Bible Strands
Matthew 25:12
But he replied, ‘Truly I tell you, I do not know you.’
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — The master speaks to the late-arriving virgins immediately after they plead for him to open the wedding door.
The words — ἀμὴν (amēn) = "Truly" and οὐκ (ouk) = "not" frame the declaration, emphasizing the absolute negation of recognition.
The thread — The biblical pattern of divine recognition and being known appears in 1 Corinthians 8:3, John 10:27, and 2 Timothy 2:19.
Why it lands — It demands immediate, unceasing readiness, since last-minute appeals cannot override the finality of a closed door.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not.
Cross-references
- 1 Corinthians 8:3 But the one who loves God is known by God.
- John 10:27 My sheep listen to My voice; I know them, and they follow Me.
- 2 Timothy 2:19 Nevertheless, God’s firm foundation stands, bearing this seal: “The Lord knows those who are His,” and, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord must turn away from iniquity.”
- Luke 13:26 Then you will say, ‘We ate and drank with you, and you taught in our streets.’
- Psalms 1:6 For the LORD guards the path of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish.
- Psalms 5:5 The boastful cannot stand in Your presence; You hate all workers of iniquity.
- John 9:31 We know that God does not listen to sinners, but He does listen to the one who worships Him and does His will.
- Habakkuk 1:13 Your eyes are too pure to look upon evil, and You cannot tolerate wrongdoing. So why do You tolerate the faithless? Why are You silent while the wicked swallow up those more righteous than themselves?
- Galatians 4:9 But now that you know God, or rather are known by God, how is it that you are turning back to those weak and worthless principles? Do you wish to be enslaved by them all over again?