Matthew 25:12

New Testament Gospel ASV (1901)

What does Matthew 25:12 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not.
Matthew 25:12 — American Standard Version

Context — Matthew 25

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
12But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“But he answered and said, etc.] The Lord and bridegroom from within, thought fit to give them an answer, but an unexpected and awful one to them: verily I say unto you, I know you not; which must be understood in consistence with the omniscience of Christ: he knew their persons, conduct, and state; he knew they were foolish virgins, graceless professors, who had made no account of him and his righteousness; but had trusted to, and depended upon, their external profession of religion: they were none of the people whom he foreknew, or knew as his own, and loved with an everlasting love; he never knew them as his father’s choice in him, or as this father’s gift to him; he never knew them in the…”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“I know you not - You were not in the company of those who attended me to the marriage-feast, and are unknown to me. Applied to professing Christians, having only a profession of religion, but no real piety, it means, I do not know or acknowledge you as Christians. I do not approve of you, or delight in you, or admit that you are my friends. The word “know” is often used in the sense of approving, loving, acknowledging as real friends and followers. See Matthew 7:23; Psa 1:6; 2 Timothy 2:19; 1 Thessalonians 5:12. return to 'Top of Page'”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“I know: Psa 1:6, Psa 5:5; Hab 1:13; Luk 13:26-30; Joh 9:31, Joh 10:27; Co1 8:3; Gal 4:9; Ti2 2:19 Matthew 25:13”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification