Matthew 25 2

Matthew 25:2 kjv

And five of them were wise, and five were foolish.

Matthew 25:2 nkjv

Now five of them were wise, and five were foolish.

Matthew 25:2 niv

Five of them were foolish and five were wise.

Matthew 25:2 esv

Five of them were foolish, and five were wise.

Matthew 25:2 nlt

Five of them were foolish, and five were wise.

Matthew 25 verses

Matthew 25 2 Meaning

Matthew 25:2 categorizes the ten virgins introduced in the preceding verse into two distinct groups based on their inherent spiritual disposition: five were foolish and five were wise. This immediate division highlights that not all who outwardly appear to be awaiting the Lord are truly prepared or possessing genuine spiritual foresight. It sets the foundation for the parable's central teaching on the critical difference between mere expectation and active, sustained readiness for Christ's return.

Matthew 25 2 Context

This verse is an integral part of the Parable of the Ten Virgins (Matt 25:1-13), which Jesus taught within the Olivet Discourse (Matthew 24-25). This discourse primarily addresses the signs of the end of the age, the destruction of the Temple, and His Second Coming. Chapters 24 and 25 comprise a series of warnings and exhortations emphasizing vigilance, readiness, and faithful stewardship in light of the Lord's anticipated return.

Historically, Jewish weddings involved a procession where the groom, accompanied by his friends, would come at night to the bride's house. From there, they would proceed to his house (or his father's house) for the wedding feast. Bridesmaids (virgins) would join the procession, carrying lamps or torches to light the way. These lamps required oil to burn through the night. The parable implicitly critiques any form of spiritual complacency or superficial adherence that neglects genuine, sustained preparedness for the Christ's coming.

Matthew 25 2 Word analysis

• Five: (Gr. pente, πέντε). A specific number. This division into two equal groups of "five" highlights a stark and balanced contrast, emphasizing that unpreparedness is not just a minority issue but potentially an equal threat among those outwardly anticipating Christ's return. It is not skewed to suggest one group is significantly larger than the other.
• of them: (Gr. autōn, αὐτῶν). Refers back to the "ten virgins" (Matt 25:1). It underscores that all ten were initially present and appeared to be participants in the expectation of the bridegroom.
• were: (Gr. ēsan, ἦσαν). Imperfect indicative. This verb tense indicates a continuing state or a characteristic inherent in them from the outset. Their foolishness or wisdom was not a temporary state but an ingrained aspect of their being.
• foolish: (Gr. mōrai, μωραί). From mōros (μωρός), the root of the English word "moron." It denotes dullness, senselessness, stupidity, or lacking practical discernment. Here, it does not imply a lack of intelligence but a profound lack of spiritual foresight, prudence, and diligence concerning what was truly necessary for readiness. Their failure was an active neglect to secure vital resources.
• wise: (Gr. phronimoi, φρόνιμοι). From phronimos (φρόνιμος). This term describes someone who is thoughtful, prudent, sagacious, discerning, or practically intelligent. It is the kind of wisdom that applies insight to anticipate and prepare for the future. This implies sound judgment leading to appropriate, diligent action in spiritual matters.

Words-group by words-group analysis

• "Five of them were foolish, and five were wise": This precise numerical split establishes a clear duality and an immediate distinction within the group of expectant virgins. It forces the audience to consider which group they belong to, challenging the assumption that mere presence or profession of faith is sufficient. This initial classification foreshadows the ultimate separation at the bridegroom's arrival. The contrasting terms "foolish" and "wise" form the central spiritual dichotomy of the parable, highlighting the critical difference in spiritual preparedness and the eternal consequences that follow.

Matthew 25 2 Bonus section

• The terms mōrai (foolish) and phronimoi (wise) used by Jesus are not value-neutral. They are evaluative labels. The outcome of the parable makes it clear that one state leads to disaster and the other to salvation.
• The specific number "ten" (from verse 1) often symbolizes completeness in biblical contexts. The division of "ten" into two "fives" can signify a testing or selection, with a separation based on intrinsic spiritual condition. It implies a significant portion of those appearing to wait for the Lord may not be ready.
• This verse, and the parable, underline the sovereignty of the individual's choice and responsibility to be ready. The virgins were themselves foolish or themselves wise, emphasizing personal accountability in maintaining spiritual vitality.

Matthew 25 2 Commentary

This opening verse of classification within the Parable of the Ten Virgins immediately reveals the core theological tension: not all who outwardly profess Christ or expect His return are truly prepared. The equal division—five foolish and five wise—is strikingly significant. It teaches that even among those within the visible church or Christian community, a vital qualitative distinction exists. The "foolish" are not intellectually deficient but spiritually imprudent, lacking foresight and diligent action for the long term. Their failure is in neglecting to secure sufficient "oil"—a common symbol in biblical teaching for the Holy Spirit, inner spiritual life, or a consistent life of faith and obedience. The "wise," in contrast, embody true prudence by taking necessary measures for sustained readiness, symbolizing a proactive and vigilant faith that anticipates Christ's coming with diligent living. This verse therefore calls for deep introspection: one must ascertain which group they genuinely belong to by examining their internal state of spiritual preparedness rather than merely their outward association.