CINXE.COM

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Matthew 25:3 The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take along any extra oil.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/matthew/25-3.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/20/40_Mat_25_03.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Matthew 25:3 - The Parable of the Ten Virgins" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take along any extra oil." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/matthew/25-3.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/matthew/25-3.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/matthew/">Matthew</a> > <a href="/matthew/25.htm">Chapter 25</a> > Verse 3</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad3.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/matthew/25-2.htm" title="Matthew 25:2">◄</a> Matthew 25:3 <a href="/matthew/25-4.htm" title="Matthew 25:4">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div 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 foolish ones took their lamps but did not take any oil with them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/matthew/25.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />The five who were foolish didn’t take enough olive oil for their lamps,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/matthew/25.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />For when the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/matthew/25.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take along any extra oil.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/matthew/25.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />For the foolish, having taken their lamps, took no oil with them;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/matthew/25.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />They that <i>were</i> foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/matthew/25.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Those who <i>were</i> foolish took their lamps and took no oil with them,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/matthew/25.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />For when the foolish took their lamps, they did not take <i>extra</i> oil with them;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/matthew/25.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />&#8220For when the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/matthew/25.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />“For when the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/matthew/25.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />For when the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/matthew/25.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />For when the foolish took their lamps, they did not take any [extra] oil with them,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/matthew/25.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />When the foolish took their lamps, they didn’t take oil with them;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/matthew/25.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />When the foolish took their lamps, they didn&#8217t take olive oil with them. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/matthew/25.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />For the foolish, when they took their lamps, took no oil with them:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/matthew/25.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />The foolish ones took their lamps, but no extra oil. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/matthew/25.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />For the foolish, when they took their lamps, took no oil with them:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/matthew/25.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />The foolish bridesmaids took their lamps, but they didn't take any extra oil.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/matthew/25.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take any extra oil with them, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/matthew/25.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />because when the foolish ones took their lamps, they didn't take any oil with them. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/matthew/25.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take along any extra oil.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/matthew/25.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />When the foolish ones took their lamps, they did not take extra olive oil with them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/matthew/25.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />For the foolish, when they took their lamps, took no oil with them,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/matthew/25.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/matthew/25.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />For the foolish, when they took their torches, did not provide themselves with oil;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/matthew/25.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Those who were foolish, when they took their lamps, took no oil with them, <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/matthew/25.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />they who were foolish having taken their lamps, did not take with themselves oil;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/matthew/25.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />For the foolish, having taken their lamps, took no oil with them;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/matthew/25.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> they who were foolish having taken their lamps, did not take with themselves oil;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/matthew/25.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Those foolish having taken their lanterns, took no oil with them.<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 five foolish, having taken their lamps, did not take oil with them: <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/matthew/25.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />For the five foolish, having brought their lamps, did not take oil with them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/matthew/25.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />The foolish ones, when taking their lamps, brought no oil with them,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/matthew/25.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />When the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them;<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/matthew/25.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And the foolish ones took their lamps, but took no oil with them.<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 />And those fools took their lamps, and did not take oil with them.<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/matthew/25.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />Those who were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/matthew/25.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br /><FR>For the foolish, taking their lamps, took no oil with themselves:<Fr><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/matthew/25.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />Those who were taking their lamps, took no oil with them:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/matthew/25.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />they that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/matthew/25.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />For the foolish, when they took their torches, did not provide themselves with oil;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/matthew/25.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br /><FR>for the foolish, taking their lamps, did not take oil with them;<Fr><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/matthew/25.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br /><FR>The foolish <Fr><i>ones</i><FR> took their lamps, and took no oil with them:<Fr><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/matthew/25-3.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=7484" 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">2</span>Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. <span class="reftext">3</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/1063.htm" title="1063: gar (Conj) -- For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason."></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/3474.htm" title="3474: mōrai (Adj-NFP) -- Probably from the base of musterion; dull or stupid, i.e. Heedless, blockhead, absurd.">foolish ones</a> <a href="/greek/2983.htm" title="2983: labousai (V-APA-NFP) -- (a) I receive, get, (b) I take, lay hold of. ">took</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autōn (PPro-GF3P) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">their</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tas (Art-AFP) -- 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: lampadas (N-AFP) -- A torch, lamp, lantern. From lampo; a lamp or flambeau.">lamps</a> <a href="/greek/2983.htm" title="2983: elabon (V-AIA-3P) -- (a) I receive, get, (b) I take, lay hold of. ">but did not take along</a> <a href="/greek/3326.htm" title="3326: meth’ (Prep) -- (a) gen: with, in company with, (b) acc: (1) behind, beyond, after, of place, (2) after, of time, with nouns, neut. of adjectives. "></a> <a href="/greek/1438.htm" title="1438: heautōn (RefPro-GF3P) -- Himself, herself, itself. "></a> <a href="/greek/3756.htm" title="3756: ouk (Adv) -- No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.">any extra</a> <a href="/greek/1637.htm" title="1637: elaion (N-ANS) -- Olive oil, oil. Neuter of the same as elaia; olive oil.">oil.</a> </span> <span class="reftext">4</span>But the wise ones took oil in flasks along with their lamps.…<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/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="/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 12:35-40</a></span><br />Be dressed for service and keep your lamps burning. / Then you will be like servants waiting for their master to return from the wedding banquet, so that when he comes and knocks, they can open the door for him at once. / Blessed are those servants whom the master finds on watch when he returns. Truly I tell you, he will dress himself to serve and will have them recline at the table, and he himself will come and wait on them. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/12-47.htm">Luke 12:47-48</a></span><br />That servant who knows his master’s will but does not get ready or follow his instructions will be beaten with many blows. / But the one who unknowingly does things worthy of punishment will be beaten with few blows. From everyone who has been given much, much will be required; and from him who has been entrusted with much, even more will be demanded.<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="/ephesians/5-15.htm">Ephesians 5:15-17</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. / Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.<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="/revelation/3-2.htm">Revelation 3:2-3</a></span><br />Wake up and strengthen what remains, which is about to die; for I have found your deeds incomplete in the sight of My God. / 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="/matthew/7-24.htm">Matthew 7:24-27</a></span><br />Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. / The rain fell, the torrents raged, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because its foundation was on the rock. / But everyone who hears these words of Mine and does not act on them is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/24-42.htm">Matthew 24:42-44</a></span><br />Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day on which your Lord will come. / But understand this: If the homeowner had known in which watch of the night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into. / For this reason, you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour you do not expect.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/mark/13-33.htm">Mark 13:33-37</a></span><br />Be on your guard and stay alert! For you do not know when the appointed time will come. / It is like a man going on a journey who left his house, put each servant in charge of his own task, and instructed the doorkeeper to keep watch. / 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. ...<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="/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="/james/1-22.htm">James 1:22-25</a></span><br />Be doers of the word, and not hearers only. Otherwise, you are deceiving yourselves. / For anyone who hears the word but does not carry it out is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror, / and after observing himself goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/5-8.htm">1 Peter 5:8</a></span><br />Be sober-minded and alert. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them:</p><p class="hdg">foolish.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/matthew/23-25.htm">Matthew 23:25,26</a></b></br> Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and excess… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/48-1.htm">Isaiah 48:1,2</a></b></br> Hear ye this, O house of Jacob, which are called by the name of Israel, and are come forth out of the waters of Judah, which swear by the name of the LORD, and make mention of the God of Israel, <i>but</i> not in truth, nor in righteousness… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/58-2.htm">Isaiah 58:2</a></b></br> Yet they seek me daily, and delight to know my ways, as a nation that did righteousness, and forsook not the ordinance of their God: they ask of me the ordinances of justice; they take delight in approaching to God.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/matthew/25-2.htm">Foolish</a> <a href="/matthew/25-1.htm">Lamps</a> <a href="/matthew/6-17.htm">Oil</a> <a href="/matthew/24-51.htm">Ones</a> <a href="/matthew/10-9.htm">Provide</a> <a href="/matthew/23-4.htm">Themselves</a> <a href="/matthew/25-1.htm">Torches</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/matthew/25-8.htm">Foolish</a> <a href="/matthew/25-4.htm">Lamps</a> <a href="/matthew/25-4.htm">Oil</a> <a href="/matthew/25-8.htm">Ones</a> <a href="/luke/10-7.htm">Provide</a> <a href="/matthew/25-7.htm">Themselves</a> <a href="/matthew/25-4.htm">Torches</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>The foolish ones</b><br>This phrase refers to the five virgins in the parable of the ten virgins, which is part of Jesus' Olivet Discourse. The term "foolish" is used in Scripture to describe those who lack wisdom and discernment, often in spiritual matters. In Proverbs, foolishness is contrasted with wisdom, which is rooted in the fear of the Lord. The foolish virgins represent individuals who are unprepared for the coming of the Kingdom of Heaven.<p><b>took their lamps</b><br>Lamps in the ancient Near East were small, handheld vessels that held oil and a wick. They symbolize the light of faith and readiness. In the context of the parable, the lamps represent the outward appearance of readiness for the bridegroom's arrival, which is a metaphor for Christ's return. The act of taking lamps suggests an initial acceptance of the invitation to the wedding feast, akin to an initial acceptance of the gospel.<p><b>but did not take along any extra oil</b><br>Oil in the Bible often symbolizes the Holy Spirit, anointing, and spiritual preparedness. The lack of extra oil indicates a failure to maintain a living, active faith and readiness for Christ's return. This phrase highlights the importance of perseverance and continual spiritual vigilance. The absence of extra oil suggests a superficial faith that lacks depth and sustainability, similar to the seed that fell on rocky ground in the Parable of the Sower, which sprang up quickly but withered away because it had no root.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_foolish_virgins.htm">The Foolish Virgins</a></b><br>These are the individuals in the parable who are unprepared for the bridegroom's arrival. They symbolize those who are spiritually negligent and lack foresight.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_wise_virgins.htm">The Wise Virgins</a></b><br>Although not directly mentioned in verse 3, they are the contrast to the foolish virgins. They represent those who are spiritually prepared and vigilant.<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. His arrival signifies the coming of the Kingdom of Heaven.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_lamps.htm">The Lamps</a></b><br>Symbolize the outward profession of faith. All the virgins have lamps, indicating that they all have some level of belief or religious practice.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_oil.htm">The Oil</a></b><br>Represents the inner spiritual life and preparedness. The lack of extra oil by the foolish virgins highlights their lack of true spiritual readiness.<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 by bringing extra oil, believers must cultivate a deep, personal relationship with Christ, ensuring they are spiritually ready for His return.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_vigilance.htm">The Importance of Vigilance</a></b><br>The parable teaches the necessity of being watchful and ready at all times, as the timing of Christ's return is unknown.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/o/outward_vs._inward_faith.htm">Outward vs. Inward Faith</a></b><br>Having a lamp (outward faith) is not enough; one must also have oil (inner spiritual life). True faith is demonstrated through a life of obedience and readiness.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/consequences_of_negligence.htm">Consequences of Negligence</a></b><br>The foolish virgins' lack of preparation serves as a warning about the dangers of spiritual complacency and the eternal consequences of being unprepared.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/d/daily_spiritual_discipline.htm">Daily Spiritual Discipline</a></b><br>Believers are encouraged to engage in daily practices such as prayer, Bible study, and fellowship to maintain their spiritual readiness.<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_foods_are_mentioned_in_the_bible.htm">What foods are mentioned in the Bible?</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/does_2_thess._3_10_contradict_jesus.htm">2 Thessalonians 3:10 - Does telling the idle they 'shall not eat' contradict Jesus' teachings on charity and feeding the poor (e.g., Matthew 25)?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_is_nontrinitarianism.htm">What is the Bible's perspective on essential oils?</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>(3) <span class= "bld">Took no oil with them.</span>--In the interpretation of the parable, the lamp or torch is obviously the outward life of holiness by which the disciple of Christ lets his light shine before men (<a href="/matthew/5-16.htm" title="Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.">Matthew 5:16</a>), and the "oil" is the divine grace, or more definitely, the gift of the Holy Spirit, without which the torch first burns dimly and then expires. The foolish virgins neglected to seek that supply, either from the Great Giver, or through the human agencies by which He graciously imparts it.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/matthew/25.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 3.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">They that were foolish</span> (<span class="greek">αἵτινες</span> <span class="greek">μωραί</span>)... <span class="cmt_word">took no oil with them</span>. It has been doubted whether they brought no oil of their own at all, trusting to get their lamps filled by others, or whether they neglected to bring an additional supply to replenish them when exhausted. The latter seems most likely to be the sense intended; as the spiritual aspect of the parable places both classes in exactly the same position at starting, and we know from other sources that, the oil reservoirs being very small, it was the custom to carry another vessel from which to refill them. Some good manuscripts commence the verse with "for," thus making the verse justify the epithets applied to the virgins. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/matthew/25-3.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">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">foolish [ones]</span><br /><span class="grk">μωραὶ</span> <span class="translit">(mōrai)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - Nominative Feminine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3474.htm">Strong's 3474: </a> </span><span class="str2">Probably from the base of musterion; dull or stupid, i.e. Heedless, blockhead, absurd.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">took</span><br /><span class="grk">λαβοῦσαι</span> <span class="translit">(labousai)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Feminine 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">their</span><br /><span class="grk">αὐτῶν</span> <span class="translit">(autōn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Feminine 3rd Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_846.htm">Strong's 846: </a> </span><span class="str2">He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">lamps</span><br /><span class="grk">λαμπάδας</span> <span class="translit">(lampadas)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Accusative 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 /><br /><span class="word">[but did not] take along</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">[any extra]</span><br /><span class="grk">οὐκ</span> <span class="translit">(ouk)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3756.htm">Strong's 3756: </a> </span><span class="str2">No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.</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 /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/matthew/25-3.htm">Matthew 25:3 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/matthew/25-3.htm">Matthew 25:3 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/matthew/25-3.htm">Matthew 25:3 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/matthew/25-3.htm">Matthew 25:3 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/matthew/25-3.htm">Matthew 25:3 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/matthew/25-3.htm">Matthew 25:3 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/matthew/25-3.htm">Matthew 25:3 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/matthew/25-3.htm">Matthew 25:3 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/matthew/25-3.htm">Matthew 25:3 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/matthew/25-3.htm">Matthew 25:3 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/matthew/25-3.htm">NT Gospels: Matthew 25:3 Those who were foolish when they took (Matt. Mat Mt) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/matthew/25-2.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Matthew 25:2"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Matthew 25:2" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/matthew/25-4.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Matthew 25:4"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Matthew 25:4" /></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>