Matthew 25:11

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

Afterward {G1161}{G5305} came {G2064} also {G2532} the other {G3062} virgins {G3933}, saying {G3004}, Lord {G2962}, Lord {G2962}, open {G455} to us {G2254}.

Later, the other bridesmaids came. `Sir! Sir!' they cried, `Let us in!'

Later the other virgins arrived and said, ‘Lord, lord, open the door for us!’

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

Matthew 25:11 KJV reads, "Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us." This poignant verse marks a critical moment in the Parable of the Ten Virgins, highlighting the tragic consequence of spiritual unpreparedness.

Context

This verse is found within Jesus' Olivet Discourse, a series of teachings on the end times and His second coming, recorded in Matthew chapters 24 and 25. The Parable of the Ten Virgins (Matthew 25:1-13) illustrates the importance of constant readiness for the return of the Bridegroom, who represents Christ. Five virgins were wise because they brought extra oil for their lamps, anticipating a delay. The other five were foolish, taking only what was immediately necessary. When the bridegroom arrived unexpectedly at midnight, the foolish virgins had to leave to buy oil, missing the crucial moment of entry. Verse 11 captures their desperate return, only to find the door shut and their pleas for entry denied.

Key Themes

  • Spiritual Preparedness: The core message is the necessity of being spiritually ready for Christ's return. The "oil" symbolizes not just faith, but also a life lived in obedience, good works, and the indwelling Holy Spirit. The foolish virgins lacked this sustained readiness and foresight.
  • Missed Opportunity: The closed door signifies a final, irreversible opportunity. Their desperate plea, "Lord, Lord, open to us," comes too late, emphasizing that there are severe consequences for neglecting spiritual vigilance and delaying true readiness. This echoes the warning in Luke 13:25 where the master has shut the door and pleas are denied.
  • Divine Judgment: While presented in a parable, this moment points to the reality of future judgment and the separation between those who are truly ready and those who are not. This is a consistent theme in other teachings of Jesus, such as Matthew 7:21-23, concerning entry into the kingdom of heaven.

Linguistic Insights

The repeated plea, "Lord, Lord," is significant. In the New Testament, such repetition often conveys intensity, urgency, or desperation. Here, it reflects the virgins' frantic realization of their plight and their desperate hope for a change of heart. It's not a casual request but a fervent, yet ultimately fruitless, cry for admission. This phrase also appears in Matthew 7:21, where Jesus warns that merely calling Him "Lord" does not guarantee entry into the kingdom of heaven; rather, it's doing the will of the Father that counts.

Practical Application

Matthew 25:11 serves as a timeless warning for all believers. It underscores that salvation is not merely a one-time decision but requires ongoing spiritual diligence and a lifestyle of readiness. We are called to cultivate a deep, abiding relationship with God, characterized by obedience and active faith, symbolized by having our "lamps trimmed and burning." The unpredictable timing of the bridegroom's arrival reinforces the call to "watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour" (Matthew 25:13). This verse encourages believers to live lives of purpose and devotion, ensuring they are always prepared for their ultimate meeting with Christ, whether at His return or at the end of their own lives.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Matthew 7:21

    Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.

  • Matthew 7:23

    And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

  • Hebrews 12:16

    Lest there [be] any fornicator, or profane person, as Esau, who for one morsel of meat sold his birthright.

  • Hebrews 12:17

    For ye know how that afterward, when he would have inherited the blessing, he was rejected: for he found no place of repentance, though he sought it carefully with tears.

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