Matthew 25 4

Matthew 25:4 kjv

But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps.

Matthew 25:4 nkjv

but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps.

Matthew 25:4 niv

The wise ones, however, took oil in jars along with their lamps.

Matthew 25:4 esv

but the wise took flasks of oil with their lamps.

Matthew 25:4 nlt

but the other five were wise enough to take along extra oil.

Matthew 25 verses

Matthew 25 4 Meaning

This verse describes the action of the wise virgins in the parable, distinguishing them from the foolish. It highlights their foresight and diligence by noting that, in addition to their lamps, they took extra oil stored in containers. This demonstrates their practical wisdom and preparedness for the potential delay in the bridegroom's arrival.

Matthew 25 4 Context

This verse is part of the Parable of the Ten Virgins found in Matthew 25:1-13. This parable is one of several teachings Jesus delivers in His Olivet Discourse (Matthew 24-25), which primarily concerns the signs of His second coming and the necessity of constant readiness and watchfulness. The parable immediately follows warnings about the unexpected timing of the Master's return (Matt 24:36, 42, 44, 50) and directly precedes the Parable of the Talents (Matt 25:14-30), which emphasizes diligent stewardship, and the judgment of the nations (Matt 25:31-46), highlighting active obedience.

Culturally, ancient Jewish wedding customs often involved a lengthy process and an element of surprise regarding the exact hour the bridegroom would arrive to take his bride from her home to his, often at night. Maidens, or "virgins," typically acted as bridesmaids, illuminating the procession with their lamps. Oil was the vital fuel for these lamps, and running out would mean failure to fulfill their role. This cultural background underscores the practicality of the wise virgins' actions and the immediate consequences of the foolish virgins' unpreparedness. The "oil in jars" was a clear sign of superior foresight.

Matthew 25 4 Word analysis

• but: (Greek: de, δέ)

  • This particle indicates a contrast, specifically setting apart the actions of "the wise" from "the foolish" virgins mentioned in the previous verse (Matt 25:3), who "took their lamps and took no oil with them." It signals a pivot to illustrate the differentiating characteristic.

• the wise: (Greek: phronimoi, φρόνιμοι)

  • This term denotes not just intellectual knowledge but practical wisdom, prudence, foresight, and sound judgment in action. It refers to someone who understands what needs to be done and acts accordingly.
  • Significance: This is the same term Jesus used to describe the man who built his house on the rock (Matt 7:24). It suggests a practical, proactive understanding and application of truth, not mere academic wisdom. They had insight into potential future needs (a delay) and planned for them.

• took: (Greek: elabon, ἔλαβον)

  • From lambanō, meaning to take, receive, acquire, or seize. This implies a deliberate and intentional act on their part. It was not by chance, but a conscious decision and effort to obtain the extra oil.
  • Significance: Their action was voluntary and specific, reflecting foresight and active preparation.

• oil: (Greek: elaion, ἔλαιον)

  • Commonly olive oil, the fuel for ancient lamps.
  • Symbolic Significance: In various biblical contexts, oil symbolizes:
    • The Holy Spirit: Often linked with anointing (Lk 4:18, Acts 10:38). A continuous supply of oil suggests the ongoing indwelling and work of the Holy Spirit.
    • Spiritual readiness/grace: The sustained ability to bear witness or to "shine" for the Lord.
    • Good works or righteous deeds: The fruit produced by a Spirit-filled life.
    • A person's internal spiritual state: A deep, sustained, and nourished faith.
  • The "oil" is not something given at the last minute; it must be accumulated and maintained beforehand.

• in jars: (Greek: en tois aggeiois, ἐν τοῖς ἀγγείοις)

  • Literally "in the vessels" or "containers." This refers to separate, additional storage for the oil, distinct from the lamp's own reservoir.
  • Significance: It highlights the extra supply. It wasn't just what was immediately present in their lamps, but a reserve. This denotes abundance, readiness for an extended period, and a careful storing of necessary resources. This extra oil represents not just a profession of faith, but a life consistently cultivated and sustained in spiritual vitality.

• along with their lamps: (Greek: meta tōn lampadōn autōn, μετὰ τῶν λαμπάδων αὐτῶν)

  • "Along with" or "with" (meta) implies "in addition to" or "at the same time as." They had lamps (representing initial faith, confession, or an outward testimony), but crucially, they also had the extra oil.
  • Significance: This distinction is key. All ten virgins had lamps, signifying an initial state of expectation or association with the bridegroom. The crucial difference was the readiness to sustain that light through an unforeseen delay. The lamp alone was insufficient without the continuous supply of oil. This points to the difference between superficial or initial profession and true, deep, abiding spiritual preparedness.

Words-group by words-group analysis

• "but the wise took oil in jars": This phrase emphasizes the deliberate and proactive choice made by the prudent virgins. They were not merely reactive but showed foresight and acted responsibly to secure a vital resource (oil) in abundance (in jars), anticipating potential needs and delays. Their wisdom led to tangible preparation.
• "along with their lamps": This further clarifies that the "oil in jars" was an additional provision beyond the basic necessity of having a lamp. It underscores that while having a lamp (faith/testimony) is essential, having a reserve of oil (spiritual depth/sustained life) is what differentiates genuine, enduring readiness. The lamps themselves required the oil to shine, symbolizing that a mere outward display or initial possession of faith requires inner spiritual vitality to be sustained.

Matthew 25 4 Bonus section

The action of the wise virgins to "take oil in jars" highlights the principle that spiritual readiness is a personal, individual responsibility that cannot be borrowed or transferred. Their foresight contrasts sharply with the naive presumption of the foolish, who either lacked wisdom or chose not to act upon it in a timely manner. The preparedness illustrated by this verse points to an active engagement with one's spiritual life, a consistent drawing upon the Lord's grace and Spirit, and living in watchful anticipation rather than idle expectation. This sustained vigilance, evidenced by the stored oil, is a mark of discipleship that endures to the end.

Matthew 25 4 Commentary

Matthew 25:4 succinctly portrays the practical wisdom that characterizes true preparedness for Christ's return. The "wise virgins" are "phronimoi," demonstrating not abstract knowledge, but applied discernment. They understood that the bridegroom's arrival could be delayed and acted to secure a reserve of "oil in jars," symbolic of an abiding spiritual vitality—be it the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit, the consistent fruit of righteousness, or deep cultivation of one's walk with God. While all virgins had lamps (representing outward profession or initial faith), only the wise possessed the necessary sustained inner resource. This verse thus champions proactive diligence, sustained spiritual nourishment, and profound readiness, distinguishing it from superficial or temporary expressions of faith. It's a call to nurture a vibrant, enduring spiritual life, rather than relying on a transient zeal.