Matthew 25 7

Matthew 25:7 kjv

Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps.

Matthew 25:7 nkjv

Then all those virgins arose and trimmed their lamps.

Matthew 25:7 niv

"Then all the virgins woke up and trimmed their lamps.

Matthew 25:7 esv

Then all those virgins rose and trimmed their lamps.

Matthew 25:7 nlt

"All the bridesmaids got up and prepared their lamps.

Matthew 25 verses

Matthew 25 7 Meaning

Matthew 25:7 describes the immediate action taken by all ten virgins upon hearing the cry that the bridegroom was approaching. It signifies their collective awakening from slumber and their simultaneous effort to prepare their lamps, which were essential for participating in the nighttime wedding procession. This preparation involved cleaning and adjusting the wicks so the lamps would burn brightly.

Matthew 25 7 Context

Matthew 25:7 is part of the Parable of the Ten Virgins (Matthew 25:1-13), which Jesus narrates as a teaching within the Olivet Discourse (Matthew 24-25). This discourse primarily addresses eschatological themes, focusing on the signs of the end of the age and the necessity of preparedness for Christ's second coming. The parable uses the familiar cultural context of a Jewish wedding procession, where attendants, especially virgins, would accompany the bridegroom with lamps during a night march to the feast. The long delay of the bridegroom in the parable reflects the extended period before Christ's return. Verse 7 specifically describes the initial, universal reaction to the long-awaited announcement, preceding the crucial distinction between the wise and the foolish virgins concerning their provision of oil.

Matthew 25 7 Word analysis

• Then (Greek: Τότε, Tote): This adverb signifies a specific point in time, indicating immediacy and sequential action. It directly follows the loud "cry" announcing the bridegroom's arrival, marking the transition from waiting to urgent activity.
• all those (Greek: πᾶσαι, pasai): "All" emphasizes the initial universal response. Both wise and foolish virgins alike reacted to the summons. This highlights that external appearance or even initial action is not the ultimate differentiator.
• virgins (Greek: αἱ παρθένοι, hai parthenoi): Literally "virgins," symbolizing purity, perhaps those who are set apart for the kingdom of God, or more generally, members of the church waiting for Christ. They are attendants for a sacred ceremony, signifying their role in expectation of the bridegroom.
• arose (Greek: ἠγέρθησαν, ēgerthēsan): From egeirō, meaning to wake up, to raise, or even to resurrect. Here, it denotes an awakening from their slumber, a sudden activation following a period of rest or dormancy. This implies a definite, responsive movement.
• and trimmed (Greek: καὶ ἐκόσμησαν, kai ekosmēsan): From kosmeō, meaning to set in order, arrange, adorn, or prepare. "Trimming" refers to the physical act of adjusting the wick and possibly clearing away burnt portions to ensure the lamp burns efficiently and produces maximum light. It signifies an active preparation.
• their lamps (Greek: τὰς λαμπάδας αὐτῶν, tas lampadas autōn): Lampas refers to torches or lamps typically fueled by oil, designed to provide light in the dark. These lamps are a clear symbol of outward testimony, spiritual readiness, and one's active faith or good works, necessary for illumination in the night.

Word-group analysis

• Then all those virgins arose: This phrase indicates the collective, immediate, and awakened response of the entire group to the call. It shows a shared initial state of awakening from their slumber and a recognition of the urgent need to prepare. This shared action, however, sets the stage for the crucial difference in their preparedness, which is revealed next.
• and trimmed their lamps: This describes the specific, practical action taken by the virgins. Trimming the lamp means tending to it, preparing it to give off light effectively. This implies both maintenance and activation. While all could perform the physical act of trimming, the effectiveness of this trimming—whether light would actually be produced—depended on an underlying, indispensable resource: the oil.

Matthew 25 7 Bonus section

The seemingly innocent act of "trimming" in this verse serves as a crucial setup for the distinction that immediately follows. While trimming the wick makes the lamp ready to burn optimally, it cannot make it burn if the essential fuel (oil) is absent. Thus, verse 7 reveals the shared, outward act of preparation, while highlighting that the effectiveness of this act is entirely dependent on an internal, sustained spiritual reality, not immediately apparent to external observers until the call comes. It prepares the reader to understand that action alone is insufficient; intrinsic, unseen provision is paramount.

Matthew 25 7 Commentary

Matthew 25:7 depicts the pivotal moment when the anticipation of the bridegroom shifts from a state of waiting and slumber to urgent action. The phrase "Then all those virgins arose" signifies a universal awakening among those who awaited the Lord's return. This awakening is not a problem in itself, as all of them slept. However, it mandates an immediate response. The act of "trimmed their lamps" illustrates the final, practical preparation believers must undertake as the moment of reckoning draws near. For some, this preparation is a routine task, a final check on already ample provisions. For others, this very act of trimming, intended to ignite the lamp, reveals a fatal lack of essential resources, foreshadowing the crucial distinction between true preparedness and mere appearance of readiness. This verse underscores the necessity of constant spiritual diligence, where one's "light" or spiritual state must be ready to shine at any moment the Master calls.