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Book of Matthew - Chapter 25 - Verse 33

25:33
And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left.

Meaning

This verse, found in the book of Matthew 25:33, is part of a parable told by Jesus to illustrate the final judgment. In this parable, Jesus compares the righteous, represented by the sheep, to the unrighteous, represented by the goats. The act of separating the sheep on his right hand and the goats on his left symbolizes the division that will take place when Jesus returns to judge the living and the dead. Those who have followed Christ and lived according to his teachings will be placed on his right hand, signifying their acceptance into the Kingdom of Heaven. On the other hand, those who have rejected Christ and lived in disobedience will be placed on his left hand, facing the consequences of their actions. This verse serves as a reminder of the importance of living a life of faith and obedience, as our ultimate fate will be determined by the choices we make in this life.

Theological Overview

One theological interpretation of the verse "And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left" found in Matthew 25:33, is that it signifies the separation of the righteous from the wicked during the final judgment. In this context, the right hand is associated with favor, blessing, and righteousness, while the left hand is often seen as representing disfavor, curse, and unrighteousness. This symbolism underscores the idea that those who have lived in accordance with God's will and have shown compassion and love to others will be placed on the right side of the Son of Man, whereas those who have ignored the needs of others and lived selfishly will be placed on the left side. The passage highlights the importance of living a life of faith and service to others in order to be counted among the righteous at the time of judgment.

American Standard Version

and he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left.
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