Matthew 25 6

Matthew 25:6 kjv

And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him.

Matthew 25:6 nkjv

"And at midnight a cry was heard: 'Behold, the bridegroom is coming; go out to meet him!'

Matthew 25:6 niv

"At midnight the cry rang out: 'Here's the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!'

Matthew 25:6 esv

But at midnight there was a cry, 'Here is the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.'

Matthew 25:6 nlt

"At midnight they were roused by the shout, 'Look, the bridegroom is coming! Come out and meet him!'

Matthew 25 verses

Matthew 25 6 Meaning

Matthew 25:6 describes the pivotal moment in the Parable of the Ten Virgins when the long-awaited bridegroom finally arrives, but at an unexpected and inconvenient time – midnight. This verse signifies the sudden and surprising return of Jesus Christ (the Bridegroom), heralded by an urgent and commanding cry. It underscores the theme of constant spiritual readiness, as the time of His advent is unforeseen and demands immediate attention and response from His followers. The unexpected timing serves as a warning against spiritual complacency and calls for perpetual vigilance.

Matthew 25 6 Context

Matthew 25:6 is part of the Olivet Discourse (Matthew 24-25), a series of teachings by Jesus delivered on the Mount of Olives concerning the end times, His second coming, and the need for readiness. Chapter 25 specifically contains three parables—the Parable of the Ten Virgins, the Parable of the Talents, and the Parable of the Sheep and Goats—all emphasizing vigilance, accountability, and the nature of final judgment. The Parable of the Ten Virgins (Matthew 25:1-13) immediately precedes verse 6 and sets the scene: ten virgins (bridesmaids) are waiting to welcome a bridegroom, a key part of Jewish wedding customs where the groom would come by night, often unannounced, to the bride's home, then lead a procession back to his own house for the feast. The prolonged delay and sudden midnight cry would have resonated strongly with an audience familiar with these traditions, highlighting the unpredictability of the bridegroom's arrival. The unexpected timing of the bridegroom's appearance, specifically "at midnight," mirrors the unanticipated nature of Christ's return, reinforcing the urgent necessity for believers to be continuously prepared.

Matthew 25 6 Word analysis

• But (Greek: Δέ, De): This conjunction serves as a transitional marker, often indicating a mild contrast or continuation. Here, it shifts the focus from the protracted delay described in verse 5 to the sudden and definitive moment of arrival. It implies that despite the long wait and growing complacency, the decisive event did indeed occur.
• at midnight (Greek: Μέσος δὲ νυκτὸς, Mesos de nyktos): Literally "middle of night." This is a profoundly significant detail. Midnight is the darkest part of the night, a time when people are deepest in sleep, least expecting a call, and unprepared. It symbolizes the unexpected, inconvenient, and often unnoticed nature of the "day of the Lord" for those who are spiritually unvigilant (Mk 13:35-37, 1 Th 5:2). It heightens the sense of urgency and surprise. Historically, midnight calls to Jewish weddings were not uncommon, as a groom's arrival was unpredictable. Biblically, midnight is sometimes associated with pivotal, sudden events (Ex 12:29 - Passover; Jdg 16:3 - Samson; Ps 119:62 - prayer).
• there was a cry (Greek: Κραυγὴ, Kraugē): This refers to a loud, piercing, often sudden shout or outcry. It’s not a quiet announcement but an urgent, public proclamation demanding immediate attention. In this context, it signals the definitive and unmissable announcement of the bridegroom’s arrival. This "cry" or "shout" is paralleled in other eschatological passages regarding Christ's return (1 Th 4:16, where it's accompanied by the voice of an archangel and God's trumpet). It emphasizes the audible and definitive nature of the Lord's coming.
• 'Here is' (Greek: Ἰδοὺ, Idou): An emphatic interjection meaning "Behold!" or "Look!" It immediately draws attention to something important that is about to be revealed or has just appeared. It demands that the listeners focus and perceive what is before them, stressing the immediate and present reality of the bridegroom’s advent.
• the bridegroom! (Greek: ὁ νυμφίος, ho nymphios): In this parable, "the bridegroom" clearly symbolizes Jesus Christ Himself. The bridegroom motif is strong throughout Scripture, especially in portraying God's relationship with His people (Old Testament) and Christ's relationship with the Church (New Testament) (Jn 3:29; Rv 19:7). His arrival is the central event of the narrative and the ultimate hope for His people.
• Come out (Greek: ἐξέρχεσθε, exerchesthe): An imperative verb, "Go out" or "Come forth." It's an active command requiring a swift and decisive response. The call is not to passively wait indoors, but to actively move toward the arriving figure. This implies spiritual readiness manifesting as action.
• to meet him (Greek: εἰς ἀπάντησιν αὐτοῦ, eis apantēsin autou): This phrase indicates the purpose of going out. The term apantēsis often carried a semi-technical meaning in antiquity for a formal procession or welcoming delegation going out from a city to meet a dignitary or king upon their arrival and escort them back. This highlights not just a casual encounter but a purposeful, reverent, and collective welcoming procession for the arriving King/Bridegroom. It points to the believer's active role in anticipating and participating in Christ's final advent.

