Albert Barnes Commentary Matthew 25:33

"and he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left." — Matthew 25:33 (ASV)

Shall set the sheep, etc. The righteous are denoted here by the sheep. The name is given to them because the sheep is an emblem of innocence and harmlessness. See John 10:7, 14-16, 27; Psalms 100:3; Psalms 74:1; Psalms 23:1.

On his right hand. The right hand is the place of honor, and denotes the situation of those who are honored, or those who are virtuous. See Ecclesiastes 10:2; Ephesians 1:20; Psalms 110:1; Acts 2:25, 33.

The goats. The wicked. See Ezekiel 34:17.

The left. That is, the left hand. This was the place of dishonor, denoting condemnation. See Ecclesiastes 10:2.