Matthew 25:35
For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me,
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Jesus reveals something profound about the nature of welcoming the stranger: it's not just offering shelter, but inviting them into your very circle, your family life. The original Greek word suggests "bringing them along with you," meaning you didn't just let them stay nearby, but integrated them into your own household and community.
This passage is part of Jesus' Olivet Discourse, a teaching delivered on the Mount of Olives just before his arrest. He's explaining what will happen at the final judgment, describing how he will separate all nations like a shepherd separates sheep from goats. Those deemed righteous, like sheep, will inherit the kingdom because of their acts of kindness, while the unrighteous, like goats, will be condemned for their lack of compassion.
Understand the original words
xenos · Greek Noun
An outsider, a foreigner, or one without status or home. In biblical ethics, it often refers to those who are vulnerable, such as immigrants or travelers, to whom God's people are commanded to show hospitality.
This verse speaks about loving your neighbor as yourself, which is the foundational principle behind the acts of mercy described in Matthew 25:35.
Proverbs 19:17This proverb directly connects showing kindness to the poor with lending to the Lord, echoing Jesus' statement that whatever is done for 'the least of these' is done for Him.
Isaiah 58:7This prophetic passage from Isaiah describes similar acts of mercy and compassion, promising blessings to those who practice them, thus prefiguring the judgment scene in Matthew 25.
James 1:27James defines 'pure and undefiled religion' as visiting orphans and widows in their affliction, which aligns perfectly with the practical, outward expressions of faith highlighted in Jesus' words.
1 John 3:17This verse directly links the love of God to having compassion for a brother in need, reinforcing the idea that genuine faith is demonstrated through tangible acts of kindness.
vincentMatthew 25:35: "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:"
Ye took me in (συνηγαγετέ με)Tynd., I was harbourless and ye lodged me. The preposition and implies along with. Ye took me with you into the household circle.
bensonMatthew 25:35: "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:"
Matthew 25:35-36 . I was a hungered, and ye gave me meat, &c. — All the works of outward mercy here mentioned suppose faith and love, and must needs be accompanied with works of spiritual mercy, such as instructing the ignorant, alarming the careless, encouraging the disconsolate, comforting the distressed, strengthening the weak, confirming the wavering, reclaim…
Jesus reveals something profound about the nature of welcoming the stranger: it's not just offering shelter, but inviting them into your very circle, your family life. The original Greek word suggests "bringing them along with you," meaning you didn't just let them stay nearby, but integrated them into your own household and community.
This passage is part of Jesus' Olivet Discourse, a teaching delivered on the Mount of Olives just before his arrest. He's explaining what will happen at the final judgment, describing how he will separate all nations like a shepherd separates sheep from goats. Those deemed righteous, like sheep, will inherit the kingdom because of their acts of kindness, while the unrighteous, like goats, will be condemned for their lack of compassion.
This passage is part of Jesus' Olivet Discourse, a teaching delivered on the Mount of Olives just before his arrest. He's explaining what will happen at the final judgment, describing how he will separate all nations like a shepherd separates sheep from goats. Those deemed righteous, like sheep, will inherit the kingdom because of their acts of kindness, while the unrighteous, like goats, will be condemned for their lack of compassion.
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"For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me," — Jesus reveals something profound about the nature of welcoming the stranger: it's not just offering shelter, but inviting them into your very circle, your family life. The original Greek word suggest…
