I’m Rev. Jay Stuart Glover, and you’re listening to Faith Talk.
Today, I want to highlight the value of reading multiple Bible translations—especially when seeking clarity or deeper meaning in a particular passage. Some scriptures are more complex than others, and looking at different versions can bring out nuances that might otherwise be missed. Relying on a single translation can sometimes shape your theology in subtle ways and influence how you live out your faith.
Let me give you a concrete example of how different translations can offer distinct insights—even when they’re drawn from the same verse. The scripture we’ll focus on is part of a series of parables in Matthew 25 that speak to the end times. One of the most well-known of these is the parable of the sheep and the goats, which centers on divine judgment and offers guidance on how we should live.
Let’s take a closer look at a specific verse—Matthew 25:40—and explore how a slight difference in wording between translations can shape our understanding.
In the New International Version (NIV), the verse reads:
“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’”
Here, the emphasis is on what we do for others—the outcast, the marginalized, the poor, and the forgotten. Acts like feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, caring for the sick, and visiting the imprisoned are seen as acts of service done for Christ Himself. The phrase "done for" carries a positive, compassionate connotation—it speaks of support, kindness, and intentional service.
But now consider how the New Life Version (NLV) presents the same verse:
“For sure, I tell you, because you did it to one of the least of My brothers, you have done it to Me.”
The word "to" changes the dynamic. It reminds us that it's not only about what we do for others, but also what we do to them. This can be empowering—or sobering. If our actions are unkind, dismissive, or harmful, we must ask ourselves: are we comfortable with the idea that those actions are also being done to Christ?
This distinction is powerful. It challenges us to be more mindful in how we treat others—especially those who are most vulnerable. Whether you're a world leader, a religious leader, a community organizer, or a parent, this verse has deep relevance. It calls us to reflect on the relationship between serving God and how we serve one another.
Let’s remember: our faith is not just about our beliefs—it’s about how those beliefs are lived out in everyday actions.
I’m Rev. Jay Stuart Glover, and you’ve been listening to Faith Talk.
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