Bible Strands
Matthew 25:35
For 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,
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — The King addresses those positioned on His right hand, directing them to inherit a kingdom prepared from the foundation of the world (Matthew 25:34). He delivers this declaration during the final judgment scene.
The words — The conjunction γὰρ (gar) means "for," linking the royal invitation to its justification. The verb ἐδώκατέ (edōkate) translates literally as "you gave," highlighting the direct action of the hearers.
The thread — This pattern of meeting physical needs appears in James 2:15, which poses the scenario of a sibling lacking daily food and clothing. Deuteronomy 15:7 commands providing for a poor man within the gates of the promised land.
Why it lands — The text identifies the speaker's past states of hunger, thirst, and strangerhood with the practical actions of the hearers. It requires the reader to recognize direct service to the King through tangible provision for the marginalized.
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
For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in:
Cross-references
- 1 John 3:16 By this we know what love is: Jesus laid down His life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers.
- James 2:15 Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food.
- Deuteronomy 15:7 If there is a poor man among your brothers within any of the gates in the land that the LORD your God is giving you, then you are not to harden your heart or shut your hand from your poor brother.
- 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.
- Ezekiel 18:16 He does not oppress another, or retain a pledge, or commit robbery. He gives his bread to the hungry and covers the naked with clothing.
- Hebrews 13:16 And do not neglect to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.
- James 1:27 Pure and undefiled religion before our God and Father is this: to care for orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.
- Hebrews 13:1 Continue in brotherly love.
- 1 Peter 4:9 Show hospitality to one another without complaining.
- Romans 12:13 Share with the saints who are in need. Practice hospitality.