CINXE.COM

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Matthew 25:43 I 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.'</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/matthew/25-43.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/5/40_Mat_25_43.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Matthew 25:43 - The Sheep and the Goats" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="I 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.'" /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/matthew/25-43.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/matthew/25-43.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/matthew/">Matthew</a> > <a href="/matthew/25.htm">Chapter 25</a> > Verse 43</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad3.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/matthew/25-42.htm" title="Matthew 25:42">◄</a> Matthew 25:43 <a href="/matthew/25-44.htm" title="Matthew 25:44">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<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"><a href="/niv/matthew/25.htm">New International Version</a> I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.&#8217 <a href="/nlt/matthew/25.htm">New Living Translation</a> I was a stranger, and you didn’t invite me into your home. I was naked, and you didn’t give me clothing. I was sick and in prison, and you didn’t visit me.’ <a href="/esv/matthew/25.htm">English Standard Version</a> I was a stranger and you did not welcome me, naked and you did not clothe me, sick and in prison and you did not visit me.’ <a href="/bsb/matthew/25.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> I 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 look after Me.’ <a href="/blb/matthew/25.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> I was a stranger, and You did not take Me in; naked, and you did not clothe Me; sick and in prison, and you did not visit Me.' <a href="/kjv/matthew/25.htm">King James Bible</a> I was a stranger, and ye took me not in: naked, and ye clothed me not: sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not. <a href="/nkjv/matthew/25.htm">New King James Version</a> I was a stranger and you did not take Me in, naked and you did not clothe Me, sick and in prison and you did not visit Me.’ <a href="/nasb_/matthew/25.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> I was a stranger, and you did not invite Me in; naked, and you did not clothe Me; sick, and in prison, and you did not visit Me.’ <a href="/nasb/matthew/25.htm">NASB 1995</a> I was a stranger, and you did not invite Me in; naked, and you did not clothe Me; sick, and in prison, and you did not visit Me.&#8217 <a href="/nasb77/matthew/25.htm">NASB 1977 </a> I was a stranger, and you did not invite Me in; naked, and you did not clothe Me; sick, and in prison, and you did not visit Me.’ <a href="/lsb/matthew/25.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> I was a stranger, and you did not invite Me in; naked, and you did not clothe Me; sick, and in prison, and you did not visit Me.’ <a href="/amp/matthew/25.htm">Amplified Bible</a> I was a stranger, and you did not invite Me in; naked, and you did not clothe Me; sick, and in prison, and you did not visit Me [with help and ministering care].’ <a href="/csb/matthew/25.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> I was a stranger and you didn’t take me in; I was naked and you didn’t clothe me, sick and in prison and you didn’t take care of me.’ <a href="/hcsb/matthew/25.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> I was a stranger and you didn&#8217t take Me in; I was naked and you didn&#8217t clothe Me, sick and in prison and you didn&#8217t take care of Me.&#8217 <a href="/asv/matthew/25.htm">American Standard Version</a> I was a stranger, and ye took me not in; naked, and ye clothed me not; sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not. <a href="/cev/matthew/25.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> I was a stranger, but you did not welcome me, and I was naked, but you did not give me any clothes to wear. I was sick and in jail, but you did not take care of me." <a href="/erv/matthew/25.htm">English Revised Version</a> I was a stranger, and ye took me not in; naked, and ye clothed me not; sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not. <a href="/gwt/matthew/25.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> I was a stranger, and you didn't take me into your homes. I needed clothes, and you didn't give me anything to wear. I was sick and in prison, and you didn't take care of me.' <a href="/gnt/matthew/25.htm">Good News Translation</a> I was a stranger but you would not welcome me in your homes, naked but you would not clothe me; I was sick and in prison but you would not take care of me.' <a href="/isv/matthew/25.htm">International Standard Version</a> I was a stranger, and you didn't welcome me. I was naked, and you didn't clothe me. I was sick and in prison, and you didn't visit me.' <a href="/msb/matthew/25.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> I 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 look after Me.? <a href="/net/matthew/25.htm">NET Bible</a> I was a stranger and you did not receive me as a guest, naked and you did not clothe me, sick and in prison and you did not visit me.' <a href="/nheb/matthew/25.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> I was a stranger, and you did not take me in; naked, and you did not clothe me; sick, and in prison, and you did not visit me.' <a href="/wbt/matthew/25.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> I was a stranger, and ye took me not in: naked, and ye clothed me not: sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not. <a href="/wey/matthew/25.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> when homeless, you gave me no welcome; ill-clad, you clothed me not; sick or in prison, you visited me not.' <a href="/web/matthew/25.htm">World English Bible</a> I was a stranger, and you didn’t take me in; naked, and you didn’t clothe me; sick, and in prison, and you didn’t visit me.’ <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/matthew/25.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> I was a stranger, and you did not receive Me; naked, and you did not clothe Me; sick and in prison, and you did not look after Me. <a href="/blb/matthew/25.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> I was a stranger, and You did not take Me in; naked, and you did not clothe Me; sick and in prison, and you did not visit Me.' <a href="/ylt/matthew/25.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> a stranger I was, and ye did not receive me; naked, and ye put not around me; infirm, and in prison, and ye did not look after me. <a href="/slt/matthew/25.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> I was a stranger and ye brought me not in; naked, and ye put not around me; sick, and in prison, and ye took not a view of me.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/matthew/25.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> I was a stranger, and you took me not in: naked, and you covered me not: sick and in prison, and you did not visit me. <a href="/cpdv/matthew/25.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> I was a stranger and you did not take me in; naked, and you did not cover me; sick and in prison, and you did not visit me.’ <a href="/nabre/matthew/25.htm">New American Bible</a> a stranger and you gave me no welcome, naked and you gave me no clothing, ill and in prison, and you did not care for me.’ <a href="/nrsvce/matthew/25.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> I was a stranger and you did not welcome me, naked and you did not give me clothing, sick and in prison and you did not visit me.’<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/matthew/25.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> I was a stranger, and you did not take me in; I was naked, and you did not cover me; I was sick and in prison and you did not visit me. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/matthew/25.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> I 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 take care of me.'<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/matthew/25.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> I was a stranger, and you took me not to your houses; naked, and you did not clothe me; I was sick, and in prison, and you did not visit me. <a href="/godbey/matthew/25.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> <FR>I was a stranger and you took me not in; was naked, and you clothed me not; was sick, and in prison, and you visited me not.<Fr> <a href="/haweis/matthew/25.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> I was a stranger, and ye took me not in: naked, and ye did not clothe me: sick, and in prison, and ye took no care of me. <a href="/mace/matthew/25.htm">Mace New Testament</a> I was a stranger, and ye took me not in: naked, and ye clothed me not: sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not. <a href="/wey/matthew/25.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> when homeless, you gave me no welcome; ill-clad, you clothed me not; sick or in prison, you visited me not.' <a href="/worrell/matthew/25.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> <FR>I was a stranger, and ye took Me not in; naked, and ye did not clothe Me; sick, and in prison, and ye did not look after Me.'<Fr> <a href="/worsley/matthew/25.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> <FR>I was a stranger, and ye took me not in; naked, and ye clothed me not; sick, and in prison, and ye took no care of me.<Fr> <a href="/parallel/matthew/25-43.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hriiyJYqzvc?start=7833" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/matthew/25.htm">The Sheep and the Goats</a> …42For I was hungry and you gave Me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave Me nothing to drink, 43<a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: ēmēn (V-IIM-1S) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.">I was</a> <a href="/greek/3581.htm" title="3581: xenos (Adj-NMS) -- Apparently a primary word; foreign; by implication, a guest or entertainer.">a stranger</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/3756.htm" title="3756: ou (Adv) -- No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not."></a> <a href="/greek/4863.htm" title="4863: synēgagete (V-AIA-2P) -- From sun and ago; to lead together, i.e. Collect or convene; specially, to entertain.">you did not take Me in,</a> <a href="/greek/1473.htm" title="1473: me (PPro-A1S) -- I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I."></a> <a href="/greek/1131.htm" title="1131: gymnos (Adj-NMS) -- Rarely: stark-naked; generally: wearing only the under-garment; bare, open, manifest; mere. Of uncertain affinity; nude.">I was naked</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/3756.htm" title="3756: ou (Adv) -- No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not."></a> <a href="/greek/4016.htm" title="4016: periebalete (V-AIA-2P) -- From peri and ballo; to throw all around, i.e. Invest.">you did not clothe</a> <a href="/greek/1473.htm" title="1473: me (PPro-A1S) -- I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.">Me,</a> <a href="/greek/772.htm" title="772: asthenēs (Adj-AMS) -- (lit: not strong), (a) weak (physically, or morally), (b) infirm, sick. Strengthless.">I was sick</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/1722.htm" title="1722: en (Prep) -- In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; in, at, on, by, etc.">in</a> <a href="/greek/5438.htm" title="5438: phylakē (N-DFS) -- From phulasso; a guarding or, the act, the person; figuratively, the place, the condition, or, the time, literally or figuratively.">prison</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</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/1980.htm" title="1980: epeskepsasthe (V-AIM-2P) -- To look upon, visit, look out, select. ">you did not visit</a> <a href="/greek/1473.htm" title="1473: me (PPro-A1S) -- I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.">Me.’</a> 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?’…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/james/2-15.htm">James 2:15-16</a> 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? <a href="/isaiah/58-7.htm">Isaiah 58:7</a> 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? <a href="/ezekiel/18-7.htm">Ezekiel 18:7</a> 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. <a href="/hebrews/13-2.htm">Hebrews 13:2</a> Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it. <a href="/luke/10-30.htm">Luke 10:30-37</a> Jesus took up this question and said, “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho when he fell into the hands of robbers. They stripped him, beat him, and went away, leaving him half dead. / Now by chance a priest was going down the same road, but when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. / So too, when a Levite came to that spot and saw him, he passed by on the other side. ... <a href="/job/31-32.htm">Job 31:32</a> but no stranger had to lodge on the street, for my door has been open to the traveler— <a href="/1_john/3-17.htm">1 John 3:17</a> 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? <a href="/galatians/6-10.htm">Galatians 6:10</a> Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to the family of faith. <a href="/proverbs/21-13.htm">Proverbs 21:13</a> Whoever shuts his ears to the cry of the poor, he too shall cry out and receive no answer. <a href="/romans/12-13.htm">Romans 12:13</a> Share with the saints who are in need. Practice hospitality. <a href="/deuteronomy/15-7.htm">Deuteronomy 15:7-11</a> 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. / Instead, you are to open your hand to him and freely loan him whatever he needs. / Be careful not to harbor this wicked thought in your heart: “The seventh year, the year of release, is near,” so that you look upon your poor brother begrudgingly and give him nothing. He will cry out to the LORD against you, and you will be guilty of sin. ... <a href="/isaiah/1-17.htm">Isaiah 1:17</a> Learn to do right; seek justice and correct the oppressor. Defend the fatherless and plead the case of the widow.” <a href="/1_timothy/5-10.htm">1 Timothy 5:10</a> and well known for good deeds such as bringing up children, entertaining strangers, washing the feet of the saints, imparting relief to the afflicted, and devoting herself to every good work. <a href="/leviticus/19-34.htm">Leviticus 19:34</a> You must treat the foreigner living among you as native-born and love him as yourself, for you were foreigners in the land of Egypt. I am the LORD your God. <a href="/acts/20-35.htm">Acts 20:35</a> In everything, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words of the Lord Jesus Himself: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>I was a stranger, and you took me not in: naked, and you clothed me not: sick, and in prison, and you visited me not.