Devine Scripture

Matthew 25:4

What does Matthew 25:4 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 25:4 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 25:4 means

In contrast to the foolish, the five wise virgins prudently took extra oil in their vessels along with their lamps. This detail highlights their genuine foresight and diligence. Their possession of oil signifies a deep, sustained spiritual life—a true reserve of faith and devotion that would enable them to endure the wait. They understood that the journey might be longer than expected, and their preparation extended beyond mere outward appearance, indicating a heartfelt engagement with their expectation of the bridegroom.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lights.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and the prudent took oil in their vessels, with their lamps.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

But the wise took oil in their vessels with the lamps.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

but the prudent took oil in their vessels with their torches.

Context

This verse directly contrasts with verse 3 by explaining the wisdom of the five prepared virgins. It provides the crucial detail of their having extra oil, which will prove pivotal in the unfolding narrative. This distinction solidifies the reader's understanding of what true preparedness looks like, setting up the narrative tension that will arise when the bridegroom is delayed and the need for oil becomes urgent.

v.3For the foolish, when they took their lamps, took no oil with them:

v.4This passage

v.5Now while the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept.

Cross references

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

  • 1 John 2:27

    And as for you, the anointing which ye received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any one teach you; but as his anointing teacheth you concerning all things, and is true, and is no lie, and even as it taught you, ye abide in him.

  • Jude 1:19

    These are they who make separations, sensual, having not the Spirit.

  • John 3:34

    For he whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God: for he giveth not the Spirit by measure.

  • Galatians 5:22

    But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,

  • Zechariah 4:2

    And he said unto me, What seest thou? And I said, I have seen, and, behold, a candlestick all of gold, with its bowl upon the top of it, and its seven lamps thereon; there are seven pipes to each of the lamps, which are upon the top thereof;

  • John 1:15

    John beareth witness of him, and crieth, saying, This was he of whom I said, He that cometh after me is become before me: for he was before me.

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