Bible Strands
Matthew 25:42
For I was hungry and you gave Me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave Me nothing to drink,
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Jesus addresses those placed on His left during the final judgment, recounting their failure to respond to His physical needs. The speaker identifies Himself with the suffering to explain the basis for their condemnation.
The words — The Greek ἐπείνασα (epeinasa) literally means "I hungered," while οὐκ ἐδώκατε (ouk edōkate) translates to "you gave nothing." These terms establish a direct contrast between Christ's stated need and the listeners' inaction.
The thread — This theme of neglecting physical needs appears in James 2:15, while Matthew 12:30 frames the binary choice of alignment with Christ. The immediate context in Matthew 25:41–43 expands the list to include hospitality, clothing, and care for the sick and imprisoned.
Why it lands — The text states that failure to provide food and drink to the speaker results in condemnation. It requires readers to recognize that practical service to others constitutes direct service to Christ.
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 no meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink:
Cross-references
- James 2:15 Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food.
- 1 Corinthians 16:22 If anyone does not love the Lord, let him be under a curse. Come, O Lord!
- Matthew 12:30 He who is not with Me is against Me, and he who does not gather with Me scatters.
- John 5:23 so that all may honor the Son just as they honor the Father. Whoever does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent Him.
- 2 Thessalonians 1:8 in blazing fire, inflicting vengeance on those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus.
- Amos 6:6 You drink wine by the bowlful and anoint yourselves with the finest oils, but you fail to grieve over the ruin of Joseph.
- Matthew 10:37 Anyone who loves his father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me; anyone who loves his son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me;
- 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,
- John 8:42 Jesus said to them, “If God were your Father, you would love Me, for I have come here from God. I have not come on My own, but He sent Me.
- John 14:21 Whoever has My commandments and keeps them is the one who loves Me. The one who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and reveal Myself to him.”