New Testament
Matthew 25:40
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
The King will answer them, 'Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these my brethren, you did for me.'
Compare translations
And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.
What Matthew 25:40 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus emphasizes the importance of caring for those who are marginalized or in need, referring to them as 'the least of these.' He teaches that acts of kindness and compassion towards others are not just good deeds; they are acts done for Him personally. This highlights the deep connection between our treatment of others and our relationship with God. When we serve the needy, we are serving Christ Himself. This principle encourages believers to see the face of Jesus in every person, especially those who are suffering or overlooked. It challenges us to reflect on our actions and attitudes towards others, reminding us that our faith is demonstrated through our love and service. Ultimately, this verse calls us to a life of active compassion, urging us to recognize the dignity and worth of every individual, regardless of their status or circumstances.
How to apply Matthew 25:40 to your life
To live out this teaching, actively seek opportunities to help those in need in your community. Volunteer at local shelters, donate to charities, or simply offer kindness to those who are struggling. Remember, every act of service is a reflection of your love for Christ.
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 25:40
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 25:40
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 25:40 mean?
Matthew 25:40 means that when we help those who are marginalized or in need, we are actually serving Jesus. It highlights the importance of compassion and how our actions towards others reflect our relationship with God.
What is the meaning of 'the least of these' in Matthew 25:40?
'The least of these' refers to those who are poor, marginalized, or in difficult situations. Jesus teaches that caring for these individuals is equivalent to serving Him directly.
How can I apply Matthew 25:40 in my life?
You can apply Matthew 25:40 by actively looking for ways to help those in need, such as volunteering, donating, or simply showing kindness. Every small act of service is a way to express your love for Christ.
What themes are present in Matthew 25:40?
The themes in Matthew 25:40 include compassion, service, love for others, and social justice. It encourages believers to recognize the dignity of every individual and to act on their faith through love and service.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.