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class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/matthew/25.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/matthew/25.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />The bridegroom was a long time in coming, and they all became drowsy and fell asleep.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/matthew/25.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />When the bridegroom was delayed, they all became drowsy and fell asleep.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/matthew/25.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />As the bridegroom was delayed, they all became drowsy and slept.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/matthew/25.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />When the bridegroom was delayed, they all became drowsy and fell asleep.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/matthew/25.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />And the bridegroom tarrying, they all became drowsy and were sleeping.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/matthew/25.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/matthew/25.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />But while the bridegroom was delayed, they all slumbered and slept.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/matthew/25.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Now while the groom was delaying, they all became drowsy and <i>began</i> to sleep.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/matthew/25.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />&#8220Now while the bridegroom was delaying, they all got drowsy and began to sleep.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/matthew/25.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />“Now while the bridegroom was delaying, they all got drowsy and <i>began</i> to sleep.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/matthew/25.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Now while the bridegroom was delaying, they all got drowsy and <i>began to</i> sleep.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/matthew/25.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Now while the bridegroom was delayed, they all began to nod off, and they fell asleep.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/matthew/25.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />When the groom was delayed, they all became drowsy and fell asleep.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/matthew/25.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Since the groom was delayed, they all became drowsy and fell asleep. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/matthew/25.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Now while the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/matthew/25.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />The groom was late arriving, and the young women became drowsy and fell asleep. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/matthew/25.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Now while the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/matthew/25.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Since the groom was late, all the bridesmaids became drowsy and fell asleep.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/matthew/25.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />The bridegroom was late in coming, so they began to nod and fall asleep. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/matthew/25.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Since the groom was late, all of them became sleepy and lay down. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/matthew/25.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />When the bridegroom was delayed, they all became drowsy and fell asleep.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/matthew/25.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />When the bridegroom was delayed a long time, they all became drowsy and fell asleep.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/matthew/25.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Now while the bridegroom delayed, they all slumbered and slept.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/matthew/25.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/matthew/25.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />The bridegroom was a long time in coming, so that meanwhile they all became drowsy and fell asleep.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/matthew/25.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Now while the bridegroom delayed, they all slumbered and slept. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/matthew/25.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And the bridegroom lingering, they all nodded and were sleeping,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/matthew/25.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />And the bridegroom tarrying, they all became drowsy and were sleeping.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/matthew/25.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> 'And the bridegroom tarrying, they all nodded and were sleeping,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/matthew/25.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And the bridegroom delaying, they all slumbered and slept.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/matthew/25.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And the bridegroom tarrying, they all slumbered and slept. