What verse in the Bible talks about feeding the hungry?

Feeding the hungry is not just a charitable deed, but a central part of Christian faith and practice. Among the many passages that address this topic, one verse stands out as particularly direct and foundational: Matthew 25:35, where Jesus says, “For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in.” Let’s explore the context of this verse, its significance, and how it inspires Christian action today.

The Context of Matthew 25:35

Matthew 25 is part of a larger discourse where Jesus speaks about the coming judgment and the separation of the righteous from the unrighteous. The passage from verses 31 to 46 is often referred to as the Parable of the Sheep and the Goats. In this parable, Jesus describes the final judgment, where all nations will be gathered before Him and He will separate people as a shepherd separates sheep from goats. To the righteous, or the “sheep,” Jesus says:

“For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.” (Matthew 25:35-36, NIV)

When the righteous ask when they did these things, Jesus responds, “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me” (Matthew 25:40). This powerful statement links acts of compassion directly to service to Christ Himself.

The Significance of Feeding the Hungry in Scripture

Matthew 25:35 is more than just a call to feed the hungry; it encapsulates the broader biblical mandate to care for the vulnerable. Throughout both the Old and New Testaments, God expresses deep concern for the poor and marginalized. Feeding the hungry is an act of justice, mercy, and love that reflects God’s own character.

The Old Testament law required provision for the poor, as seen in Leviticus 19:9-10, where landowners are instructed not to harvest their fields to the edges, so the poor and the foreigner may gather food. In Isaiah 58:7, God rebukes empty religious rituals and calls His people to “share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter.”In the New Testament, Jesus’ ministry was marked by compassion for the hungry. He fed the multitudes (Matthew 14:13-21; 15:32-39) and taught His followers to pray for daily bread. The early church also embodied this principle, as seen in Acts 6 and throughout the epistles.

Why Jesus Emphasizes This Act

Jesus’ identification with the hungry, thirsty, and stranger in Matthew 25:35 is striking. He does not merely commend acts of charity; He equates them with serving Him personally. This transforms the act of feeding the hungry from a mere obligation to a profound act of worship and devotion.

By placing care for the needy at the heart of His message, Jesus challenges His followers to see the image of God in every person. Feeding the hungry becomes a tangible expression of love for God and neighbor—the two greatest commandments (Matthew 22:37-40).

Living Out Matthew 25:35 Today

The call to feed the hungry remains as relevant today as it was in Jesus’ time. Hunger is a global issue, affecting millions of people around the world. Christians are called to respond with generosity, advocacy, and practical support.

Churches, charities, and individuals have taken up this mandate in various ways—through food banks, soup kitchens, community gardens, and global relief efforts. But the challenge goes deeper than providing food. It involves recognizing the dignity of every person, addressing the root causes of poverty, and building communities of compassion.

Feeding the hungry is not just about meeting physical needs. It is about restoring hope, building relationships, and bearing witness to God’s love in a broken world. When believers respond to this call, they participate in God’s redemptive work and fulfill the message of Matthew 25:35.

Conclusion

The verse in the Bible that most directly talks about feeding the hungry is Matthew 25:35. This verse, and the passage surrounding it, serves as a powerful reminder of God’s heart for the vulnerable and the high calling placed on all who follow Christ. Feeding the hungry is an act of love, justice, and worship. It is a way to serve Christ Himself, and to live out the values of the Kingdom of God here and now.