Matthew 25:4

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G1161} the wise {G5429} took {G2983} oil {G1637} in {G1722} their {G846} vessels {G30} with {G3326} their {G846} lamps {G2985}.

Complete Jewish Bible

whereas the others took flasks of oil with their lamps.

Berean Standard Bible

But the wise ones took oil in flasks along with their lamps.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 25:4, a crucial verse within the Parable of the Ten Virgins, highlights the distinguishing characteristic of the wise virgins: their proactive foresight in taking extra oil in their vessels along with their lamps. This simple act of preparation stands in stark contrast to the unpreparedness of the foolish virgins, serving as a foundational element for the parable's overarching message about vigilance and readiness for the unexpected return of the bridegroom, a clear allegory for the second coming of Christ.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This parable is strategically placed within Jesus's Olivet Discourse, a significant eschatological teaching found in [Matthew 24](/matthew/24 "Matthew 24 - The Olivet Discourse") and [Matthew 25](/matthew/25 "Matthew 25 - Parables of the Kingdom"). Following warnings about the destruction of the temple, signs of the end times, and the necessity of watchfulness (e.g., [Matthew 24:42-44](/matthew/24-42-44 "Matthew 24:42-44 - Be Ready")), Jesus transitions into a series of parables designed to illustrate what true preparedness for His return looks like. The Parable of the Ten Virgins immediately precedes the Parable of the Talents ([Matthew 25:14-30](/matthew/25-14-30 "Matthew 25:14-30 - The Parable of the Talents")) and the description of the Final Judgment ([Matthew 25:31-46](/matthew/25-31-46 "Matthew 25:31-46 - The Judgment of the Nations")), forming a cohesive unit on eschatological readiness and accountability.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Jewish wedding customs provide the essential backdrop for this parable. Weddings were multi-stage events, often beginning with a betrothal, followed by a period of preparation, and culminating in a wedding feast. A key part of the celebration involved the bridegroom, accompanied by his friends, coming to the bride's house, often at night, to escort her and her attendants (often young virgins, friends of the bride) to his home for the feast. The attendants were expected to light the way with lamps, symbolizing joy and readiness. The timing of the bridegroom's arrival was frequently unpredictable, making the need for sufficient light, and thus oil, paramount. A lack of oil would mean being unable to participate in the procession, a deeply shameful and exclusionary outcome in that culture.

* **Key Themes:** The verse contributes significantly to several major themes within the Olivet Discourse and broader biblical theology. It underscores **Prudence and Foresight**, as the wise virgins' actions demonstrate practical wisdom (Greek: _phronimoi_) in anticipating a potential delay and preparing accordingly, contrasting with the short-sightedness of the foolish. This leads directly to the theme of **Preparedness for Christ's Return**, emphasizing that spiritual readiness is not a one-time event but an ongoing state, symbolized by the "oil" that cannot be acquired last-minute. Furthermore, it highlights **Personal Responsibility**, as each virgin was accountable for her own supply of oil, indicating that spiritual readiness is an individual journey that cannot be borrowed or transferred. Finally, the parable, through this verse, reinforces the call for **Vigilance and Watchfulness**, echoing Jesus's earlier command to [Matthew 24:42](/matthew/24-42 "Matthew 24:42 - Jesus's Command to Watch") to "watch therefore, for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come."

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **wise (Greek, _phrónimos'_):** From G5429, this term denotes thoughtfulness, sagacity, and discretion. It implies a cautious character that plans ahead and acts prudently, distinguishing it from mere intellectual knowledge (σοφός, _sophos_) or mental acquisition (συνετός, _synetos_). In this context, it describes those who exercised practical foresight by anticipating the need for extra oil.
* **oil (Greek, _élaion'_):** From G1637, literally "olive oil." In biblical symbolism, oil frequently represents divine anointing, the presence and power of the Holy Spirit (as seen in [Luke 11:13](/luke/11-13 "Luke 11:13 - God Gives the Holy Spirit")), or the spiritual life and active obedience that sustains one's faith and readiness. Its presence or absence is critical to the parable's message.
* **vessels (Greek, _angeîon'_):** From G30, meaning a receptacle or container. The act of taking oil *in their vessels* signifies intentional storage beyond immediate need. It highlights the proactive measure taken by the wise virgins to ensure sustained readiness, not just a momentary supply.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But the wise":** This opening phrase immediately establishes a contrast with the "foolish" virgins mentioned in the preceding verse ([Matthew 25:2](/matthew/25-2 "Matthew 25:2 - Wise and Foolish Virgins")). The term "wise" (phrónimos) here denotes practical wisdom and foresight, not merely intellectual knowledge. It identifies those who understood the potential for delay and prepared accordingly.
* **"took oil in their vessels":** This is the core action of preparedness. The wise virgins did not merely have oil in their lamps for immediate use; they actively "took" (lambánō, implying intentional acquisition and possession) an additional supply of oil, storing it in separate "vessels." This signifies a surplus, a reserve for an extended period, demonstrating their proactive and diligent readiness.
* **"with their lamps":** This phrase clarifies that the oil in the vessels was intended to replenish the oil in their lamps. It underscores that while they had their lamps ready for the initial procession, their wisdom extended to anticipating the need for continued illumination, thus ensuring they would not be caught unprepared by a delay.