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/matthew/25.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Since the bridegroom was delayed, they all fell asleep, and they were sleeping.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/matthew/25.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Since the bridegroom was long delayed, they all became drowsy and fell asleep.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/matthew/25.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />As the bridegroom was delayed, all of them became drowsy and slept.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/matthew/25.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />As the bridegroom was delayed, they all slumbered and slept.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/aramaic-plain-english/matthew/25.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a></span><br />But when the groom delayed, all of them grew tired and slept.<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/matthew/25.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />While the bridegroom delayed, they all slumbered and slept.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/matthew/25.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br /><FR>But the bridegroom tarrying, they all nodded and slept.<Fr><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/matthew/25.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />But as the bridegroom stayed long, they all slumbered and slept.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/matthew/25.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />while the bridegroom tarried, they were drowsy and slept.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/matthew/25.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />The bridegroom was a long time in coming, so that meanwhile they all became drowsy and fell asleep.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/matthew/25.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br /><FR>Now, the bridegroom tarrying, they all became drowsy, and were sleeping;<Fr><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/matthew/25.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br /><FR>Now while the bridegroom stayed, they were all drowsy and fell asleep:<Fr><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/matthew/25-5.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hriiyJYqzvc?start=7495" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/matthew/25.htm">The Parable of the Ten Virgins</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">4</span>But the wise ones took oil in flasks along with their lamps. <span class="reftext">5</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc.">When</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tou (Art-GMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/3566.htm" title="3566: nymphiou (N-GMS) -- A bridegroom. From numphe; a bride-groom.">bridegroom</a> <a href="/greek/5549.htm" title="5549: chronizontos (V-PPA-GMS) -- To delay, tarry, linger, spend time. From chronos; to take time, i.e. Linger.">was delayed,</a> <a href="/greek/3956.htm" title="3956: pasai (Adj-NFP) -- All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole."></a> <a href="/greek/3573.htm" title="3573: enystaxan (V-AIA-3P) -- To nod in sleep, be drowsy, slumber. From a presumed derivative of neuo; to nod, i.e. to fall asleep; figuratively, to delay.">they all became drowsy</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/2518.htm" title="2518: ekatheudon (V-IIA-3P) -- To sleep, be sleeping. From kata and heudo; to lie down to rest, i.e. to fall asleep.">fell asleep.</a> </span> <span class="reftext">6</span>At midnight the cry rang out: ‘Here is the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!’…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_peter/3-9.htm">2 Peter 3:9</a></span><br />The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise as some understand slowness, but is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish but everyone to come to repentance.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/12-45.htm">Luke 12:45-46</a></span><br />But suppose that servant says in his heart, ‘My master will be a long time in coming,’ and he begins to beat the menservants and maidservants, and to eat and drink and get drunk. / The master of that servant will come on a day he does not expect and at an hour he does not anticipate. Then he will cut him to pieces and assign him a place with the unbelievers.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/3-3.htm">Revelation 3:3</a></span><br />Remember, then, what you have received and heard. Keep it and repent. If you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know the hour when I will come upon you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_thessalonians/5-6.htm">1 Thessalonians 5:6</a></span><br />So then, let us not sleep as the others do, but let us remain awake and sober.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/mark/13-35.htm">Mark 13:35-37</a></span><br />Therefore keep watch, because you do not know when the master of the house will return—whether in the evening, at midnight, when the rooster crows, or in the morning. / Otherwise, he may arrive without notice and find you sleeping. / And what I say to you, I say to everyone: Keep watch!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/21-34.htm">Luke 21:34-36</a></span><br />But watch yourselves, or your hearts will be weighed down by dissipation, drunkenness, and the worries of life—and that day will spring upon you suddenly like a snare. / For it will come upon all who dwell on the face of all the earth. / So keep watch at all times, and pray that you may have the strength to escape all that is about to happen and to stand before the Son of Man.