord" here is crucial. The Greek word "Kyrios" denotes authority and divinity. Even those who are being judged recognize Jesus' lordship, which underscores the universal acknowledgment of Christ's authority. This reflects Philippians 2:10-11, where every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. It serves as a reminder of the ultimate sovereignty of Christ over all creation.

when did we see You
This phrase reveals a lack of awareness or understanding. The Greek "pote" (when) and "horao" (see) suggest a failure to perceive or recognize. This blindness to the needs of others is a spiritual condition that Jesus warns against. It emphasizes the importance of spiritual vigilance and the call to see Christ in every person, especially the least and the lost.

hungry or thirsty
These physical needs are representative of basic human necessities. The Greek words "peinao" (hungry) and "dipsao" (thirsty) are often used in Scripture to symbolize spiritual hunger and thirst for righteousness (Matthew 5:6). This dual meaning encourages believers to address both physical and spiritual needs, reflecting the holistic nature of Christian ministry.

or a stranger
The term "stranger" comes from the Greek "xenos," meaning foreigner or outsider. In biblical times, hospitality to strangers was a significant cultural and religious duty. This highlights the call to welcome and care for those who are different or marginalized, reflecting God's inclusive love and the church's mission to be a welcoming community.

or naked
"Naked" translates from the Greek "gymnos," indicating a lack of clothing and, by extension, vulnerability and shame. Clothing the naked is a metaphor for restoring dignity and providing protection. This act of mercy is a tangible expression of God's love and a reflection of the believer's call to cover others with grace and compassion.

or sick
The Greek word "asthenes" for "sick" implies weakness or infirmity. Ministering to the sick is a direct reflection of Jesus' healing ministry. It calls Christians to be agents of healing and comfort, both physically and spiritually, embodying the compassion of Christ to those who suffer.

or in prison
"Prison" in Greek is "phylake," which can also mean a place of guarding or confinement. Visiting those in prison is an act of mercy that acknowledges the humanity and worth of every individual, regardless of their circumstances. It challenges believers to extend grace and hope to those who are often forgotten or judged by society.

and did not minister to You?
The word "minister" comes from the Greek "diakoneo," meaning to serve or attend to. This service is not just about meeting physical needs but is an act of worship and obedience to Christ. The question posed here is rhetorical, highlighting the missed opportunities to serve Jesus through serving others. It serves as a sobering reminder of the call to active faith, where love for God is demonstrated through love for neighbor.

(44) When saw we thee . . .?--There is, as before, an unconsciousness of the greatness of the things that had been done for good or evil. Men thought that they were only neglecting their fellow men, and were, it may be, thinking that they had wronged no man. It is significant that the sins here are, all of them, sins of omission. As in the case of the parable of the Talents, the opportunities (here those that are common to all men, as there those that attached to some office or ministry in the Church) have simply not been used.

Verse 44. - Then shall they also answer [him]. Not in words, for at that time objection and expostulation would not be allowed, but in thought, "standing at the judgment seat, yet ceasing not to sin." There is a certain self-confidence in their reply, very different from the humility and misgiving of the righteous. When saw we thee, etc.? They put all these neglected duties in a careless summary. They had never thought of Christ in the matter: were they to be condemned for this? Some had never even heard of Christ, never been taught faith in him: was this their fault? This is the line which their self-justification took; there was nothing of love, nothing of humility.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
And
Τότε (Tote)
Adverb
Strong's 5119: Then, at that time. From ho and hote; the when, i.e. At the time that.

they
αὐτοὶ (autoi)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative Masculine 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

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

will reply,
ἀποκριθήσονται (apokrithēsontai)
Verb - Future Indicative Passive - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 611: From apo and krino; to conclude for oneself, i.e. to respond; by Hebraism to begin to speak.

‘Lord,
Κύριε (Kyrie)
Noun - Vocative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2962: Lord, master, sir; the Lord. From kuros; supreme in authority, i.e. controller; by implication, Master.

when
πότε (pote)
Conjunction
Strong's 4219: When, at what time. From the base of pou and te; interrogative adverb, at what time.

did we see
εἴδομεν (eidomen)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 1st Person Plural
Strong's 3708: Properly, to stare at, i.e. to discern clearly; by extension, to attend to; by Hebraism, to experience; passively, to appear.

You
σε (se)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.

hungry
πεινῶντα (peinōnta)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3983: To be hungry, needy, desire earnestly. From the same as penes; to famish; figuratively, to crave.

or
(ē)
Conjunction
Strong's 2228: Or, than. A primary particle of distinction between two connected terms; disjunctive, or; comparative, than.

thirsty
διψῶντα (dipsōnta)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 1372: To thirst for, desire earnestly. From a variation of dipsos; to thirst for.

or
(ē)
Conjunction
Strong's 2228: Or, than. A primary particle of distinction between two connected terms; disjunctive, or; comparative, than.

a stranger
ξένον (xenon)
Adjective - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3581: Apparently a primary word; foreign; by implication, a guest or entertainer.

or
(ē)
Conjunction
Strong's 2228: Or, than. A primary particle of distinction between two connected terms; disjunctive, or; comparative, than.

naked
γυμνὸν (gymnon)
Adjective - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 1131: Rarely: stark-naked; generally: wearing only the under-garment; bare, open, manifest; mere. Of uncertain affinity; nude.

or
(ē)
Conjunction
Strong's 2228: Or, than. A primary particle of distinction between two connected terms; disjunctive, or; comparative, than.

sick
ἀσθενῆ (asthenē)
Adjective - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 772: (lit: not strong), (a) weak (physically, or morally), (b) infirm, sick. Strengthless.

or
(ē)
Conjunction
Strong's 2228: Or, than. A primary particle of distinction between two connected terms; disjunctive, or; comparative, than.

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.

did not minister
διηκονήσαμέν (diēkonēsamen)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 1st Person Plural
Strong's 1247: From diakonos; to be an attendant, i.e. Wait upon (figuratively) teacher; technically, to act as a Christian deacon.

to You??
σοι (soi)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.


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NT Gospels: Matthew 25:44 Then they will also answer saying 'Lord (Matt. Mat Mt)
Matthew 25:43
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