Matthew 25:3

KJV

They that [were] foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them:

KJV (with Strong's)

They {G3748} that were foolish {G3474} took {G2983} their {G846}{G1438} lamps {G2985}, and took {G2983} no {G3756} oil {G1637} with {G3326} them {G1438}:

Complete Jewish Bible

The foolish ones took lamps with them but no oil,

Berean Standard Bible

The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take along any extra oil.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 25:3 introduces the critical flaw of the "foolish" virgins in Jesus's Parable of the Ten Virgins, highlighting their superficial preparation for the bridegroom's arrival. While possessing lamps, they neglected to bring the essential oil required to sustain their light through an unforeseen delay, thereby illustrating the spiritual danger of outward religious appearance without genuine, internal readiness and sustained spiritual provision.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Matthew 25:3 is an integral part of the Parable of the Ten Virgins, which begins in [Matthew 25:1](/matthew/25-1 "The Parable of the Ten Virgins") and concludes in [Matthew 25:13](/matthew/25-13 "The Call to Watchfulness"). This parable immediately follows Jesus's extensive discourse on the signs of His second coming and the end of the age, found in [Matthew 24](/matthew/24 "Jesus's Olivet Discourse"). It serves as a vivid illustration and urgent warning, emphasizing the necessity of constant vigilance and preparedness for the unexpected return of the Son of Man. The verse specifically sets up the contrast between the five foolish virgins and the five wise virgins, whose prudent actions are described in [Matthew 25:4](/matthew/25-4 "The Wise Virgins' Preparation"), thereby establishing the central tension and moral lesson of the narrative.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The parable draws upon ancient Jewish wedding customs, which often involved a nighttime procession. The bridegroom, accompanied by his friends, would come to the bride's house, and then the entire bridal party, including bridesmaids (virgins), would escort the couple to the wedding feast, often at the groom's home. Lamps or torches were essential for illuminating the path, especially if the procession occurred after dark. These lamps typically consisted of a wick soaked in olive oil, requiring a continuous supply of fuel to remain lit for an extended period. The unexpected timing of the bridegroom's arrival was a common feature, necessitating readiness on the part of those awaiting him. This cultural backdrop underscores the practical, immediate need for oil, transforming a mundane detail into a profound spiritual metaphor for preparedness.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Matthew's Gospel and biblical eschatology. Foremost is the theme of **preparedness and vigilance** for the Lord's return, a concept repeatedly stressed by Jesus (e.g., [Matthew 24:42-44](/matthew/24-42-44 "Be Ready for the Son of Man's Coming")). It starkly contrasts **wisdom versus foolishness**, where wisdom is defined by foresight and practical action, while foolishness is characterized by carelessness and a lack of genuine readiness, mirroring the teachings on the wise and foolish builders in [Matthew 7:24-27](/matthew/7-24-27 "The Wise and Foolish Builders"). Furthermore, the "oil" often symbolizes an **inner spiritual reality** (such as the Holy Spirit, genuine faith, or a living relationship with God) that sustains outward expressions of piety, highlighting that mere outward adherence or profession is insufficient for enduring the wait and entering the kingdom.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **foolish (Greek, _mōrós'_):** From G3474, denoting someone who is dull, stupid, heedless, or morally blockheaded. It implies a lack of prudence and foresight rather than intentional malice. In this context, it describes those who are spiritually imprudent, failing to anticipate and prepare adequately for a crucial event, leading to dire consequences.
* **took (Greek, _lambánō'_):** From G2983, meaning "to take," "to get hold of," or "to receive." This verb is used twice in the verse, first to describe the foolish virgins taking their lamps, and second, their failure to take oil. The repetition highlights their active choice in acquiring the visible symbol (lamps) but their passive neglect or failure to acquire the necessary substance (oil), underscoring a critical oversight in their preparation.
* **oil (Greek, _élaion'_):** From G1637, specifically referring to "olive oil." In the context of lamps, it is the essential fuel for light. Symbolically, it represents the vital spiritual provision necessary to sustain one's faith and readiness over time, distinguishing genuine, living faith from mere outward profession or superficial adherence.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"They that were foolish took their lamps":** This clause introduces the five foolish virgins, immediately identifying their defining characteristic: "foolishness." They possessed the outward symbol of readiness—lamps—indicating an initial intention to participate in the wedding procession and perhaps even an outward appearance of being prepared. This suggests that their failure was not a complete absence of religious activity or profession, but a fundamental deficiency in their spiritual state.
* **"and took no oil with them":** This second clause reveals the critical omission and the essence of their foolishness. Despite having lamps, they neglected to bring the necessary fuel for sustained light. This lack of oil signifies a profound spiritual unpreparedness, a failure to cultivate the inner resources (whether interpreted as the Holy Spirit, genuine faith, or an active relationship with God) required to endure the waiting period and remain spiritually vibrant until the bridegroom's arrival. Their oversight was not about having no lamp, but about having no lasting source of light.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 25:3 employs several powerful literary devices. **Symbolism** is paramount, where the "lamps" symbolize outward religious profession or an initial state of readiness, and the "oil" represents the essential inner spiritual vitality—often interpreted as the Holy Spirit, genuine faith, or a living relationship with God—that sustains one's spiritual light. The **Contrast** between the "foolish" and the "wise" (introduced in the subsequent verse) is central to the parable's didactic purpose, highlighting the difference between superficial and genuine preparedness. The entire passage functions as a **Parable**, a narrative illustration designed to convey a profound spiritual truth, making abstract theological concepts relatable through a familiar cultural scenario. This specific verse sets up the critical distinction that drives the parable's warning.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 25:3 underscores the profound theological truth that genuine spiritual readiness for Christ's return, or for one's ultimate encounter with eternity, transcends mere outward profession or initial enthusiasm. It demands an ongoing, internal supply of spiritual vitality, symbolized by the oil. This verse highlights the personal responsibility each individual bears for their own spiritual state, emphasizing that true faith is not a borrowed commodity but a deeply cultivated relationship with God. It serves as a stark warning against spiritual complacency and the deceptive nature of outward appearance without an inner, sustaining reality. The parable implicitly teaches that the time of preparation is now, and that genuine readiness involves a continuous, active engagement with God that produces lasting spiritual fruit.

