Devine Scripture

Matthew 25:1

What does Matthew 25:1 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 25:1 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 25:1 means

Jesus begins a parable comparing the Kingdom of Heaven to ten virgins awaiting a bridegroom. These virgins represent professing believers, those who outwardly anticipate Christ's return. The lamps they carry symbolize their outward testimony or faith. The act of going forth to meet the bridegroom signifies their expectation of Him. This imagery sets the stage for a crucial lesson about true spiritual preparedness, which extends beyond mere outward appearance or initial enthusiasm. The parable immediately presents a distinction between two groups of virgins, highlighting that not all who appear to be waiting are truly ready.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, who took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, who took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Then the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins, the friends of the bride, who took their lights, and went out with the purpose of meeting the husband.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

`Then shall the reign of the heavens be likened to ten virgins, who, having taken their lamps, went forth to meet the bridegroom;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Then shall the kingdom of heaven be like to ten virgins, who taking their lamps went out to meet the bridegroom and the bride.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

Then shall the kingdom of the heavens be made like to ten virgins that having taken their torches, went forth to meet the bridegroom.

Context

This verse opens the first of three parables in Matthew 25, all focusing on readiness for Christ's return. It immediately establishes the setting and the main characters: ten virgins awaiting a bridegroom. This sets the stage for the narrative about spiritual preparedness, emphasizing that the 'kingdom of heaven' involves active anticipation. Without this initial setup, the subsequent contrast between the wise and foolish virgins would lack its foundational understanding.

v.1This passage

v.2And five of them were foolish, and five were wise.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • John 3:29

    He that hath the bride is the bridegroom: but the friend of the bridegroom, that standeth and heareth him, rejoiceth greatly because of the bridegroom’s voice: this my joy therefore is made full.

  • Song of Solomon 5:16

    His mouth is most sweet; Yea, he is altogether lovely. This is my beloved, and this is my friend, O daughters of Jerusalem.

  • 2 Timothy 4:8

    henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give to me at that day; and not to me only, but also to all them that have loved his appearing.

  • Psalms 45:9

    Kings’ daughters are among thy honorable women: At thy right hand doth stand the queen in gold of Ophir.

  • Matthew 9:15

    And Jesus said unto them, Can the sons of the bridechamber mourn, as long as the bridegroom is with them? but the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken away from them, and then will they fast.

  • Luke 5:34

    And Jesus said unto them, Can ye make the sons of the bride-chamber fast, while the bridegroom is with them?

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