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 25:7
Trimmed [εκοσμησαν] Put in order, made ready. The wicks were trimmed, the lights being out while they slept, fresh oil put in the dish, and lit again. A marriage ceremony in India is described by Ward (View of the Hindoos) in Trench‘s Parables: “After waiting two or three hours, at length near midnight it was announced, as in the very words of Scripture, ‹Behold the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him.‘“ [source]
Then all those virgins arose [τότε ἠγέρθησαν πᾶσαι αι παρθένοι ἐκεῖναι] The Greek order is expressive. Then arose all the virgins, those former ones. Those ( ἐκεῖναι ) a pronoun of remoter reference, and emphatic by its position at the end of the sentence. [source]
Trimmed [ἐκόσμησαν] From κοσμός , order, and meaning to put in order or arrange. Tynd., prepared Trench (“Parables”) quotes from Ward (“View of the Hindoos”), describing a marriage ceremony in India: “After waiting two or three hours, at length near midnight it was announced, as in the very words of Scripture, ' Behold the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him.' All the persons employed now lighted their lamps, and ran with them in their hands to fill up their stations in the procession. Some of them had lost their lights, and were unprepared, but it was then too late to seek them, and the cavalcade moved forward.” [source]
Their lamps [ἑαυτῶν] Lit., “their own lamps;” emphasizing the personal preparation in contrast with the foolish, who depended for supply on their fellows. [source]
Reverse Greek Commentary Search for Matthew 25:7
Luke 19:35Their garments [] More strictly, their own garments ( ἑαυτῶν ), in their reverence and love for their Lord. See oil Matthew 25:7. [source]
1 Timothy 2:9Adorn themselves [κοσμεῖν ἑαυτάς] Κοσμεῖν adornoP. Of female adornment, 1 Peter 3:5; Revelation 21:2. In Matthew 25:7, of trimming the lamps. From κοσμός orderso that the primary meaning is to arrange. Often in lxx and Class. Prominent in the writer's mind is the attire of women in church assemblies. Paul treats this subject 1 Corinthians 11:5ff. [source]
What do the individual words in Matthew 25:7 mean?
Thenaroseallthevirginsthoseandtrimmedthelampsof them
Greek Commentary for Matthew 25:7
Put in order, made ready. The wicks were trimmed, the lights being out while they slept, fresh oil put in the dish, and lit again. A marriage ceremony in India is described by Ward (View of the Hindoos) in Trench‘s Parables: “After waiting two or three hours, at length near midnight it was announced, as in the very words of Scripture, ‹Behold the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him.‘“ [source]
The Greek order is expressive. Then arose all the virgins, those former ones. Those ( ἐκεῖναι ) a pronoun of remoter reference, and emphatic by its position at the end of the sentence. [source]
From κοσμός , order, and meaning to put in order or arrange. Tynd., prepared Trench (“Parables”) quotes from Ward (“View of the Hindoos”), describing a marriage ceremony in India: “After waiting two or three hours, at length near midnight it was announced, as in the very words of Scripture, ' Behold the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him.' All the persons employed now lighted their lamps, and ran with them in their hands to fill up their stations in the procession. Some of them had lost their lights, and were unprepared, but it was then too late to seek them, and the cavalcade moved forward.” [source]
Lit., “their own lamps;” emphasizing the personal preparation in contrast with the foolish, who depended for supply on their fellows. [source]
Reverse Greek Commentary Search for Matthew 25:7
More strictly, their own garments ( ἑαυτῶν ), in their reverence and love for their Lord. See oil Matthew 25:7. [source]
Κοσμεῖν adornoP. Of female adornment, 1 Peter 3:5; Revelation 21:2. In Matthew 25:7, of trimming the lamps. From κοσμός orderso that the primary meaning is to arrange. Often in lxx and Class. Prominent in the writer's mind is the attire of women in church assemblies. Paul treats this subject 1 Corinthians 11:5ff. [source]