Matthew 25 9

Matthew 25:9 kjv

But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves.

Matthew 25:9 nkjv

But the wise answered, saying, 'No, lest there should not be enough for us and you; but go rather to those who sell, and buy for yourselves.'

Matthew 25:9 niv

"?'No,' they replied, 'there may not be enough for both us and you. Instead, go to those who sell oil and buy some for yourselves.'

Matthew 25:9 esv

But the wise answered, saying, 'Since there will not be enough for us and for you, go rather to the dealers and buy for yourselves.'

Matthew 25:9 nlt

"But the others replied, 'We don't have enough for all of us. Go to a shop and buy some for yourselves.'

Matthew 25 verses

Matthew 25 9 Meaning

Matthew 25:9 describes the crucial moment in the Parable of the Ten Virgins when the wise virgins, who are prepared with extra oil, refuse to share their oil with the foolish virgins. Their refusal is not an act of unkindness, but a statement of spiritual reality: true readiness and an inner spiritual state (symbolized by the oil) cannot be lent, borrowed, or acquired at the last minute from another in the decisive hour of Christ's return. The verse emphasizes individual responsibility and the impossibility of transferring one's spiritual vitality or salvation to another.

Matthew 25 9 Context

Matthew 25:9 is part of the Parable of the Ten Virgins (Mt 25:1-13), one of three parables Jesus shares in Matthew 25 that depict readiness for His second coming and the final judgment. This chapter concludes the Olivet Discourse, a significant prophetic teaching delivered by Jesus on the Mount of Olives. Preceding this parable, Matthew 24 details signs of the end times and emphasizes the unexpected timing of the Son of Man's return, urging vigilance. The Parable of the Ten Virgins directly addresses the need for personal spiritual preparedness, symbolized by having enough oil for one's lamp, to enter into the heavenly banquet with the Bridegroom. This verse highlights the unsharable nature of that vital, inner readiness, drawing a stark contrast between genuine, sustained faith and superficial or last-minute attempts at spirituality.

Matthew 25 9 Word analysis

• But the wise answered:

  • "But" (De, Greek: δέ): A conjunction introducing a contrast. It highlights a pivot in the narrative, contrasting the expectation of sharing with the surprising refusal.
  • "the wise" (Hai phronimoi, Greek: αἱ φρόνιμοι): Feminine plural adjective, referring to the five virgins who were prepared. Phronimos (φρόνιμος) denotes practical wisdom, prudence, foresight, and sound judgment in everyday life. It is not sophia (σοφία), theoretical or intellectual wisdom, but a wisdom that leads to right action, as seen in the wise builder (Mt 7:24) and the faithful and wise servant (Mt 24:45). Their wisdom enabled them to foresee the potential delay and prepare adequately.
  • "answered" (Apekrithēsan, Greek: ἀπεκρίθησαν): Implies a direct and definitive reply, a firm refusal.

• saying, 'No; lest there not be enough for us and you;':

  • "No" (Mē, Greek: μή): A strong negative particle, expressing absolute prohibition or denial, based on a firm conclusion. It communicates an unnegotiable refusal.
  • "lest there not be enough" (Mēpote ouk arkesē, Greek: μήποτε οὐκ ἀρκέσῃ): Translates "lest perchance there be not enough" or "so that there will not be sufficient." It indicates the anticipated negative consequence if they were to share.
    • "enough" (Arkesē, Greek: ἀρκέσῃ): Sufficiency. The spiritual implication is that genuine faith, relationship with Christ, or indwelling Spirit are not quantities that can be simply divided or transferred. Each individual needs their own complete supply.
  • "for us and you" (Hēmin kai hymin, Greek: ἡμῖν καὶ ὑμῖν): Underscores that the crisis of insufficiency would extend to both parties. If the spiritual "oil" is truly personal and indispensable, sharing it means everyone is lacking.

• 'but go rather to those who sell, and buy for yourselves.':

  • "but go rather" (Poreuesthe de mallon, Greek: πορεύεσθε δὲ μᾶλλον): A strong imperative. The wise virgins command the foolish ones to take immediate, active steps. "Mallon" (μᾶλλον), "rather," intensifies the command, emphasizing the alternative action they must take.
  • "to those who sell, and buy" (Pros tous pōlountas kai agorasate, Greek: πρὸς τοὺς πωλοῦντας καὶ ἀγοράσατε): This is the instruction for obtaining oil.
    • "those who sell" (Poloūntas, Greek: πωλοῦντας): Literal "sellers," a parabolic device. This isn't literal merchandising of grace but represents the means or source through which spiritual readiness is acquired. During the appointed time (the period of opportunity before the Bridegroom's arrival), individuals could "acquire" genuine faith, relationship, or the Holy Spirit. This 'selling' symbolizes spiritual exchange, like Rev 3:18 where Christ offers to "sell" true riches to the lukewarm.
    • "buy" (Agorasate, Greek: ἀγοράσατε): To purchase or acquire. Implies a cost or effort, though for God's grace, it is "without money and without price" (Is 55:1), suggesting the effort of seeking, hearing, obeying, and embracing God's provisions.
  • "for yourselves" (Heautais, Greek: ἑαυταῖς): A reflexive pronoun emphasizing that the action of buying is intensely personal and non-transferable. Each virgin must acquire her own oil.

• Words-group Analysis:

  • "No; lest there not be enough for us and you": This phrase encapsulates the core theological point that vital spiritual preparation, often identified with saving faith, an indwelling Holy Spirit, or genuine righteousness, is utterly personal and cannot be shared at the moment of ultimate testing. It cannot be borrowed or transferred, just as one cannot borrow salvation.
  • "but go rather to those who sell, and buy for yourselves": This phrase is both an instruction and an indictment. It points to the time when oil could have been acquired (during the "delay" of the Bridegroom's arrival, symbolizing the present age) and underscores the personal responsibility each individual has to ensure their own preparedness. It's a parabolic depiction of seeking and receiving God's grace through established means before it is too late.

Matthew 25 9 Bonus section

The seemingly harsh response of the wise virgins ("No") underscores the non-negotiable and un-transferable nature of an authentic, internal spiritual state. It reflects divine justice and the ultimate solitude of the soul before God in judgment. This parable, and particularly this verse, directly refutes any notion of last-minute repentance or an ability to rely on the "overflow" righteousness of others. The "oil" isn't a divisible commodity like money; it represents the very life and spiritual connection without which access to the "marriage feast" is impossible. The period of "buying" signifies the earthly life, the era of grace where individuals have the opportunity to respond to Christ and live in active expectation of His return, prior to the final, irrevocable moment.

Matthew 25 9 Commentary

Matthew 25:9 succinctly reveals the nature of true spiritual readiness. The "oil" symbolizes the vital, internal spiritual substance that prepares one for Christ's return, often interpreted as genuine faith, the Holy Spirit, a relationship with Christ, or active righteousness. The refusal of the wise virgins to share is not uncharitable; rather, it highlights a profound spiritual truth: salvation and spiritual vitality are deeply personal and cannot be borrowed or transferred from one individual to another. You cannot "lend" someone your faith, your anointing, or your relationship with God in a crisis moment.

The command "go rather to those who sell, and buy for yourselves" functions both as a challenge and a judgment. It points to the preceding time of opportunity where such essential spiritual resources could have been acquired (through diligent pursuit, hearing and obeying God's Word, and walking in the Spirit). It underscores the principle of personal accountability: each soul is responsible for their own spiritual state and preparedness. When the Bridegroom arrives, there is no time left to acquire what was neglected, emphasizing the urgency of being prepared now. This parable is a solemn warning against procrastination and superficial faith, asserting that ultimate destiny hinges on a deep, personal, and sustained readiness for Christ's return.

Practical Example: You cannot study for someone else's exam for them, nor can you give them your degree. Each person must engage in the learning process personally to be deemed ready and qualified. Similarly, one must cultivate a personal relationship with Christ; it cannot be inherited or transferred from family or friends at the hour of judgment.