Devine Scripture

Matthew 25:5

What does Matthew 25:5 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 25:5 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 25:5 means

As the bridegroom was delayed, all ten virgins, both foolish and wise, grew weary and fell asleep. This detail underscores that the waiting period for Christ's return can be unexpectedly long, and even the most diligent may experience periods of spiritual lull or slumber. It also demonstrates that external appearances can be deceiving; while all seemed to be waiting, their underlying preparedness differed significantly. The shared sleep emphasizes that spiritual wakefulness is not always constant, but true readiness is about possessing the inner resources to respond when the call finally comes.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Now the husband was a long time in coming, and they all went to sleep.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

`And the bridegroom tarrying, they all nodded and were sleeping,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And the bridegroom tarrying, they all slumbered and slept.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

Now the bridegroom tarrying, they all grew heavy and slept.

Context

This verse advances the parable's timeline, explaining what happened during the bridegroom's prolonged delay. It shows that both groups of virgins, wise and foolish, experienced natural human fatigue. This delay is a crucial element that tests the preparedness of each group. It sets the stage for the sudden, unexpected arrival of the bridegroom, making the distinction between those with and without extra oil critically important in the verses that follow.

v.4but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps.

v.5This passage

v.6But at midnight there is a cry, Behold, the bridegroom! Come ye forth to meet him.

Cross references

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

  • Ephesians 5:14

    Wherefore he saith, Awake, thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall shine upon thee.

  • Jonah 1:5

    Then the mariners were afraid, and cried every man unto his god; and they cast forth the wares that were in the ship into the sea, to lighten it unto them. But Jonah was gone down into the innermost parts of the ship; and he lay, and was fast asleep.

  • Revelation 2:25

    Nevertheless that which ye have, hold fast till I come.

  • Luke 18:8

    I say unto you, that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?

  • Mark 14:37

    And he cometh, and findeth them sleeping, and saith unto Peter, Simon, sleepest thou? couldest thou not watch one hour?

  • Matthew 25:19

    Now after a long time the lord of those servants cometh, and maketh a reckoning with them.

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