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/matthew/25-38.htm">Clothe</a> <a href="/matthew/25-38.htm">Clothed</a> <a href="/matthew/25-38.htm">Clothes</a> <a href="/matthew/25-38.htm">Clothing</a> <a href="/matthew/25-38.htm">Homeless</a> <a href="/matthew/25-39.htm">Ill</a> <a href="/matthew/25-38.htm">Ill-Clad</a> <a href="/matthew/25-39.htm">Infirm</a> <a href="/matthew/25-38.htm">Invite</a> <a href="/matthew/25-38.htm">Naked</a> <a href="/matthew/25-36.htm">Needed</a> <a href="/matthew/25-39.htm">Prison</a> <a href="/matthew/25-34.htm">Receive</a> <a href="/matthew/25-39.htm">Sick</a> <a href="/matthew/25-38.htm">Stranger</a> <a href="/matthew/25-39.htm">Visit</a> <a href="/matthew/25-36.htm">Visited</a> <a href="/matthew/25-38.htm">Wandering</a> <a href="/matthew/25-38.htm">Welcome</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/mark/15-17.htm">Clothe</a> <a href="/matthew/27-31.htm">Clothed</a> <a href="/matthew/26-65.htm">Clothes</a> <a href="/matthew/25-44.htm">Clothing</a> <a href="/matthew/25-44.htm">Homeless</a> <a href="/matthew/25-44.htm">Ill</a> <a href="/matthew/25-44.htm">Ill-Clad</a> <a href="/matthew/25-44.htm">Infirm</a> <a href="/luke/14-12.htm">Invite</a> <a href="/matthew/25-44.htm">Naked</a> <a href="/luke/9-11.htm">Needed</a> <a href="/matthew/25-44.htm">Prison</a> <a href="/mark/2-2.htm">Receive</a> <a href="/matthew/25-44.htm">Sick</a> <a href="/matthew/25-44.htm">Stranger</a> <a href="/luke/1-78.htm">Visit</a> <a href="/luke/1-68.htm">Visited</a> <a href="/matthew/25-44.htm">Wandering</a> <a href="/mark/4-20.htm">Welcome</a><div class="vheading2">Matthew 25</div>1. <a href="/matthew/25-1.htm">The parable of the ten virgins,</a> 14. <a href="/matthew/25-14.htm">and of the talents.</a> 31. <a href="/matthew/25-31.htm">Also the description of the last judgment.</a> </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>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <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> </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>I was a stranger and you did not take Me in This phrase highlights the importance of hospitality, a significant virtue in biblical times. In ancient Near Eastern culture, welcoming strangers was a moral obligation, often seen as a reflection of one's faithfulness to God. The Israelites were reminded in <a href="/leviticus/19-34.htm">Leviticus 19:34</a> to love the stranger as themselves, as they were once strangers in Egypt. This commandment is echoed in the New Testament, where hospitality is a mark of true discipleship (<a href="/hebrews/13-2.htm">Hebrews 13:2</a>). The failure to welcome the stranger here symbolizes a lack of compassion and recognition of Christ in others, as Jesus identifies Himself with the marginalized.I was naked and you did not clothe Me Clothing the naked is a basic act of charity and mercy, reflecting God's provision for humanity. In biblical times, clothing was not only a necessity but also a symbol of dignity and respect. The act of clothing the naked is seen in <a href="/job/31-19.htm">Job 31:19-20</a>, where Job defends his righteousness by stating he has clothed the poor. This phrase underscores the call to care for the physical needs of others, as doing so is akin to serving Christ Himself. The imagery of clothing is also used in Scripture to describe spiritual truths, such as being clothed in righteousness (<a href="/isaiah/61-10.htm">Isaiah 61:10</a>).I was sick and in prison and you did not look after Me. Caring for the sick and visiting those in prison were considered acts of mercy and compassion. In the ancient world, prisons were harsh, and prisoners often relied on outsiders for basic needs. The early church was known for its care for the sick and imprisoned, reflecting Jesus' ministry, which included healing the sick and setting captives free (<a href="/luke/4-18.htm">Luke 4:18</a>). This phrase emphasizes the call to minister to those who are suffering and marginalized, recognizing Christ's presence in them. The neglect of these acts is a failure to live out the love and compassion that Jesus exemplified and commanded His followers to practice.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/j/jesus_christ.htm">Jesus Christ</a> The speaker of this verse, presenting a parable about the final judgment. 2. <a href="/topical/t/the_sheep_and_the_goats.htm">The Sheep and the Goats</a> The groups being judged in the parable, representing the righteous and the unrighteous. 3. <a href="/topical/t/the_strangers,_naked,_sick,_and_imprisoned.htm">The Strangers, Naked, Sick, and Imprisoned</a> Symbolic of those in need whom the righteous are called to serve. 4. <a href="/topical/t/the_final_judgment.htm">The Final Judgment</a> The event where Jesus separates the righteous from the unrighteous based on their actions. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_disciples.htm">The Disciples</a> The immediate audience of Jesus' teaching, representing all believers.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_call_to_compassionate_action.htm">The Call to Compassionate Action</a> Believers are called to actively demonstrate their faith through acts of kindness and service to those in need. <a href="/topical/r/recognizing_christ_in_others.htm">Recognizing Christ in Others</a> Serving others, especially the marginalized, is akin to serving Christ Himself. This perspective should motivate believers to act with love and compassion. <a href="/topical/t/the_consequences_of_inaction.htm">The Consequences of Inaction</a> Ignoring the needs of others can have eternal consequences, as demonstrated by the separation of the sheep and the goats. <a href="/topical/h/hospitality_as_a_christian_duty.htm">Hospitality as a Christian Duty</a> Welcoming strangers and providing for those in need is a fundamental aspect of Christian living, reflecting God's love and grace. <a href="/topical/f/faith_and_works_in_harmony.htm">Faith and Works in Harmony</a> True faith is evidenced by works. Believers should strive to align their actions with their professed beliefs.