Devine Scripture

Matthew 25:12

What does Matthew 25:12 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 25:12 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 25:12 means

The bridegroom's stark reply, "Verily I say unto you, I know you not," delivers the most chilling message of the parable. Despite their profession and their attendance at the wedding house, he disavows any relationship with them. This is not simply a lack of acquaintance but a denial of intimacy and true connection, signifying their spiritual estrangement. It reveals that outward appearance and even a plea of "Lord, Lord" are meaningless without a genuine, sustained walk with Him, which the oil symbolized.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

But he made answer and said, Truly I say to you, I have no knowledge of you.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and he answering said, Verily I say to you, I have not known you.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

But he answering said: Amen I say to you, I know you not.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

but he answering said, Verily I say unto you, I do not know you.

Context

This verse presents the bridegroom's definitive and chilling response to the foolish virgins' pleas in verse 11. It is the climax of this segment of the parable, providing the ultimate consequence of their unpreparedness. This clear rejection solidifies the lesson that a mere outward profession of faith is insufficient, leading directly into Jesus' exhortation for watchfulness in the following verse, thereby concluding this parable.

v.11Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us.

v.12This passage

v.13Watch therefore, for ye know not the day nor the hour.

Cross references

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

  • John 9:31

    We know that God heareth not sinners: but if any man be a worshipper of God, and do his will, him he heareth.

  • 2 Timothy 2:19

    Howbeit the firm foundation of God standeth, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his: and, Let every one that nameth the name of the Lord depart from unrighteousness.

  • Habakkuk 1:13

    Thou that art of purer eyes than to behold evil, and that canst not look on perverseness, wherefore lookest thou upon them that deal treacherously, and holdest thy peace when the wicked swalloweth up the man that is more righteous than he;

  • Luke 13:26

    then shall ye begin to say, We did eat and drink in thy presence, and thou didst teach in our streets;

  • Psalms 5:5

    The arrogant shall not stand in thy sight: Thou hatest all workers of iniquity.

  • Galatians 4:9

    but now that ye have come to know God, or rather to be known by God, how turn ye back again to the weak and beggarly rudiments, whereunto ye desire to be in bondage over again?

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