Matthew 25:38

New Testament Gospel ASV (1901)

What does Matthew 25:38 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “And when saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee?” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

And when saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee?
Matthew 25:38 — American Standard Version

Context — Matthew 25

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
38And when saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee?

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? etc.] As they had never seen him hungry and thirsty, in his own person, though he was both in the days of his flesh, and were ministered to, both by angels, and by good women out of their substance; so they had never seen him a stranger, and took him into their houses; yet they had, seen him hungry and thirsty, and as a stranger in his members, and had done these good offices to him in them, and to them for his sake: or naked, and clothed thee? for so Christ in person never was, until stripped of his raiment by the soldiers, and officers; but they had seen many of his poor saints without clothing, and had covered their nakedness.”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Then shall the righteous ... - This answer is indicative of humility - a deep sense of their being unworthy such commendation. They will feel that their poor acts of kindness have come so far short of what they should have been that they have no claim to praise or reward. It is not, however, to be supposed that in the day of judgment this will be actually “said” by the righteous, but that this would be a proper expression of their feelings. return to 'Top of Page'”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification