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class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/matthew/25.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/matthew/25.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />&#8220But he replied, &#8216Truly I tell you, I don&#8217t know you.&#8217<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/matthew/25.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />“But he called back, ‘Believe me, I don’t know you!’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/matthew/25.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />But he answered, ‘Truly, I say to you, I do not know you.’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/matthew/25.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />But he replied, ‘Truly I tell you, I do not know you.’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/matthew/25.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />And answering he said, 'Truly I say to you, I do not know you.'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/matthew/25.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/matthew/25.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />But he answered and said, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, I do not know you.’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/matthew/25.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />But he answered, ‘Truly I say to you, I do not know you.’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/matthew/25.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />&#8220But he answered, &#8216Truly I say to you, I do not know you.&#8217<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/matthew/25.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />“But he answered and said, ‘Truly I say to you, I do not know you.’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/matthew/25.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />But he answered and said, ‘Truly I say to you, I do not know you.’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/matthew/25.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />But He replied, ‘I assure you <i>and</i> most solemnly say to you, I do not know you [we have no relationship].’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/matthew/25.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />“He replied, ‘Truly I tell you, I don’t know you! ’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/matthew/25.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />&#8220But he replied, I assure you: I do not know you!&#8217 <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/matthew/25.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/matthew/25.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />But the groom replied, "I don't even know you!" <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/matthew/25.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/matthew/25.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />"But he answered them, 'I don't even know who you are!'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/matthew/25.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />'Certainly not! I don't know you,' the bridegroom answered." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/matthew/25.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />"But he replied, 'I tell all of you with certainty, I don't know you!' <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/matthew/25.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />But he replied, ?Truly I tell you, I do not know you.?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/matthew/25.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />But he replied, 'I tell you the truth, I do not know you!'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/matthew/25.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />But he answered, 'Truly I tell you, I do not know you.'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/matthew/25.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />But he answered and said, Verily I say to you, I know you not.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/matthew/25.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />"'In solemn truth I tell you,' he replied, 'I do not know you.'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/matthew/25.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />But he answered, ‘Most certainly I tell you, I don’t know you.’ <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/matthew/25.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />and he answering said, Truly I say to you, I have not known you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/matthew/25.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />And answering he said, 'Truly I say to you, I do not know you.'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/matthew/25.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> and he answering said, Verily I say to you, I have not known you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/matthew/25.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And he having answered said, Truly I say to you, I know you not.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/matthew/25.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />But he answering said: Amen I say to you, I know you not. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/matthew/25.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />But he responded by saying, ‘Amen I say to you, I do not know you.’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/matthew/25.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />But he said in reply, ‘Amen, I say to you, I do not know you.’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/matthew/25.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />But he replied, ‘Truly I tell you, I do not know you.’<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/matthew/25.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />But he answered and said to them, Truly I say to you, I do not know you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/aramaic-plain-english/matthew/25.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a></span><br />But he answered and said to them, 'Amen, I say to you, that I do not know you.'<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/matthew/25.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />But he answered and said: Verily I say to you, I know you not.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/matthew/25.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br /><FR>And he responding, said; Truly I say unto you, I know you not.<Fr><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/matthew/25.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />But he answering said, Verily, I know you not.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/matthew/25.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />Lord, Lord, pray let us in, but he answered, I assure you, I know you not.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/matthew/25.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />"'In solemn truth I tell you,' he replied, 'I do not know you.'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/matthew/25.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br /><FR>But he, answering, said, 'Verily I say to you, I know you not.'<Fr><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/matthew/25.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br /><FR>but he answered <Fr><i>them</i><FR>, Verily I declare unto you, I do not know you.<Fr><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/matthew/25-12.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hriiyJYqzvc?start=7546" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/matthew/25.htm">The Parable of the Ten Virgins</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">11</span>Later the other virgins arrived and said, ‘Lord, lord, open the door for us!’ <span class="reftext">12</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc.">But</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: Ho (Art-NMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/611.htm" title="611: apokritheis (V-APP-NMS) -- From apo and krino; to conclude for oneself, i.e. to respond; by Hebraism to begin to speak.">he replied,</a> <a href="/greek/2036.htm" title="2036: eipen (V-AIA-3S) -- Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say."></a> <a href="/greek/281.htm" title="281: Amēn (Heb) -- Of Hebrew origin; properly, firm, i.e. trustworthy; adverbially, surely.">‘Truly</a> <a href="/greek/3004.htm" title="3004: legō (V-PIA-1S) -- (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command. ">I tell</a> <a href="/greek/4771.htm" title="4771: hymin (PPro-D2P) -- You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.">you,</a> <a href="/greek/3756.htm" title="3756: ouk (Adv) -- No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not."></a> <a href="/greek/1492.htm" title="1492: oida (V-RIA-1S) -- To know, remember, appreciate. ">I do not know</a> <a href="/greek/4771.htm" title="4771: hymas (PPro-A2P) -- You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.">you.’</a> </span> <span class="reftext">13</span>Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/7-21.htm">Matthew 7:21-23</a></span><br />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!’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/13-25.htm">Luke 13:25-27</a></span><br />After the master of the house gets up and shuts the door, you will stand outside knocking and saying, ‘Lord, open the door for us.’ But he will reply, ‘I do not know where you are from.’ / Then you will say, ‘We ate and drank with you, and you taught in our streets.’ / And he will answer, ‘I tell you, I do not know where you are from. Depart from me, all you evildoers.’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/10-14.htm">John 10:14</a></span><br />I am the good shepherd. I know My sheep and My sheep know Me,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_timothy/2-19.htm">2 Timothy 2:19</a></span><br />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.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/2-24.htm">John 2:24-25</a></span><br />But Jesus did not entrust Himself to them, for He knew them all. / He did not need any testimony about man, for He knew what was in a man.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_john/2-4.htm">1 John 2:4</a></span><br />If anyone says, “I know Him,” but does not keep His commandments, he is a liar, and the truth is not in him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hosea/5-6.htm">Hosea 5:6</a></span><br />They go with their flocks and herds to seek the LORD, but they do not find Him; He has withdrawn Himself from them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/amos/8-11.htm">Amos 8:11-12</a></span><br />Behold, the days are coming, declares the Lord GOD, when I will send a famine on the land—not a famine of bread or a thirst for water, but a famine of hearing the words of the LORD. / People will stagger from sea to sea and roam from north to east, seeking the word of the LORD, but they will not find it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/1-28.htm">Proverbs 1:28-29</a></span><br />Then they will call on me, but I will not answer; they will earnestly seek me, but will not find me. / For they hated knowledge and chose not to fear the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/55-6.htm">Isaiah 55:6</a></span><br />Seek the LORD while He may be found; call on Him while He is near.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/11-11.htm">Jeremiah 11:11</a></span><br />Therefore this is what the LORD says: ‘I am about to bring upon them a disaster that they cannot escape. They will cry out to Me, but I will not listen to them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/8-18.htm">Ezekiel 8:18</a></span><br />Therefore I will respond with wrath. I will not look on them with pity, nor will I spare them. Although they shout loudly in My ears, I will not listen to them.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/18-41.htm">Psalm 18:41</a></span><br />They cried for help, but there was no one to save them—to the LORD, but He did not answer.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/66-18.htm">Psalm 66:18</a></span><br />If I had cherished iniquity in my heart, the Lord would not have listened.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/1-15.htm">Isaiah 1:15</a></span><br />When you spread out your hands in prayer, I will hide My eyes from you; even though you multiply your prayers, I will not listen. Your hands are covered with blood.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">But he answered and said, Truly I say to you, I know you not.</p><p class="hdg">I know.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/1-6.htm">Psalm 1:6</a></b></br> For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/5-5.htm">Psalm 5:5</a></b></br> The foolish shall not stand in thy sight: thou hatest all workers of iniquity.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/habakkuk/1-13.htm">Habakkuk 1:13</a></b></br> <i>Thou art</i> of purer eyes than to behold evil, and canst not look on iniquity: wherefore lookest thou upon them that deal treacherously, <i>and</i> holdest thy tongue when the wicked devoureth <i>the man that is</i> more righteous than he?</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/matthew/24-47.htm">Solemn</a> <a href="/matthew/24-47.htm">Truth</a> <a href="/matthew/24-47.htm">Verily</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/matthew/25-40.htm">Solemn</a> <a href="/matthew/25-40.htm">Truth</a> <a href="/matthew/25-40.htm">Verily</a><div class="vheading2">Matthew 25</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/matthew/25-1.htm">The parable of the ten virgins,</a></span><br><span class="reftext">14. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/matthew/25-14.htm">and of the talents.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">31. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/matthew/25-31.htm">Also the description of the last judgment.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/matthew/25.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/matthew/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/matthew/25.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>But he replied</b><br>This phrase indicates a response from the bridegroom in the parable of the ten virgins. The context is a wedding feast, a common cultural event in ancient Jewish society, symbolizing the kingdom of heaven. The bridegroom represents Jesus Christ, and His reply signifies a moment of judgment. In biblical times, a reply from a figure of authority, such as a bridegroom, carried significant weight, often determining one's inclusion or exclusion from an event.<p><b>Truly I tell you</b><br>This phrase is a solemn declaration, often used by Jesus to emphasize the truth and importance of His words. It is akin to an oath, underscoring the certainty and seriousness of the statement. The use of "truly" (Greek: "amen") is a hallmark of Jesus' teaching style, indicating that what follows is of utmost importance and should be heeded carefully.<p><b>I do not know you</b><br>This statement is a declaration of exclusion and lack of relationship. In the cultural context, knowing someone implied a personal relationship and acceptance. Theologically, this phrase highlights the necessity of a genuine relationship with Christ for entry into the kingdom of heaven. It echoes other scriptural warnings, such as in <a href="/matthew/7-21.htm">Matthew 7:21-23</a>, where Jesus speaks of those who perform works in His name but lack a true relationship with Him. This phrase serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of being spiritually prepared and known by Christ.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_bridegroom.htm">The Bridegroom</a></b><br>Represents Jesus Christ in the parable of the ten virgins. He is the central figure whose arrival is anticipated.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_ten_virgins.htm">The Ten Virgins</a></b><br>Symbolize believers who are waiting for the return of Christ. They are divided into wise and foolish based on their preparedness.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_wedding_feast.htm">The Wedding Feast</a></b><br>Represents the Kingdom of Heaven and the ultimate union of Christ with His Church.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_door.htm">The Door</a></b><br>Symbolizes the opportunity for salvation and entry into the Kingdom of Heaven, which is closed to the unprepared.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_foolish_virgins.htm">The Foolish Virgins</a></b><br>Those who were not prepared for the bridegroom's arrival, representing believers who lack genuine faith and readiness.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_readiness.htm">The Importance of Readiness</a></b><br>Believers must live in a state of spiritual preparedness, always ready for Christ's return.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/genuine_relationship_with_christ.htm">Genuine Relationship with Christ</a></b><br>It is not enough to merely profess faith; one must cultivate a true relationship with Jesus.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_consequences_of_unpreparedness.htm">The Consequences of Unpreparedness</a></b><br>The parable warns of the eternal consequences of not being ready when Christ returns.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/self-examination.htm">Self-Examination</a></b><br>Regularly assess your spiritual life to ensure you are living in accordance with God's will and maintaining a vibrant relationship with Him.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/u/urgency_of_salvation.htm">Urgency of Salvation</a></b><br>The time to secure your relationship with Christ is now, as the opportunity may not always be available.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_matthew_25.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Matthew 25</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/who_was_saint_martin_of_tours.htm">Who was Saint Martin of Tours?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_on_almsgiving.htm">What does the Bible say about almsgiving?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_does_god_withhold_clarity,_then_blame.htm">(Deut 29:4) Why would God withhold understanding and clarity from His people, then hold them responsible for disobedience?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_is_god's_justice_shown_in_matt_25_24-30.htm">How can the harsh judgment on the servant in Matthew 25:24-30 be reconciled with a supposedly just and merciful God?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/matthew/25.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(12) <span class= "bld">I know you not.</span>--The sentence of rejection is clothed in the same language as in <a href="/matthew/7-23.htm" title="And then will I profess to them, I never knew you: depart from me, you that work iniquity.">Matthew 7:23</a>. The Lord " are His" (<a href="/2_timothy/2-19.htm" title="Nevertheless the foundation of God stands sure, having this seal, The Lord knows them that are his. And, Let every one that names the name of Christ depart from iniquity.">2Timothy 2:19</a>), and their blessedness will be to know Him even as they are known (<a href="/1_corinthians/13-12.htm" title="For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.">1Corinthians 13:12</a>).