Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee?

MATTHEW 25:39KJV
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Matthew 25:39 (KJV)

What does Matthew 25:39 mean?

Matthew 25:39 records people asking Jesus when they ever saw Him sick or in prison and visited Him, expressing surprise at the idea that they had served Him in these ways. The verse highlights their confusion about when they had personally cared for Jesus in such difficult situations.

In this scene, Jesus is telling a parable about the final judgment, speaking to His disciples. He describes people being separated like sheep and goats, and those on His right are praised for acts of kindness done to "the least of these." The people’s question in Matthew 25:39 shows they did not realize that caring for others in need was, in Jesus’ eyes, the same as caring for Him.

The Greek behind Matthew 25:39

  • "sick" (ἀσθενής, asthenēs): This word means weak, ill, or feeble. It emphasizes not just physical sickness, but also general vulnerability or helplessness.
  • "prison" (φυλακή, phylakē): This term refers to a place of confinement, highlighting people who are isolated or cut off from society.
  • "came" (ἦλθον, ēlthon): The verb here means to come or go to someone, stressing the action of personally visiting or being present with those in need.

Why Matthew 25:39 matters

  • Matthew 25:39 clarifies that the people being addressed did not recognize their acts of kindness as service to Jesus Himself, showing that everyday compassion has spiritual significance.
  • The verse emphasizes that Jesus identifies closely with those who are suffering or marginalized, making care for them a direct way of honoring Him.
  • This question sets up Jesus’ explanation in the next verse, where He reveals that whatever is done for "the least of these" is done for Him, deepening the teaching about practical love and service.

Where else these words appear

“when” Greek G4219 · used in 17 verses

  • Matthew 17:17 Then Jesus answered and said, O faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you? how long shall I suffer you? bring him hither to me.
  • Mark 9:19 He answereth him, and saith, O faithless generation, how long shall I be with you? how long shall I suffer you? bring him unto me.
  • Luke 12:36 And ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their lord, when he will return from the wedding; that when he cometh and knocketh, they may open unto him immediately.

“sick” Greek G772 · used in 23 verses

  • Matthew 25:43 I was a stranger, and ye took me not in: naked, and ye clothed me not: sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not.
  • Acts 5:16 There came also a multitude out of the cities round about unto Jerusalem, bringing sick folks, and them which were vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed every one.
  • 1 Corinthians 9:22 To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.

“prison” Greek G5438 · used in 45 verses

  • Matthew 5:25 Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him; lest at any time the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison.
  • Luke 12:38 And if he shall come in the second watch, or come in the third watch, and find them so, blessed are those servants.
  • Acts 12:17 But he, beckoning unto them with the hand to hold their peace, declared unto them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. And he said, Go shew these things unto James, and to the brethren. And he departed, and went into another place.