Matthew 25:39

Matthew 25:39, in plain English

They ask one last time — when did we visit You when You were sick or locked away? Their surprise is total.

Why it's here

Visiting someone in prison or caring for the sick took real courage and sacrifice in the ancient world, just as it does today.

Who's speaking

The righteous wrap up their astonished questions to the King.

Where it sits in the story

These faithful people went to hospitals and jails not for recognition but out of love — and now they learn those visits were encounters with Jesus Himself.

The scholarly reading

The righteous conclude their query by referencing visits to the sick (astheneo) and imprisoned (phylake), the final two categories of compassionate ministry.

Language and setting

Visiting prisoners was countercultural in Roman society, where imprisonment carried deep social stigma. Jesus elevates it as a mark of true righteousness.

Voice

The righteous finish their series of questions to the King.

Significance

Their final question rounds out the six acts of mercy, revealing that authentic discipleship extends even to society's most marginalized — the sick and the incarcerated.

37Then the righteous will answer Him, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You something to drink?

38When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe You?

39When did we see You sick or in prison and visit You?’

40And the King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of Mine, you did for Me.’

41Then He will say to those on His left, ‘Depart from Me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.

Read all of Matthew 25 — Ten bridesmaids, three servants, and a flock of sheep and goats. Jesus paints the final judgment in vivid, unsettling detail.