Words-Group Analysis:

• But at midnight there was a cry: This opening phrase establishes the dramatic, unexpected, and urgent nature of the event. It shifts the tone of patient waiting to one of sudden crisis and action. The juxtaposition of deep night and a loud cry creates a powerful image of divine interruption.
• 'Here is the bridegroom!': This is the direct proclamation that fuels the urgency. The focus is immediately placed on the central figure and event of the parable – the coming of Christ. The emphasis on "here" (Idou) makes the arrival immediate and unavoidable.
• 'Come out to meet him': This is the call to action for the waiting party. It is not merely an announcement but an imperative that demands a response, distinguishing the prepared from the unprepared. The meeting suggests a journey and participation, aligning with the idea of being welcomed into the "marriage feast" that follows.

Matthew 25 6 Bonus section

The motif of midnight as a significant hour often signifies a critical juncture or turning point in biblical narratives. In the Old Testament, the Israelite Passover liberation (Ex 12:29) occurred at midnight, marking a sudden divine intervention and a profound change of circumstances. This adds a layer of depth to Matthew 25:6, subtly associating Christ's return with a climactic, liberating act. Furthermore, in ancient wedding customs, the apantēsis (meeting procession) where the virgins went out to meet the bridegroom carried the understanding that they would then escort him back to the wedding feast. This means the call "Come out to meet him" implied a call to enter into the fullness of the consummated Kingdom of God, represented by the wedding feast. It is a call not merely to see Him, but to be united with Him in joyous fellowship. The delay before the cry allowed the contrast between the wise and foolish to sharpen, showing how true preparedness is revealed not in initial excitement but in sustained faithfulness through seasons of waiting.

Matthew 25 6 Commentary

Matthew 25:6 delivers the pivotal turning point of the Parable of the Ten Virgins, announcing the long-awaited bridegroom's arrival. The significance lies profoundly in the unexpected timing: "at midnight," the hour of deepest slumber and least expectation. This detail serves as a potent metaphor for the unexpected nature of Christ's Second Coming, echoing His warnings that He will return "like a thief in the night" (1 Th 5:2, 2 Pt 3:10). The "cry" (κραυγὴ) that erupts is a loud, authoritative summons, not easily missed, parallel to the "cry of command" and "trumpet call of God" that will accompany Christ's return (1 Th 4:16). This urgent summons reveals the Bridegroom (Jesus Christ), emphasizing His certain and imminent arrival, initiating the ultimate rendezvous. The command "Come out to meet him" calls for an active, immediate response, separating those who are spiritually prepared and ready from those who are not. It’s a call to join the procession of those who eagerly await and are ready to welcome the Lord, emphasizing the necessity of an abiding state of vigilance and readiness. The unprepared cannot produce what is needed at that critical moment, highlighting that spiritual preparation cannot be acquired instantly or borrowed, underscoring personal responsibility.