#### Literary Devices
The verse effectively employs **Contrast** by setting the actions of the "wise" virgins against the implied lack of foresight of the "foolish" (mentioned in [Matthew 25:2](/matthew/25-2 "Matthew 25:2 - Wise and Foolish Virgins")). This immediate juxtaposition highlights the central theme of preparedness. **Symbolism** is paramount, with "oil" representing spiritual readiness, faith, or the Holy Spirit, and "vessels" symbolizing the capacity or means to store and maintain this spiritual vitality. The entire parable functions as an **Allegory**, where the bridegroom represents Christ, the virgins represent believers, and the wedding feast symbolizes the eschatological banquet of the Kingdom of Heaven.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 25:4 profoundly underscores the biblical imperative for active, ongoing spiritual readiness. It teaches that genuine faith is not merely a profession but a state of being characterized by foresight, diligence, and a sustained relationship with God. The "oil" symbolizes the spiritual resources—whether the indwelling Holy Spirit, a life of obedience, or cultivated faith—that cannot be borrowed or conjured at the last moment. This verse, therefore, calls believers to a proactive and deeply personal walk with God, ensuring their spiritual lamps are not only lit but also have a continuous supply for the unknown duration of waiting for Christ's return.

* [Luke 12:35-36](/luke/12-35-36 "Luke 12:35-36 - Be Ready for the Master's Return")
* [1 Thessalonians 5:6](/1_thessalonians/5-6 "1 Thessalonians 5:6 - Be Sober and Watchful")
* [Revelation 19:7](/revelation/19-7 "Revelation 19:7 - The Marriage of the Lamb Has Come")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 25:4 challenges us to move beyond superficial faith to a deep, abiding, and proactive spiritual life. Being "wise" in this context means cultivating a continuous relationship with God through prayer, diligent study of His Word, and consistent obedience, ensuring that our spiritual "vessels" are filled with the "oil" of His Spirit. It is a call to personal responsibility for our spiritual state, recognizing that readiness for Christ's return is not something we can outsource or acquire in a moment of panic. The parable warns that the consequences of spiritual unpreparedness are severe, leading to exclusion from the ultimate celebration. Therefore, we are urged to examine our lives, asking if we are merely carrying lamps, or if we possess the necessary reserves to sustain our light through any delay.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does "taking oil in your vessels" practically look like in your daily spiritual life?**
* **In what areas of your spiritual walk might you be relying on a "last-minute" approach rather than proactive preparation?**
* **How does the concept of personal responsibility for spiritual readiness challenge or affirm your understanding of faith?**
* **What steps can you take this week to ensure your "vessels" are filled and ready for the Lord's unexpected return?**

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

Answer: While interpretations vary, the "oil" in the Parable of the Ten Virgins is widely understood to symbolize the spiritual readiness and inner life of a believer. This often includes the indwelling [Holy Spirit](/john/14-16-17 "John 14:16-17 - The Spirit of Truth"), genuine faith, a life of active obedience to God's commands, or the cultivation of a deep, personal relationship with Christ. It represents the essential spiritual vitality that sustains one's spiritual "lamp" (representing outward profession or testimony) through the period of waiting for the Lord's return. Unlike the lamps themselves, which were universally possessed, the extra oil was a mark of foresight and true spiritual depth that could not be shared or acquired at the last moment.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 25:4, though part of an Old Testament-rooted parable, finds its ultimate fulfillment and meaning in Christ. The "Bridegroom" of the parable is unequivocally Jesus Himself, whose [first coming inaugurated His kingdom](/mark/1-15 "Mark 1:15 - The Kingdom of God is at Hand") and whose [second coming will bring its full consummation](/revelation/19-7-9 "Revelation 19:7-9 - The Marriage Supper of the Lamb"). The "wise" virgins, by taking extra oil, foreshadow those who are truly prepared for Christ's glorious return, not merely by outward profession but by an inner, Spirit-filled life. This "oil" is ultimately provided through Christ, who pours out [His Spirit upon believers](/acts/2-33 "Acts 2:33 - The Outpouring of the Holy Spirit") and enables them to live lives of faithful obedience. He is the source of the light and life that sustains believers through the waiting period, empowering them to remain vigilant and ready, ensuring they will be welcomed into the eternal wedding feast with the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God") upon His return.

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

Romans 8:9

But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.

1 John 2:27

But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.

John 3:34

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

Galatians 5:22

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,

Galatians 5:23

Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

1 John 2:20

¶ But ye have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things.

Psalms 45:7

Thou lovest righteousness, and hatest wickedness: therefore God, thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.