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_matthew_25.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Matthew 25</a> <a href="/q/who_are_the_least_of_these_among_us.htm">Who are the least of these among us?</a> <a href="/q/why_does_matthew_25_stress_good_works.htm">Why does Matthew 25 appear to emphasize good works (Matthew 25:31-46) when other passages stress faith alone (e.g., Romans 3:28)?</a> <a href="/q/does_2_thess._3_10_contradict_jesus.htm">2 Thessalonians 3:10 - Does telling the idle they 'shall not eat' contradict Jesus' teachings on charity and feeding the poor (e.g., Matthew 25)?</a> <a href="/q/what_are_god's_promises_to_his_people.htm">How can you show love to strangers today?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a> <a href="/commentaries/matthew/25-43.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>I was ἤμην (ēmēn) Verb - Imperfect Indicative Middle - 1st Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1510.htm">Strong's 1510: </a> I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist. a stranger ξένος (xenos) Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3581.htm">Strong's 3581: </a> Apparently a primary word; foreign; by implication, a guest or entertainer. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. you did not take Me in, συνηγάγετέ (synēgagete) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4863.htm">Strong's 4863: </a> From sun and ago; to lead together, i.e. Collect or convene; specially, to entertain. [I was] naked γυμνὸς (gymnos) Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1131.htm">Strong's 1131: </a> Rarely: stark-naked; generally: wearing only the under-garment; bare, open, manifest; mere. Of uncertain affinity; nude. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. you did not clothe περιεβάλετέ (periebalete) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4016.htm">Strong's 4016: </a> From peri and ballo; to throw all around, i.e. Invest. Me, με (me) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 1st Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1473.htm">Strong's 1473: </a> I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I. [I was] sick ἀσθενὴς (asthenēs) Adjective - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_772.htm">Strong's 772: </a> (lit: not strong), (a) weak (physically, or morally), (b) infirm, sick. Strengthless. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. in ἐν (en) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1722.htm">Strong's 1722: </a> 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 <a href="/greek/strongs_5438.htm">Strong's 5438: </a> From phulasso; a guarding or, the act, the person; figuratively, the place, the condition, or, the time, literally or figuratively. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. you did not visit ἐπεσκέψασθέ (epeskepsasthe) Verb - Aorist Indicative Middle - 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1980.htm">Strong's 1980: </a> To look upon, visit, look out, select. Me.’ με (me) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 1st Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1473.htm">Strong's 1473: </a> I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/matthew/25-43.htm">Matthew 25:43 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/matthew/25-43.htm">Matthew 25:43 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/matthew/25-43.htm">Matthew 25:43 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/matthew/25-43.htm">Matthew 25:43 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/matthew/25-43.htm">Matthew 25:43 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/matthew/25-43.htm">Matthew 25:43 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/matthew/25-43.htm">Matthew 25:43 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/matthew/25-43.htm">Matthew 25:43 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/matthew/25-43.htm">Matthew 25:43 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/matthew/25-43.htm">Matthew 25:43 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/matthew/25-43.htm">NT Gospels: Matthew 25:43 I was a stranger and you didn't (Matt. Mat Mt) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/matthew/25-42.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Matthew 25:42"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Matthew 25:42" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/matthew/25-44.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Matthew 25:44"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Matthew 25:44" /></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>