Matthew 25:32

New Testament Gospel ASV (1901)

What does Matthew 25:32 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “and before him shall be gathered all the nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as the shepherd separateth the sheep from the goats;” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

and before him shall be gathered all the nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as the shepherd separateth the sheep from the goats;
Matthew 25:32 — American Standard Version

Context — Matthew 25

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
32and before him shall be gathered all the nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as the shepherd separateth the sheep from the goats;

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“And before him shall be gathered all nations. etc.] That is, all that have professed the Christian religion in all the nations of the world, whether Jews or Gentiles, high or low, rich or poor, wise and foolish, such as have had greater or lesser talents; though it is also true of every individual of mankind of every nation, tribe and family, of every sex, age, and state, that ever has been, is, or will be. Yet Christian professors seem only here intended, as the following distinction of them, their final state, and the reasons of it show. This collection of them before Christ, the righteous judge, will be made by the holy angels, who will come with him for this purpose; and being mighty, as…”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“And before him ... - At his coming to judgment the world will be burned up, 2 Peter 3:10, 2 Peter 3:12; Revelation 20:11. The dead in Christ that is, all true Christians - will be raised up from their graves, 1 Thessalonians 4:16. The living will be changed - i. e., will be made like the glorified bodies of those that are raised from the dead, 1 Corinthians 15:52-54; 1 Thessalonians 4:17. All the wicked will rise and come forth to judgment, John 5:28-29; Daniel 12:2; Matthew 13:41-42; Revelation 20:13. Then shall the world be judged, the righteous saved, and the wicked punished. And he shall separate ... - Shall determine respecting their character, and shall appoint them their doom…”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“before: Psa 96:13, Psa 98:9; Act 17:30, Act 17:31; Rom 2:12, Rom 2:16, Rom 14:10-12; Co2 5:10; Rev 20:12-15 he shall separate: Mat 3:12, Mat 13:42, Mat 13:43, Mat 13:49; Psa 1:5, Psa 50:3-5; Eze 20:38, Eze 34:17-22; Mal 3:18; Co1 4:5 as: Psa 78:52; Joh 10:14, Joh 10:27 Matthew 25:33”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification