And he will place the sheep on his right, but the goats on the left.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The word for "goats" is actually a diminutive, suggesting that even the most formidable or rebellious individuals will be reduced to insignificant "kidlings" before God's judgment. The placement on the "left" signifies not just a lesser position, but utter rejection and dishonor, a stark contrast to the honored place on the right.
And he will place the sheep on his right, but the goats on the left.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus has just finished teaching his disciples about the signs of his coming and the end of the age, and now he describes the final judgment. All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate people like a shepherd separates sheep from goats, placing the righteous on his right and the unrighteous on his left. This separation is based on how they treated "the least of these" – Jesus' followers – reflecting their true allegiance and character.
Why does Jesus use sheep and goats for the final separation? It’s not just about farm animals, but about the core nature of who we are before God.
Jesus paints a vivid picture of the final judgment using sheep and goats. This isn't random; these animals held symbolic meaning.
The Sheep:
The Goats:
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The separation isn't arbitrary; it reflects the fundamental difference in the lives lived—whether characterized by humble faith and service, or by rebellion and self-will.
When Jesus says the sheep go to His right, what does that truly signify? It’s more than just a physical location; it’s an eternal declaration of belonging.
The imagery of being placed on the 'right hand' is rich with meaning. Historically and culturally, the right side was consistently associated with honor, favor, and authority.
A Place of Blessing:
The separation is not about a few minor missteps, but a fundamental alignment with God's will. Those on the right have demonstrated, through their lives, a heart aligned with Christ's, and they are welcomed into His eternal presence with great honor.
When Jesus points to the left for the goats, it’s not a gentle nudge. It’s a definitive pronouncement with eternal weight.
The placement of the goats on the left is a stark contrast to the honor given to the sheep. This position signifies exclusion and the natural consequences of a life lived apart from God.
The Place of Rejection:
This separation isn't a surprise punishment but the just and inevitable result of choices made and a heart turned away from the Shepherd.
This passage from the Old Testament foreshadows the separation of sheep and goats, directly influencing Jesus' imagery and showing God's concern for distinguishing between the righteous and the wicked.
John 10:11Jesus calls Himself the 'good shepherd' who lays down His life for the sheep, directly connecting His identity to the sheep in Matthew's parable and highlighting His care for His followers.
Romans 2:8-9This passage speaks of God giving 'tribulation and distress' to those who do evil and 'glory, honor, and peace' to those who do good, mirroring the ultimate judgment and separation described in Matthew 25.
Hebrews 1:3This verse describes Christ sitting at the 'right hand of the Majesty on high,' echoing the placement of the 'sheep' on Jesus' right hand in Matthew 25, symbolizing honor and divine authority.
1 Peter 4:7Peter urges believers to be self-controlled and sober so that they 'may be able to pray,' emphasizing the importance of being prepared for the 'end of all things,' which directly relates to the final judgment scene in Matthew 25.
vincentMatthew 25:33: "And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left."
Goats (ἐρίφια)Diminutive. Lit., kidlings. The sheep and goats are represented as having previously pastured together. Compare the parables of the Tares and the Net.On the right (ἐκ δεξιῶν)Lit., form the right side or parts. The picture to the Greek reader is that of a row, beginning at the judge's right hand.
calvinMatthew 25:31-46: "When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory:"
- Now when the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory: 32. And all the nations shall be assembled before him; and he shall separate them from one another, as a shepherd separateth the sheep from the goats. 33. And he shall place the sheep on his right hand, and the goats…
The word for "goats" is actually a diminutive, suggesting that even the most formidable or rebellious individuals will be reduced to insignificant "kidlings" before God's judgment. The placement on the "left" signifies not just a lesser position, but utter rejection and dishonor, a stark contrast to the honored place on the right.
Jesus has just finished teaching his disciples about the signs of his coming and the end of the age, and now he describes the final judgment. All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate people like a shepherd separates sheep from goats, placing the righteous on his right and the unrighteous on his left. This separation is based on how they treated "the least of these" – Jesus' followers – reflecting their true allegiance and character.
Jesus has just finished teaching his disciples about the signs of his coming and the end of the age, and now he describes the final judgment. All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate people like a shepherd separates sheep from goats, placing the righteous on his right and the unrighteous on his left. This separation is based on how they treated "the least of these" – Jesus' followers – reflecting their true allegiance and character.
"And he will place the sheep on his right, but the goats on the left." — The word for "goats" is actually a diminutive, suggesting that even the most formidable or rebellious individuals will be reduced to insignificant "kidlings" before God's judgment. The placement on t…
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Last reviewed October 2026