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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 wise ones, however, took oil in jars along with their lamps.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/matthew/25.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />but the other five were wise enough to take along extra oil.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/matthew/25.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />but the wise took flasks of oil with their lamps.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/matthew/25.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />But the wise ones took oil in flasks along with their lamps.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/matthew/25.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />but the wise took oil in vessels with their lamps.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/matthew/25.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/matthew/25.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/matthew/25.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />but the prudent ones took oil in flasks with their lamps.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/matthew/25.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />but the prudent took oil in flasks along with their lamps.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/matthew/25.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />but the prudent took oil in flasks along with their lamps.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/matthew/25.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />but the prudent took oil in flasks along with their lamps.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/matthew/25.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />but the wise took flasks of oil along with their lamps.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/matthew/25.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />but the wise ones took oil in their flasks with their lamps.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/matthew/25.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />But the sensible ones took oil in their flasks with their lamps. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/matthew/25.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/matthew/25.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />The ones who were wise took along extra oil for their lamps. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/matthew/25.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/matthew/25.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />The wise bridesmaids, however, took along extra oil for their lamps.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/matthew/25.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />while the wise ones took containers full of oil for their lamps. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/matthew/25.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />But the wise ones took flasks of oil with their lamps. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/matthew/25.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />But the wise ones took oil in flasks along with their lamps.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/matthew/25.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />But the wise ones took flasks of olive oil with their lamps.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/matthew/25.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/matthew/25.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/matthew/25.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />but the wise, besides their torches, took oil in their flasks.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/matthew/25.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. <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 prudent took oil in their vessels, with their lamps.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/matthew/25.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />but the wise took oil in vessels with their lamps.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/matthew/25.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> and the prudent took oil in their vessels, with their lamps.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/matthew/25.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And the discerning took oil in their vessels with their lanterns.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/matthew/25.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />But the wise took oil in their vessels with the lamps. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/matthew/25.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Yet truly, the prudent ones brought the oil, in their containers, with the lamps.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/matthew/25.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />but the wise brought flasks of oil with their lamps.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/matthew/25.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />but the wise took flasks of oil with their lamps.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/matthew/25.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />But the wise ones took oil in the vessels with their lamps.<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 those wise ones took oil in their vessels with their lamps.<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/matthew/25.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />but the wise took oil in their vessels, with their lamps.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/matthew/25.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br /><FR>and the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps.<Fr><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/matthew/25.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />but the provident took oil in their vessels with their lamps.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/matthew/25.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/matthew/25.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />but the wise, besides their torches, took oil in their flasks.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/matthew/25.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br /><FR>but the wise took oil in the vessels with their lamps.<Fr><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/matthew/25.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br /><FR>but the wise took oil in their vessels as well as in their lamps.<Fr><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/matthew/25-4.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=7490" 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">3</span>The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take along any extra oil. <span class="reftext">4</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc.">But</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: hai (Art-NFP) -- 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/5429.htm" title="5429: phronimoi (Adj-NFP) -- Intelligent, prudent, sensible, wise. From phren; thoughtful, i.e. Sagacious or discreet; in a bad sense conceited.">wise ones</a> <a href="/greek/2983.htm" title="2983: elabon (V-AIA-3P) -- (a) I receive, get, (b) I take, lay hold of. ">took</a> <a href="/greek/1637.htm" title="1637: elaion (N-ANS) -- Olive oil, oil. Neuter of the same as elaia; olive oil.">oil</a> <a href="/greek/1722.htm" title="1722: en (Prep) -- In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; in, at, on, by, etc.">in</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tois (Art-DNP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/30.htm" title="30: angeiois (N-DNP) -- A vessel, flask. From aggos; a receptacle.">flasks</a> <a href="/greek/3326.htm" title="3326: meta (Prep) -- (a) gen: with, in company with, (b) acc: (1) behind, beyond, after, of place, (2) after, of time, with nouns, neut. of adjectives. ">along with</a> <a href="/greek/1438.htm" title="1438: heautōn (RefPro-GF3P) -- Himself, herself, itself. ">their</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tōn (Art-GFP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/2985.htm" title="2985: lampadōn (N-GFP) -- A torch, lamp, lantern. From lampo; a lamp or flambeau.">lamps.</a> </span> <span class="reftext">5</span>When the bridegroom was delayed, they all became drowsy and fell asleep.…<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="/proverbs/21-20.htm">Proverbs 21:20</a></span><br />Precious treasures and oil are in the dwelling of the wise, but a foolish man consumes them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/12-35.htm">Luke 12:35</a></span><br />Be dressed for service and keep your lamps burning.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/5-15.htm">Ephesians 5:15-16</a></span><br />Pay careful attention, then, to how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, / redeeming the time, because the days are evil.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_thessalonians/5-6.htm">1 Thessalonians 5:6-8</a></span><br />So then, let us not sleep as the others do, but let us remain awake and sober. / For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night. / But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and the helmet of our hope of salvation.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/12-42.htm">Luke 12:42-43</a></span><br />And the Lord answered, “Who then is the faithful and wise manager, whom the master puts in charge of his servants to give them their portion at the proper time? / Blessed is that servant whose master finds him doing so when he returns.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_timothy/4-5.htm">2 Timothy 4:5</a></span><br />But you, be sober in all things, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/6-6.htm">Proverbs 6:6-8</a></span><br />Walk in the manner of the ant, O slacker; observe its ways and become wise. / Without a commander, without an overseer or ruler, / it prepares its provisions in summer; it gathers its food at harvest.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/1-5.htm">James 1:5</a></span><br />Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/1-13.htm">1 Peter 1:13</a></span><br />Therefore prepare your minds for action. Be sober-minded. Set your hope fully on the grace to be given you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/13-11.htm">Romans 13:11-14</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. / The night is nearly over; the day has drawn near. So let us lay aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. / Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/13-16.htm">Proverbs 13:16</a></span><br />Every prudent man acts with knowledge, but a fool displays his folly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/16-8.htm">Luke 16:8</a></span><br />The master commended the dishonest manager because he had acted shrewdly. For the sons of this age are more shrewd in dealing with their own kind than are the sons of light.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/16-13.htm">1 Corinthians 16:13</a></span><br />Be on the alert. Stand firm in the faith. Be men of courage. Be strong.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/colossians/4-5.htm">Colossians 4:5</a></span><br />Act wisely toward outsiders, redeeming the time.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/10-5.htm">Proverbs 10:5</a></span><br />He who gathers in summer is a wise son, but he who sleeps during harvest is a disgraceful son.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps.</p><p class="hdg">oil.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/45-7.htm">Psalm 45:7</a></b></br> Thou lovest righteousness, and hatest wickedness: therefore God, thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/zechariah/4-2.htm">Zechariah 4:2,3</a></b></br> And said unto me, What seest thou? And I said, I have looked, and behold a candlestick all <i>of</i> gold, with a bowl upon the top of it, and his seven lamps thereon, and seven pipes to the seven lamps, which <i>are</i> upon the top thereof: … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/john/1-15.htm">John 1:15,16</a></b></br> John bare witness of him, and cried, saying, This was he of whom I spake, He that cometh after me is preferred before me: for he was before me… </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/matthew/18-16.htm">Besides</a> <a href="/matthew/22-5.htm">However</a> <a href="/lamentations/4-2.htm">Jars</a> <a href="/matthew/25-3.htm">Lamps</a> <a href="/matthew/25-3.htm">Oil</a> <a href="/matthew/25-2.htm">Prudent</a> <a href="/matthew/25-3.htm">Torches</a> <a href="/matthew/13-48.htm">Vessels</a> <a href="/matthew/25-2.htm">Wise</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/matthew/25-20.htm">Besides</a> <a href="/matthew/26-10.htm">However</a> <a href="/john/2-6.htm">Jars</a> <a href="/matthew/25-7.htm">Lamps</a> <a href="/matthew/25-8.htm">Oil</a> <a href="/matthew/25-8.htm">Prudent</a> <a href="/matthew/25-7.htm">Torches</a> <a href="/mark/3-27.htm">Vessels</a> <a href="/matthew/25-8.htm">Wise</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>But the wise ones</b><br>The term "wise" in biblical literature often denotes those who are prudent and discerning, aligning with the wisdom literature of the Old Testament, such as Proverbs. In the context of <a href="/matthew/25.htm">Matthew 25</a>, the wise virgins represent believers who are prepared for the coming of the bridegroom, symbolizing readiness for Christ's return. This wisdom is not merely intellectual but spiritual, reflecting a heart attuned to God's will.<p><b>took oil in flasks</b><br>Oil in the Bible frequently symbolizes the Holy Spirit, anointing, and consecration. The act of taking oil signifies spiritual preparedness and vigilance. In the cultural context of first-century Judea, oil lamps were essential for night-time activities, and having extra oil would be a sign of foresight and readiness. The flask, a container for the oil, suggests a deliberate and thoughtful preparation, contrasting with the foolish virgins who did not bring extra oil.<p><b>along with their lamps</b><br>Lamps in biblical symbolism often represent the light of faith and good works, as seen in passages like <a href="/psalms/119-105.htm">Psalm 119:105</a>, "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." The lamps are necessary for the wedding procession, a common cultural practice in ancient Jewish weddings, where the bridegroom would arrive unexpectedly. The wise virgins' preparedness with both lamps and oil underscores the importance of maintaining one's faith and spiritual readiness for the return of Christ, as emphasized in other New Testament passages like <a href="/1_thessalonians/5-2.htm">1 Thessalonians 5:2-6</a>, which speaks of the Day of the Lord coming like a thief in the night.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_wise_virgins.htm">The Wise Virgins</a></b><br>These are the prudent individuals in the parable who prepared adequately for the bridegroom's arrival by taking extra oil for their lamps.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_foolish_virgins.htm">The Foolish Virgins</a></b><br>In contrast to the wise, these individuals did not bring extra oil, symbolizing a lack of preparedness.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_bridegroom.htm">The Bridegroom</a></b><br>Represents Jesus Christ, whose return is anticipated by the virgins.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_lamps.htm">The Lamps</a></b><br>Symbolize the light of faith and readiness for Christ's return.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_oil.htm">The Oil</a></b><br>Represents the Holy Spirit, spiritual preparedness, and the sustenance of faith.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/s/spiritual_preparedness.htm">Spiritual Preparedness</a></b><br>Just as the wise virgins prepared for the bridegroom, Christians must be spiritually prepared for Christ's return by nurturing their faith and relationship with God.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_the_holy_spirit.htm">The Role of the Holy Spirit</a></b><br>The oil symbolizes the Holy Spirit, emphasizing the importance of being filled with the Spirit to sustain our faith and readiness.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/v/vigilance_and_wisdom.htm">Vigilance and Wisdom</a></b><br>The parable teaches the value of vigilance and wisdom in our spiritual lives, urging believers to be proactive in their faith journey.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/consequences_of_neglect.htm">Consequences of Neglect</a></b><br>The foolish virgins' lack of preparation serves as a warning about the consequences of spiritual neglect and complacency.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/community_and_accountability.htm">Community and Accountability</a></b><br>Encourages believers to support one another in maintaining spiritual readiness, as the community can help keep each other accountable.<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_olive_oil_mean_in_the_bible.htm">What does olive oil symbolize in the Bible?</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/is_hell_eternal_(matt_25_46_vs_mal_4_1).htm">Is hell eternal? (Matthew 25:46 vs. Malachi 4:1)</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_on_lateness.htm">What does the Bible say about lateness?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/matthew/25.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 4.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">In their vessels.</span> These were the flasks or vases carried by the maidens to replenish the oil in the lamps as occasion demanded. The contrast between the two classes seems to lie in the foresight of the one and the negligent carelessness of the other. It has been common from early times to find in the lamps the symbol of faith, in the oil the good works that proceed therefrom. The wise virgins exercise their faith in charity and good works; the foolish profess, indeed, the faith of Christ but carry it not out to the production of the good works in which God ordained that they should walk (<a href="/ephesians/2-10.htm">Ephesians 2:10</a>). But this exposition, time honored though it is, surely does not meet the requirements of the parable. What one wants is an interpretation which shall show how it is that the want of oil and its sudden failure debar one from meeting the bridegroom. If the oil be good works, and the believer has gone on doing these until the Lord's advent is signalled, why should he fail at the last? How comes it that in a moment he leaves off doing his duty, and making his calling and election sure? These are questions which the patristic and mediaeval explanation leaves unsolved. I doubt not that the right solution is to be found in regarding the oil as symbolical of the Holy Spirit, or the graces of God. This is a truly scriptural notion, as declared by the use of this substance in holy rites. Accepting this view, we should say that the ten virgins had so far alike taken and used the grace of God, but that they differed in this - that, while the wise maintained the supply of grace by constant recourse to the means thereof, the foolish were satisfied with their spiritual state once for all, and took no pains to keep their spiritual life healthful and active by the renewal of the Holy Spirit in their hearts. They retained the outward show and form of faith, but neglected the true inward life of faith; they had the appearance without the reality. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/matthew/25-4.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">But</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">αἱ</span> <span class="translit">(hai)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article - Nominative Feminine Plural<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">wise [ones]</span><br /><span class="grk">φρόνιμοι</span> <span class="translit">(phronimoi)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - Nominative Feminine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_5429.htm">Strong's 5429: </a> </span><span class="str2">Intelligent, prudent, sensible, wise. From phren; thoughtful, i.e. Sagacious or discreet; in a bad sense conceited.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">took</span><br /><span class="grk">ἔλαβον</span> <span class="translit">(elabon)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2983.htm">Strong's 2983: </a> </span><span class="str2">(a) I receive, get, (b) I take, lay hold of. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">oil</span><br /><span class="grk">ἔλαιον</span> <span class="translit">(elaion)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1637.htm">Strong's 1637: </a> </span><span class="str2">Olive oil, oil. Neuter of the same as elaia; olive oil.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">in</span><br /><span class="grk">ἐν</span> <span class="translit">(en)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1722.htm">Strong's 1722: </a> </span><span class="str2">In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">flasks</span><br /><span class="grk">ἀγγείοις</span> <span class="translit">(angeiois)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Dative Neuter Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_30.htm">Strong's 30: </a> </span><span class="str2">A vessel, flask. From aggos; a receptacle.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">along with</span><br /><span class="grk">μετὰ</span> <span class="translit">(meta)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3326.htm">Strong's 3326: </a> </span><span class="str2">(a) gen: with, in company with, (b) acc: (1) behind, beyond, after, of place, (2) after, of time, with nouns, neut. of adjectives. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">their</span><br /><span class="grk">ἑαυτῶν</span> <span class="translit">(heautōn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Reflexive Pronoun - Genitive Feminine 3rd Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1438.htm">Strong's 1438: </a> </span><span class="str2">Himself, herself, itself. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">lamps.</span><br /><span class="grk">λαμπάδων</span> <span class="translit">(lampadōn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Genitive Feminine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2985.htm">Strong's 2985: </a> </span><span class="str2">A torch, lamp, lantern. From lampo; a 'lamp' or flambeau.</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/matthew/25-4.htm">Matthew 25:4 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/matthew/25-4.htm">Matthew 25:4 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/matthew/25-4.htm">Matthew 25:4 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/matthew/25-4.htm">Matthew 25:4 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/matthew/25-4.htm">Matthew 25:4 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/matthew/25-4.htm">Matthew 25:4 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/matthew/25-4.htm">Matthew 25:4 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/matthew/25-4.htm">Matthew 25:4 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/matthew/25-4.htm">Matthew 25:4 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/matthew/25-4.htm">Matthew 25:4 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/matthew/25-4.htm">NT Gospels: Matthew 25:4 But the wise took oil in their (Matt. Mat Mt) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/matthew/25-3.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Matthew 25:3"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Matthew 25:3" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/matthew/25-5.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Matthew 25:5"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Matthew 25:5" /></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>