Matthew 25 10

Matthew 25:10 kjv

And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut.

Matthew 25:10 nkjv

And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding; and the door was shut.

Matthew 25:10 niv

"But while they were on their way to buy the oil, the bridegroom arrived. The virgins who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet. And the door was shut.

Matthew 25:10 esv

And while they were going to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast, and the door was shut.

Matthew 25:10 nlt

"But while they were gone to buy oil, the bridegroom came. Then those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast, and the door was locked.

Matthew 25 verses

Matthew 25 10 Meaning

Matthew 25:10 portrays a critical moment in the Parable of the Ten Virgins. As the five foolish virgins departed to procure oil, the Bridegroom arrived. In this precise moment, those virgins who had maintained their preparedness—having sufficient oil for their lamps—were welcomed into the joyous marriage feast with Him. Simultaneously, the door to the feast was decisively and irreversibly shut, signaling the finality of exclusion for those who were not found ready.

Matthew 25 10 Context

Matthew 25:10 is central to Jesus' Parable of the Ten Virgins (Mat 25:1-13). This parable is the first of three in Matthew chapter 25, which forms the concluding part of Jesus' Olivet Discourse (Mat 24-25). This discourse provides extensive teaching on the end times, Jesus' second coming, and the final judgment. The parables in chapter 25—the Ten Virgins, the Talents, and the Sheep and Goats—collectively underscore the critical importance of spiritual preparedness, vigilance, and faithful stewardship while awaiting the master's return.

Culturally, Jewish wedding customs of the time involved the bridegroom coming to the bride's house (often at night) to collect her, after which a procession would take place to his house or a prepared venue for the marriage feast. Bridesmaids or friends would wait, often with lamps or torches to light the way, to join this procession. Once the bridegroom, the bride, and the accompanying guests had entered the feast hall, the door would be sealed shut. This closure symbolized the official commencement of the celebration and the irreversible exclusion of any who were late or unprepared. The long, unexpected delay and the necessity of oil for continuous light accurately reflect the spiritual state and requirements for Jesus' disciples anticipating His glorious return.

Matthew 25 10 Word analysis

• Word-by-word analysis

  • And while they went to buy: From Greek ἀγοράσαι (agorasa_i), "to buy" or "to procure." This phrase denotes a belated and futile attempt by the foolish virgins to acquire what they lacked, highlighting a fatal delay and misplaced priorities at the critical moment of the bridegroom's arrival. It emphasizes that opportunity is finite and timing is paramount in spiritual readiness.
  • the bridegroom: From Greek ὁ νυμφίος (ho nymphios). In this parable, the bridegroom unmistakably represents Jesus Christ Himself, symbolizing His certain return. His arrival is the long-awaited pivotal event that tests true preparedness.
  • came: From Greek ἦλθεν (e_lthen), "came," indicating a definite and actual arrival. Its suddenness is central to the parable's lesson about vigilance, implying an unexpected timing for those who are unprepared.
  • and those who were ready: From Greek ἕτοιμοι (hetoimoi), "prepared" or "ready." This signifies an ongoing state of spiritual alertness and inner spiritual substance (represented by oil). It's not a momentary action but a continuous state of diligence, foresight, and spiritual readiness for His coming.
  • went in with him: From Greek εἰσῆλθον μετ’ αὐτοῦ (eise_lthon met' autou), "they entered with him." This highlights intimate fellowship and shared joy. Those found ready are not just allowed entry, but they enter with the Bridegroom, signifying close relationship and participation in the culminating blessing.
  • to the marriage feast: From Greek τοὺς γάμους (tous gamous). This refers to the celebration itself. It symbolizes the eschatological banquet, the ultimate fulfillment of God's redemptive plan, and the eternal joyous fellowship with Christ in His kingdom.
  • and the door: From Greek ἡ θύρα (he_ thyra). The door serves as a potent symbol of opportunity and access to salvation and blessed fellowship. Its opening grants access, and its closing signifies final exclusion.
  • was shut: From Greek ἐκλείσθη (ekleisthe_), "was shut," "was closed," "was locked." This is a crucial phrase. The passive voice implies a divine, irreversible action, not merely a physical closing by a person. It signifies finality, irrevocable judgment, and the absolute end of opportunity for the unprepared to enter into the fullness of God's blessings.

• Words-group by words-group analysis

  • "And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came": This contrasts the futility of last-minute, unprepared scrambling with the inevitable and timely arrival of the Lord. The critical moment demands existing readiness, not an attempt to acquire it once it has already passed. The time for preparation is precisely before the critical event.
  • "and those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast": This highlights the immediate, privileged reward for true spiritual diligence. Those who consistently maintain their preparedness gain immediate and intimate access to the ultimate celebration and fellowship with Christ. This is the consummation of hope for the diligent believer.
  • "and the door was shut": This statement, set apart, carries immense weight. It signifies the point of no return. Once the Bridegroom has entered with the prepared, access is irrevocably sealed. This depicts the finality of judgment, the termination of probation, and the irreversible separation between those who embraced spiritual diligence and those who procrastinated or neglected it.

Matthew 25 10 Bonus section

• The Symbolism of Oil: The "oil" in the lamps is critical. It often symbolizes the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, spiritual life, faith in action, or the character developed through walking with God. The foolish virgins had lamps (outward appearance/profession of faith) but lacked the essential inner substance (oil) that sustains spiritual life, leading to light in the darkness. This highlights the difference between superficial belief and true, living faith.
• Individual Responsibility: The wise virgins could not share their oil, underscoring that spiritual readiness, salvation, and the indwelling Spirit are personal and non-transferable. Each individual is accountable for their own spiritual state and relationship with Christ.
• Finality of Judgment: The "shut door" implies a judicial decision made by the Bridegroom Himself or under His authority, solidifying the separation between the redeemed and the unredeemed. This isn't just about missing a party; it's about missing eternity with Christ.
• Watchfulness Beyond Knowing the Time: The parable is not just about the Lord's return being sudden, but about the need for sustained readiness. All ten virgins grew drowsy, but only five had done what was necessary for when they woke up to the sound of the bridegroom. Spiritual alertness involves not just recognizing the signs, but ensuring one's lamp is always ready to burn brightly.

Matthew 25 10 Commentary

Matthew 25:10 encapsulates the profound message of preparedness for Christ's second coming. It contrasts two groups of virgins, symbolizing believers, based not on their profession (all had lamps) but on their practical readiness (sufficient oil). The verse highlights the Bridegroom's unexpected arrival during a moment of profound spiritual carelessness (the foolish virgins going to buy oil). This points to the danger of assuming there will always be more time or that essential spiritual readiness can be postponed.

The "ready" ones entering with the Bridegroom signifies their immediate reception into His presence and the consummation of His kingdom. Their readiness implies not just passive waiting, but active spiritual engagement and the presence of inner spiritual vitality (often symbolized by the Holy Spirit, inner light, or active faith and good works). Their entry emphasizes intimate fellowship and the joyous reward of eternal blessedness.

Most poignantly, "the door was shut" communicates an irreversible divine decree. This closing signifies the end of the age of grace and opportunity, ushering in the time of judgment. There are no second chances; repentance and preparation cannot be performed posthumously or after the window of opportunity closes. This sobering truth underscores the urgency of cultivating a living, active faith now. The parable teaches that the critical distinction lies not in outwardly acknowledging Christ, but in genuinely being prepared through spiritual sustenance for His unannounced return.

Examples:

• A traveler arriving at the airport after the boarding gate has definitively closed.
• A student who studied consistently versus one who attempted to cram only hours before a major, high-stakes examination.