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/10-37.htm">Hebrews 10:37</a></span><br />For, “In just a little while, He who is coming will come and will not delay.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/5-7.htm">James 5:7-8</a></span><br />Be patient, then, brothers, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer awaits the precious fruit of the soil—how patient he is for the fall and spring rains. / You, too, be patient and strengthen your hearts, because the Lord’s coming is near.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/13-11.htm">Romans 13:11</a></span><br />And do this, understanding the occasion. The hour has come for you to wake up from your slumber, for our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/16-15.htm">Revelation 16:15</a></span><br />“Behold, I am coming like a thief. Blessed is the one who remains awake and clothed, so that he will not go naked and let his shame be exposed.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/habakkuk/2-3.htm">Habakkuk 2:3</a></span><br />For the vision awaits an appointed time; it testifies of the end and does not lie. Though it lingers, wait for it, since it will surely come and will not delay.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/30-18.htm">Isaiah 30:18</a></span><br />Therefore the LORD longs to be gracious to you; therefore He rises to show you compassion, for the LORD is a just God. Blessed are all who wait for Him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/40-1.htm">Psalm 40:1</a></span><br />For the choirmaster. A Psalm of David. I waited patiently for the LORD; He inclined to me and heard my cry.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/64-4.htm">Isaiah 64:4</a></span><br />From ancient times no one has heard, no ear has perceived, no eye has seen any God besides You, who acts on behalf of those who wait for Him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/micah/7-7.htm">Micah 7:7</a></span><br />But as for me, I will look to the LORD; I will wait for the God of my salvation. My God will hear me.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept.</p><p class="hdg">the.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/matthew/25-19.htm">Matthew 25:19</a></b></br> After a long time the lord of those servants cometh, and reckoneth with them.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/matthew/24-48.htm">Matthew 24:48</a></b></br> But and if that evil servant shall say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming;</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/habakkuk/2-3.htm">Habakkuk 2:3</a></b></br> For the vision <i>is</i> yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.</p><p class="hdg">they.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/matthew/26-40.htm">Matthew 26:40,43</a></b></br> And he cometh unto the disciples, and findeth them asleep, and saith unto Peter, What, could ye not watch with me one hour? … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/songs/3-1.htm">Song of Solomon 3:1</a></b></br> By night on my bed I sought him whom my soul loveth: I sought him, but I found him not.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/songs/5-2.htm">Song of Solomon 5:2</a></b></br> I sleep, but my heart waketh: <i>it is</i> the voice of my beloved that knocketh, <i>saying</i>, Open to me, my sister, my love, my dove, my undefiled: for my head is filled with dew, <i>and</i> my locks with the drops of the night.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/matthew/9-24.htm">Asleep</a> <a href="/matthew/25-1.htm">Bridegroom</a> <a href="/matthew/24-48.htm">Delayed</a> <a href="/matthew/24-48.htm">Delaying</a> <a href="/2_samuel/4-6.htm">Drowsy</a> <a href="/matthew/18-29.htm">Fell</a> <a href="/matthew/14-30.htm">Grew</a> <a href="/matthew/23-4.htm">Heavy</a> <a href="/matthew/25-1.htm">Husband</a> <a href="/matthew/14-24.htm">Meanwhile</a> <a href="/matthew/9-24.htm">Sleep</a> <a href="/matthew/13-25.htm">Sleeping</a> <a href="/matthew/13-25.htm">Slept</a> <a href="/nahum/3-18.htm">Slumbered</a> <a href="/psalms/68-12.htm">Tarried</a> <a href="/isaiah/5-11.htm">Tarrying</a> <a href="/matthew/25-1.htm">Time</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/matthew/26-40.htm">Asleep</a> <a href="/matthew/25-6.htm">Bridegroom</a> <a href="/luke/1-21.htm">Delayed</a> <a href="/luke/1-21.htm">Delaying</a> <a href="/2_samuel/4-6.htm">Drowsy</a> <a href="/matthew/26-39.htm">Fell</a> <a href="/mark/4-7.htm">Grew</a> <a href="/matthew/26-37.htm">Heavy</a> <a href="/matthew/25-6.htm">Husband</a> <a href="/matthew/25-10.htm">Meanwhile</a> <a href="/matthew/26-45.htm">Sleep</a> <a href="/matthew/26-40.htm">Sleeping</a> <a href="/matthew/27-52.htm">Slept</a> <a href="/nahum/3-18.htm">Slumbered</a> <a href="/luke/1-21.htm">Tarried</a> <a href="/luke/1-21.htm">Tarrying</a> <a href="/matthew/25-19.htm">Time</a><div class="vheading2">Matthew 25</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/matthew/25-1.htm">The parable of the ten virgins,</a></span><br><span class="reftext">14. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/matthew/25-14.htm">and of the talents.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">31. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/matthew/25-31.htm">Also the description of the last judgment.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/matthew/25.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/matthew/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/matthew/25.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>When the bridegroom was delayed</b><br>In the context of Jewish wedding customs, the bridegroom's arrival was often unpredictable, as he would come to the bride's house to bring her to the wedding feast. This delay symbolizes the period between Christ's first and second coming. The delay tests the readiness and faithfulness of believers, echoing the theme of vigilance found in other parables, such as the Parable of the Ten Virgins. The delay also reflects the patience of God, who desires that none should perish but that all should come to repentance (<a href="/2_peter/3-9.htm">2 Peter 3:9</a>).<p><b>they all became drowsy</b><br>The drowsiness of the virgins represents the natural human tendency to become complacent over time, especially when expectations are not met immediately. This can be seen as a warning against spiritual lethargy and the importance of maintaining a vigilant and active faith. The idea of spiritual sleepiness is addressed in other scriptures, such as <a href="/romans/13-11.htm">Romans 13:11</a>, which calls believers to wake from sleep because salvation is nearer now than when they first believed.<p><b>and fell asleep</b><br>Falling asleep here is not condemned in the parable, as both the wise and foolish virgins do so. It suggests the inevitability of human weakness and the need for rest. However, the key difference lies in their preparedness for the bridegroom's arrival. This sleep can be seen as a metaphor for death or the end of life, where one's spiritual readiness is crucial. The call to be prepared is echoed in <a href="/1_thessalonians/5-6.htm">1 Thessalonians 5:6</a>, urging believers to stay awake and sober, living in anticipation of Christ's return.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_bridegroom.htm">The Bridegroom</a></b><br>Represents Jesus Christ, who is central to the parable and symbolizes His return.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_ten_virgins.htm">The Ten Virgins</a></b><br>Symbolize believers who are waiting for the return of Christ. They are divided into wise and foolish based on their preparedness.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_delay.htm">The Delay</a></b><br>Represents the period between Christ's ascension and His second coming, a time of waiting and testing for believers.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_sleep.htm">The Sleep</a></b><br>Indicates a state of inactivity or unpreparedness that can affect all believers during the waiting period.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_wedding_feast.htm">The Wedding Feast</a></b><br>Symbolizes the Kingdom of Heaven and the ultimate union of Christ with His Church.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_readiness.htm">The Importance of Readiness</a></b><br>Believers must remain spiritually vigilant and prepared for Christ's return, even when it seems delayed.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_danger_of_spiritual_drowsiness.htm">The Danger of Spiritual Drowsiness</a></b><br>Spiritual complacency can lead to unpreparedness. Regular spiritual disciplines like prayer, Bible study, and fellowship are essential to stay alert.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/u/understanding_god's_timing.htm">Understanding God's Timing</a></b><br>God's timing is perfect, even when it seems delayed to us. Trust in His plan and remain faithful during the waiting period.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/community_accountability.htm">Community Accountability</a></b><br>Encourage one another in the faith to remain prepared and alert. The community of believers plays a crucial role in mutual encouragement and accountability.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_consequences_of_unpreparedness.htm">The Consequences of Unpreparedness</a></b><br>The parable warns of the consequences of being unprepared. It serves as a reminder to evaluate our spiritual state regularly.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_matthew_25.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Matthew 25</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_on_sleep.htm">What does the Bible say about spiritual sleep?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/main_theme_of_'the_bridegroom'.htm">What is the main theme of 'The Bridegroom'?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/who_is_the_author_of_the_book_of_amos.htm">Are you prepared for the wedding feast properly?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_is_the_golden_chain_of_salvation.htm">Is heaven everlasting?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/matthew/25.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(5) <span class= "bld">While the bridegroom tarried.</span>--Strictly speaking, the time thus described includes the whole interval between our Lord's Ascension and His final Advent; but looking to the law of "springing and germinant accomplishments," which we have recognised as applicable to the whole subject, we may see in it that which answers to any period in the history of any church, or, indeed, in the life of any member of a church, in which things go smoothly and as after the routine of custom. At such a time even the wise and good are apt to slumber, and the crisis, which is to them, if not to the world at large, as the bridegroom's coming, takes them by surprise; but they have, what the foolish have not, the reserved force of steadfast faith and divine help to fall back upon. We may note that the "delay" in this case is followed by a less glaring form of evil than that in <a href="/matthew/24-48.htm" title="But and if that evil servant shall say in his heart, My lord delays his coming;">Matthew 24:48</a>. Not reckless and brutal greed, but simple apathy and neglect is the fault noted for condemnation.<p><span class= "bld">Slumbered and slept.</span>--The first word implies the "nodding" which indicates the first approach of drowsiness, the second the continuous sleeping.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/matthew/25.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 5.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">While the bridegroom tarried</span> (<a href="/matthew/24-48.htm">Matthew 24:48</a>). We may suppose that all had lighted their lamps at first, in expectation of being immediately called to meet the bridegroom. But he came not. The advent of Christ was not to be as speedy as the disciples imagined. No one could divine when it would take place. As St. Augustine says, "Latet ultimus dies, ut observetur omnis dies." See here a figure of each Christian's probation. <span class="cmt_word">They all slumbered</span> (<span class="greek">ἐνύσταξαν</span>) <span class="cmt_word">and slept</span> (<span class="greek">ἐκάθευδον</span>) The first verb implies the nodding and napping of persons sitting up at night; the second means "they began to sleep," actually. All, wise and foolish, did this; so in itself it was not sinful, it was only natural. To such drowsiness the best of Christians are liable. The bow cannot be kept always strung; "Neque semper arcum tendit Apollo." Having made all preparations, the virgins ceased for a while to think of the bridegroom's coming. The Fathers take this sleep to be an image of death, the awaking to be the resurrection, when the difference between the two classes is known and displayed. But this would imply that all the faithful will be dead when the Lord comes, which is contrary to <a href="/1_thessalonians/4-17.htm">1 Thessalonians 4:17</a>. Nor, on the other hand, is it conceivable that they whose lamps are kept burning till the day of death will be unprovided when the Lord comes. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/matthew/25-5.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div><span class="word">[When]</span><br /><span class="grk">δὲ</span> <span class="translit">(de)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1161.htm">Strong's 1161: </a> </span><span class="str2">A primary particle; but, and, etc.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the</span><br /><span class="grk">τοῦ</span> <span class="translit">(tou)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article - Genitive Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">bridegroom</span><br /><span class="grk">νυμφίου</span> <span class="translit">(nymphiou)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3566.htm">Strong's 3566: </a> </span><span class="str2">A bridegroom. From numphe; a bride-groom.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">was delayed,</span><br /><span class="grk">χρονίζοντος</span> <span class="translit">(chronizontos)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Participle Active - Genitive Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_5549.htm">Strong's 5549: </a> </span><span class="str2">To delay, tarry, linger, spend time. From chronos; to take time, i.e. Linger.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">they all became drowsy</span><br /><span class="grk">ἐνύσταξαν</span> <span class="translit">(enystaxan)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3573.htm">Strong's 3573: </a> </span><span class="str2">To nod in sleep, be drowsy, slumber. From a presumed derivative of neuo; to nod, i.e. to fall asleep; figuratively, to delay.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and</span><br /><span class="grk">καὶ</span> <span class="translit">(kai)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> </span><span class="str2">And, even, also, namely. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">fell asleep.</span><br /><span class="grk">ἐκάθευδον</span> <span class="translit">(ekatheudon)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2518.htm">Strong's 2518: </a> </span><span class="str2">To sleep, be sleeping. From kata and heudo; to lie down to rest, i.e. to fall asleep.</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/matthew/25-5.htm">Matthew 25:5 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/matthew/25-5.htm">Matthew 25:5 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/matthew/25-5.htm">Matthew 25:5 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/matthew/25-5.htm">Matthew 25:5 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/matthew/25-5.htm">Matthew 25:5 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/matthew/25-5.htm">Matthew 25:5 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/matthew/25-5.htm">Matthew 25:5 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/matthew/25-5.htm">Matthew 25:5 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/matthew/25-5.htm">Matthew 25:5 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/matthew/25-5.htm">Matthew 25:5 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/matthew/25-5.htm">NT Gospels: Matthew 25:5 Now while the bridegroom delayed they all (Matt. Mat Mt) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/matthew/25-4.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Matthew 25:4"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Matthew 25:4" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/matthew/25-6.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Matthew 25:6"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Matthew 25:6" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>