* [Luke 12:35-36](/luke/12-35-36 "Be Ready for the Master's Return")
* [Hebrews 12:14](/hebrews/12-14 "Pursue Holiness Without Which No One Will See the Lord")
* [2 Peter 3:10-14](/2_peter/3-10-14 "The Day of the Lord and New Heavens and Earth")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 25:3 serves as a poignant reminder that our spiritual journey is not merely about outward displays of faith or initial commitments, but about the consistent cultivation of an inner life that is sustained by genuine spiritual resources. The foolish virgins had lamps, representing perhaps a profession of faith or involvement in religious activities, but they lacked the essential "oil" – the ongoing, personal, and vital relationship with God, fueled by the Holy Spirit, that enables endurance through periods of waiting or unexpected delay. This verse challenges us to move beyond superficial religiosity and to diligently pursue a deep, authentic connection with Christ, ensuring our spiritual "lamps" are not just present, but actively burning. It calls us to self-examination: are we truly ready for the Lord's coming, or are we relying on past experiences, borrowed faith, or mere outward conformity? Our readiness is a personal and continuous responsibility, demanding foresight, diligence, and a constant drawing upon God's grace.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "lamps" (outward expressions of faith) do I possess, and what "oil" (inner spiritual vitality) might I be neglecting in my life?**
* **How does my daily walk reflect a genuine, ongoing preparation for Christ's return or my eventual encounter with Him?**
* **In what areas of my spiritual life might I be exhibiting "foolishness" by failing to anticipate future needs or relying on superficial readiness?**

### FAQ
**What does the "oil" symbolize in this parable?**

Answer: While the parable itself does not explicitly define the oil, theological interpretations widely view it as a symbol for the Holy Spirit, genuine personal faith, or a living, active relationship with God that provides inner spiritual sustenance and enables one to endure. It represents the indispensable internal spiritual reality that distinguishes true discipleship from mere outward profession. The absence of oil signifies a lack of this vital, indwelling spiritual life necessary to sustain one's "light" (witness or readiness) through prolonged waiting or unexpected trials.

**Are the "foolish" virgins truly believers, or do they represent those who merely profess faith?**

Answer: The parable's context, particularly the strong emphasis on preparedness and the ultimate exclusion of the foolish virgins from the wedding feast, strongly suggests that they represent those who have an outward form of godliness but lack genuine, saving faith and the indwelling Holy Spirit. They are part of the "church" or the community awaiting the Bridegroom, but their spiritual state is ultimately found wanting. Jesus's warning in [Matthew 7:21-23](/matthew/7-21-23 "Not Everyone Who Says 'Lord, Lord'") about those who call Him "Lord" but do not do the will of His Father aligns with this interpretation, indicating that outward profession without true spiritual transformation is insufficient for entering the kingdom.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 25:3, by highlighting the foolish virgins' lack of essential oil, powerfully points to Christ as the ultimate source of all spiritual provision and the true "oil" that sustains genuine faith. While the parable uses the imagery of a human bridegroom, Jesus Himself is the divine Bridegroom, whose return is anticipated (see [John 14:1-3](/john/14-1-3 "Jesus Promises to Return")). The "oil" can be understood as the Holy Spirit, whom Christ promised to send (as seen in [John 16:7](/john/16-7 "The Holy Spirit, the Helper")), and who empowers believers to live a life of sustained readiness and vibrant faith. Without Christ, and without the Spirit He provides, any "lamp" of outward religiosity is destined to run dry, leaving one unprepared for His glorious appearing. Our readiness is not achieved by our own merit or foresight, but by abiding in Him, the true vine, from whom all life flows ([John 15:5](/john/15-5 "Abide in Me")). He is the one who sanctifies His church, making her ready as a spotless bride for Himself ([Ephesians 5:25-27](/ephesians/5-25-27 "Christ's Love for the Church")), ensuring that those who truly belong to Him will have the enduring "oil" of His presence and power, enabling them to enter the eternal wedding feast ([Revelation 19:7-9](/revelation/19-7-9 "The Marriage Supper of the Lamb")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Revelation 3:15

I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot.

Revelation 3:16

So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.

2 Timothy 3:5

Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.

Isaiah 48:1

¶ Hear ye this, O house of Jacob, which are called by the name of Israel, and are come forth out of the waters of Judah, which swear by the name of the LORD, and make mention of the God of Israel, [but] not in truth, nor in righteousness.

Isaiah 48:2

For they call themselves of the holy city, and stay themselves upon the God of Israel; The LORD of hosts [is] his name.

Isaiah 58:2

Yet they seek me daily, and delight to know my ways, as a nation that did righteousness, and forsook not the ordinance of their God: they ask of me the ordinances of justice; they take delight in approaching to God.

Revelation 3:1

¶ And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead.