Three remarkable parables occupy this chapter and follow a marked sequence of thought. First, we are called upon to look to ourselves, and be sure that we are prepared to enter the wedding feast; that is, to enter into the holiest and closest union with our Lord. Many are called into that union of thought, and prayer and service, but, alas, how few there are who approve themselves as chosen for that inner intimacy! We must see to it that our hearts are pure with virginal purity, and that the light is ever burning in our hearts, through the continual inpouring of the oil of the Holy Spirit.
How marvelous the power which, from the noisy night procession of an oriental wedding, could bring this exquisite parable! The short, warm Eastern night, the ten girls, the cry, the peace of the prepared, the anguish of the unready, the inside and outside of the door! O blessed Comforter, may we not fail thee, as thou wilt not fail those who in their weakness seek thy help! [source]
Chapter Summary: Matthew 25
1The parable of the ten virgins, 14and of the talents 31Also the description of the last judgment
Greek Commentary for Matthew 25:5
They all slumbered and slept [ενυσταχαν πασαι και εκατευδον] They dropped off to sleep, nodded (ingressive aorist) and then went on sleeping (imperfect, linear action), a vivid picture drawn by the difference in the two tenses. Many a preacher has seen this happen while he is preaching. [source]
Slumbered and slept [ἐνύσταξαν καὶ ἐκάθευδον] Slumbered is, literally, nodded. Note the variation of tense. Nodded is aorist, denoting a transient act, the initial stage of slumber. They dropped their heads. Slept is imperfect, of continuous slumber. [source]
2 Peter 2:3With feigned words [πλαστοις λογοις] Instrumental case. Πλαστος Plastos is verbal adjective (from πλασσω plassō to mould as from clay, for which see Romans 9:20), here only in N.T. “With forged words.” See sample in 2 Peter 3:4.Shall make merchandise of you (υμας εμπορευσονται humas emporeusontai). Future middle of εμπορευομαι emporeuomai (from εμπορος emporos a travelling merchant), old word, to go in for trade, in N.T. only here and James 4:13, which see. Cf. our emporium (John 2:16, market house).Whose sentence “For whom (dative case) the sentence” (verdict, not process κρισις krisis).Now from of old (εκπαλαι ekpalai). Late and common compound adverb, in N.T. only here and 2 Peter 3:5.Lingereth not “Is not idle,” old verb, αργεω argeō (from αργος argos not working, alpha privative and εργον ergon), here only in N.T.Slumbereth not (ου νυσταζει ou nustazei). Old and common verb (from νυω nuō to nod), in N.T. only here and Matthew 25:5. Note απωλεια apōleia (destruction) three times in 2 Peter 2:1-3. [source]
2 Peter 2:3Whose sentence [οις το κριμα] “For whom (dative case) the sentence” (verdict, not process κρισις krisis).Now from of old (εκπαλαι ekpalai). Late and common compound adverb, in N.T. only here and 2 Peter 3:5.Lingereth not “Is not idle,” old verb, αργεω argeō (from αργος argos not working, alpha privative and εργον ergon), here only in N.T.Slumbereth not (ου νυσταζει ou nustazei). Old and common verb (from νυω nuō to nod), in N.T. only here and Matthew 25:5. Note απωλεια apōleia (destruction) three times in 2 Peter 2:1-3. [source]
2 Peter 2:3Lingereth not [ουκ αργει] “Is not idle,” old verb, αργεω argeō (from αργος argos not working, alpha privative and εργον ergon), here only in N.T.Slumbereth not (ου νυσταζει ou nustazei). Old and common verb (from νυω nuō to nod), in N.T. only here and Matthew 25:5. Note απωλεια apōleia (destruction) three times in 2 Peter 2:1-3. [source]
2 Peter 2:3Slumbereth not [ου νυσταζει] Old and common verb (from νυω nuō to nod), in N.T. only here and Matthew 25:5. Note απωλεια apōleia (destruction) three times in 2 Peter 2:1-3. [source]
What do the individual words in Matthew 25:5 mean?
Tarryingthenthebridegroomthey became drowsyallandwere sleeping
Greek Commentary for Matthew 25:5
They dropped off to sleep, nodded (ingressive aorist) and then went on sleeping (imperfect, linear action), a vivid picture drawn by the difference in the two tenses. Many a preacher has seen this happen while he is preaching. [source]
Slumbered is, literally, nodded. Note the variation of tense. Nodded is aorist, denoting a transient act, the initial stage of slumber. They dropped their heads. Slept is imperfect, of continuous slumber. [source]
Reverse Greek Commentary Search for Matthew 25:5
See on Matthew 25:5, the only other passage where it occurs. [source]
Instrumental case. Πλαστος Plastos is verbal adjective (from πλασσω plassō to mould as from clay, for which see Romans 9:20), here only in N.T. “With forged words.” See sample in 2 Peter 3:4.Shall make merchandise of you (υμας εμπορευσονται humas emporeusontai). Future middle of εμπορευομαι emporeuomai (from εμπορος emporos a travelling merchant), old word, to go in for trade, in N.T. only here and James 4:13, which see. Cf. our emporium (John 2:16, market house).Whose sentence “For whom (dative case) the sentence” (verdict, not process κρισις krisis).Now from of old (εκπαλαι ekpalai). Late and common compound adverb, in N.T. only here and 2 Peter 3:5.Lingereth not “Is not idle,” old verb, αργεω argeō (from αργος argos not working, alpha privative and εργον ergon), here only in N.T.Slumbereth not (ου νυσταζει ou nustazei). Old and common verb (from νυω nuō to nod), in N.T. only here and Matthew 25:5. Note απωλεια apōleia (destruction) three times in 2 Peter 2:1-3. [source]
“For whom (dative case) the sentence” (verdict, not process κρισις krisis).Now from of old (εκπαλαι ekpalai). Late and common compound adverb, in N.T. only here and 2 Peter 3:5.Lingereth not “Is not idle,” old verb, αργεω argeō (from αργος argos not working, alpha privative and εργον ergon), here only in N.T.Slumbereth not (ου νυσταζει ou nustazei). Old and common verb (from νυω nuō to nod), in N.T. only here and Matthew 25:5. Note απωλεια apōleia (destruction) three times in 2 Peter 2:1-3. [source]
“Is not idle,” old verb, αργεω argeō (from αργος argos not working, alpha privative and εργον ergon), here only in N.T.Slumbereth not (ου νυσταζει ou nustazei). Old and common verb (from νυω nuō to nod), in N.T. only here and Matthew 25:5. Note απωλεια apōleia (destruction) three times in 2 Peter 2:1-3. [source]
Old and common verb (from νυω nuō to nod), in N.T. only here and Matthew 25:5. Note απωλεια apōleia (destruction) three times in 2 Peter 2:1-3. [source]