New Testament
Matthew 25:35
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
I was hungry, and you gave me food. I was thirsty, and you gave me something to drink. I was a stranger, and you welcomed me in.
Compare translations
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:
What Matthew 25:35 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus emphasizes the importance of caring for those in need. He identifies himself with the hungry, thirsty, and strangers, highlighting that acts of kindness towards others are equivalent to serving Him. This teaching illustrates the Christian principle of compassion and service, urging believers to recognize the dignity of every person, especially the marginalized. By providing food, drink, and hospitality, individuals demonstrate love and empathy, reflecting the heart of God. This verse is part of a larger teaching about the final judgment, where actions towards the least of society are seen as a measure of one's faith and commitment to Christ. It challenges followers to actively engage in acts of charity and to see their service as a direct service to Jesus himself, reinforcing the idea that faith is expressed through deeds of love and mercy.
How to apply Matthew 25:35 to your life
To live out this teaching, look for opportunities to help those who are hungry, thirsty, or in need of shelter. Volunteer at local shelters, donate food, or simply offer a kind word to someone feeling isolated. Every small act of kindness counts.
Curated for this public verse page. Matthew Summary
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: Teaching on the Mount of Olives (Matthew 24:1–25:46)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Jesus
Photo: Gary Todd (Gary Lee Todd, Ph.D.), via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC0 1.0 Universal Public Domain Dedication. Source. Location: Southern end of the Temple Mount, Jerusalem Old City. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Jerusalem
David's capital, the city of the temple, and the place where Jesus died and rose again.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Matthew 25:35
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Matthew 25:35
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Matthew
- Author
- Matthew the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 60-70
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- Jewish Christians
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Matthew 25:35 mean?
Matthew 25:35 means that Jesus identifies with those in need, such as the hungry and the stranger. It teaches that helping others is a way to serve Him, emphasizing the importance of compassion and kindness.
What is the meaning of 'I was hungry, and you gave me food' in Matthew 25:35?
The phrase 'I was hungry, and you gave me food' highlights the call to provide for those who are in need. It signifies that acts of generosity towards the less fortunate are seen as acts of service to Jesus.
How can I apply Matthew 25:35 in my life?
You can apply Matthew 25:35 by actively seeking ways to help those who are hungry, thirsty, or in need of shelter. Volunteering, donating food, or offering support to those feeling isolated are practical ways to live out this teaching.
What themes are present in Matthew 25:35?
The themes present in Matthew 25:35 include compassion, service, hospitality, and faith in action. It emphasizes the importance of love for others and the idea that our treatment of those in need reflects our relationship with God.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.