<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/matthew/25.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 12.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">I know you not.</span> They had not been in the bridal company, nor joined in the festive procession, so the bridegroom could only answer from within that he had no knowledge of them. What is meant spiritually by this rejection is doubtful. This is not a solitary instance of the use of the expression. In the sermon on the mount Christ declared that his sentence on those that professed, but practised not, would be, "I never knew you: depart from me!" (<a href="/matthew/7-23.htm">Matthew 7:23</a>). He is said to know those whom he approves and acknowledges to be his (see <a href="/john/10-14.htm">John 10:14</a>). God says of Abraham, "I know him" (<a href="/genesis/18-19.htm">Genesis 18:19</a>) and of Moses, "I know thee by name" (<a href="/exodus/33-12.htm">Exodus 33:12</a>). To be known of God is a higher blessing than to know God (<a href="/galatians/4-9.htm">Galatians 4:9</a>). Many think that the words of our text imply utter reprobation. So Nosgen; and Chrysostom writes, "When he hath said this, nothing else but hell is left, and that intolerable punishment; or rather, this word is more grievous even than hell. This word he speaks also to them that work iniquity." But we must observe that in the present ease we have not the terrible addition, "Depart from me!" The sentence of exclusion from Christ's presence is not equivalent to that in ver. 41, which dooms souls to the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels. These five virgins had received the grace of God, and used it well for a time, and only failed at the last for lack of care and watchfulness. They had still some love for the Lord, still desired to serve him; it is not conceivable that they should suffer the same punishment as the utterly godless and profane, whose wickedness was perfect and Satanic. Doubtless they were punished; but as there are degrees of happiness in heaven, so there may be gradation of pains and penalties for those debarred from its blessings (see <a href="/1_corinthians/3-15.htm">1 Corinthians 3:15</a>). But it is not improbable that the exclusion in the first place refers to the deprivation of participation in Messiah's future kingdom, whatever that may be, according to the vision in <a href="/revelation/20.htm">Revelation 20</a>, and that the proceedings at the final judgment are not here intended. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/matthew/25-12.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div><span class="word">But</span><br /><span class="grk">δὲ</span> <span class="translit">(de)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1161.htm">Strong's 1161: </a> </span><span class="str2">A primary particle; but, and, etc.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">he replied,</span><br /><span class="grk">ἀποκριθεὶς</span> <span class="translit">(apokritheis)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Aorist Participle Passive - Nominative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_611.htm">Strong's 611: </a> </span><span class="str2">From apo and krino; to conclude for oneself, i.e. to respond; by Hebraism to begin to speak.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">‘Truly</span><br /><span class="grk">Ἀμὴν</span> <span class="translit">(Amēn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Hebrew Word <br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_281.htm">Strong's 281: </a> </span><span class="str2">Of Hebrew origin; properly, firm, i.e. trustworthy; adverbially, surely.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">I tell</span><br /><span class="grk">λέγω</span> <span class="translit">(legō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3004.htm">Strong's 3004: </a> </span><span class="str2">(a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">you,</span><br /><span class="grk">ὑμῖν</span> <span class="translit">(hymin)</span><br /><span class="parse">Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 2nd Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4771.htm">Strong's 4771: </a> </span><span class="str2">You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">I do not know</span><br /><span class="grk">οἶδα</span> <span class="translit">(oida)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Perfect Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1492.htm">Strong's 1492: </a> </span><span class="str2">To know, remember, appreciate. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">you.’</span><br /><span class="grk">ὑμᾶς</span> <span class="translit">(hymas)</span><br /><span class="parse">Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 2nd Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4771.htm">Strong's 4771: </a> </span><span class="str2">You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/matthew/25-12.htm">Matthew 25:12 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/matthew/25-12.htm">Matthew 25:12 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/matthew/25-12.htm">Matthew 25:12 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/matthew/25-12.htm">Matthew 25:12 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/matthew/25-12.htm">Matthew 25:12 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/matthew/25-12.htm">Matthew 25:12 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/matthew/25-12.htm">Matthew 25:12 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/matthew/25-12.htm">Matthew 25:12 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/matthew/25-12.htm">Matthew 25:12 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/matthew/25-12.htm">Matthew 25:12 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/matthew/25-12.htm">NT Gospels: Matthew 25:12 But he answered 'Most certainly I tell (Matt. Mat Mt) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/matthew/25-11.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Matthew 25:11"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Matthew 25:11" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/matthew/25-13.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Matthew 25:13"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Matthew 25:13" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>