Matthew 25:6

KJV

And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} at midnight {G3319}{G3571} there was a cry {G2906} made {G1096}, Behold {G2400}, the bridegroom {G3566} cometh {G2064}; go ye out {G1831} to {G1519} meet {G529} him {G846}.

Complete Jewish Bible

It was the middle of the night when the cry rang out, `The bridegroom is here! Go out to meet him!'

Berean Standard Bible

At midnight the cry rang out: ‘Here is the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!’

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 25:6 marks the dramatic climax of the Parable of the Ten Virgins, announcing the sudden and unexpected arrival of the bridegroom. This pivotal verse serves as a wake-up call to all who are waiting, demanding immediate attention and action, and revealing the critical necessity of constant spiritual readiness for the Lord's return.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the [Parable of the Ten Virgins](/matthew/25-1-13 "Matthew 25:1-13 - The Parable of the Ten Virgins"), which itself is part of Jesus's larger eschatological discourse, often referred to as the [Olivet Discourse](/matthew/24 "Matthew 24 - The Olivet Discourse") (Matthew 24-25). Preceding this verse, the parable describes ten virgins, five wise and five foolish, who have all fallen asleep while waiting for the bridegroom. The "midnight cry" is the turning point, shifting the narrative from passive waiting to urgent action, and setting the stage for the crucial distinction between the prepared and the unprepared. It immediately precedes the scramble for oil and the subsequent separation of the wise virgins who enter the wedding feast from the foolish who are shut out.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The parable draws heavily on ancient Jewish wedding customs. Typically, the bridegroom, accompanied by his friends, would leave his home at night to fetch the bride from her home, often with a torchlit procession. From there, they would proceed to his house for the wedding feast. The waiting virgins (or bridesmaids) would join this procession, lighting the way. The "midnight" setting emphasizes the unexpected delay and the inconvenient timing, a common feature in parables about the Lord's return (e.g., the thief in the night). The public "cry" would have been a common way to announce a significant event in a town, ensuring that all who needed to respond were alerted.
* **Key Themes:** Matthew 25:6 powerfully reinforces several key themes prevalent in Jesus's teachings on the end times. Firstly, it underscores the **suddenness and unpredictability** of the Lord's return, echoing warnings like [Matthew 24:44](/matthew/24-44 "Matthew 24:44 - Be Ready, for the Son of Man is Coming at an Hour You Do Not Expect"). Secondly, it highlights the theme of **spiritual vigilance and readiness**, emphasizing that true preparedness involves more than just initial anticipation; it requires sustained faithfulness and a ready supply of "oil" (often interpreted as the Holy Spirit, good works, or genuine faith). Thirdly, the cry serves as a **moment of decision and revelation**, where the true state of one's spiritual condition is exposed, leading to a clear separation between those who are truly ready and those who merely appear to be. This aligns with themes of judgment and accountability found throughout [Matthew 25](/matthew/25 "Matthew 25 - Parables of the Kingdom and Judgment").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **kraugḗ (Greek, _kraugḗ_):** This word, translated as "cry," signifies a loud, public outcry or clamor. It is not a quiet whisper or a gentle summons, but an undeniable, attention-grabbing proclamation. The use of _kraugḗ_ here underscores the unmistakable and compelling nature of the bridegroom's arrival. It's a sound that pierces the darkness and slumber, demanding an immediate and undeniable response from all who hear it.
* **idoú (Greek, _idoú_):** Translated as "Behold," this is an imperative verb, functioning as an exclamation that commands immediate attention. It acts as a dramatic spotlight, drawing the listener's gaze to the impending event. In biblical narratives, "Behold" often precedes a significant divine announcement or a pivotal moment, signaling that something of profound importance is about to be revealed or occur.
* **nymphíos (Greek, _nymphíos_):** This term refers to the "bridegroom." In the context of the parable and broader New Testament theology, the bridegroom is a clear **Symbol** for Jesus Christ. His arrival is the central event, and the entire narrative revolves around the expectation and preparation for his coming. The title itself evokes themes of covenant, union, and the joyous culmination of a long-awaited relationship.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And at midnight there was a cry made":** This opening clause sets a dramatic and unexpected scene. "Midnight" (Greek: _mesonuktion_) signifies the darkest, least expected, and most inconvenient hour, when vigilance is at its lowest ebb. The passive voice "there was a cry made" (Greek: _kraugē egeneto_) emphasizes that this announcement is not initiated by the virgins, but by an external, authoritative source, breaking through the quiet of the night and the slumber of the waiting party. It highlights the sudden, divinely appointed timing of the event.
* **"Behold, the bridegroom cometh":** This is the core message of the cry, an urgent and direct announcement. "Behold" (Greek: _idoú_) demands immediate attention, signaling a revelation of profound importance. The "bridegroom" (Greek: _nymphíos_) is the central figure, representing Jesus Christ, whose "coming" (Greek: _érchomai_) is the long-anticipated event. The present tense "cometh" conveys immediacy and certainty, indicating that his arrival is not merely imminent but actively occurring.
* **"go ye out to meet him":** This is a direct command, an imperative call to action for all who hear the cry. It signifies that the waiting period is over, and an active response is now required. The phrase "to meet him" (Greek: _eis apantēsin autou_) implies a formal, honorable reception, suggesting a readiness to welcome and accompany the bridegroom. This command distinguishes between passive waiting and active, prepared engagement with the arriving Lord.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 25:6 is rich in **Symbolism** and **Dramatic Irony**. The "midnight cry" is symbolic of the sudden, unexpected, and unmistakable nature of Christ's second coming, breaking through the spiritual slumber of humanity. The "bridegroom" is a clear **Metaphor** for Jesus Christ, a common biblical image for God's relationship with His people (e.g., Israel as God's bride, the Church as Christ's bride). The act of "going out to meet him" symbolizes the active, personal readiness and engagement required of believers. There's a subtle **Dramatic Irony** in the fact that all ten virgins were waiting, but only half were truly prepared for the moment of the cry. The setting of "midnight" also functions as **Imagery**, painting a picture of deep darkness and the unlikeliest hour for a significant event, thereby amplifying the shock and urgency of the announcement.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse serves as a potent reminder of the eschatological hope and imperative for readiness within Christian theology. It underscores the belief in Christ's literal, personal, and sudden return, emphasizing that this event will be unmistakable and will demand an immediate response from all. The parable, through this cry, challenges believers to move beyond mere profession of faith to a state of active, sustained spiritual preparedness, characterized by genuine faith and good works, which are the "oil" that sustains the lamp of witness. The cry itself acts as a divine summons, initiating the final separation between those who are truly ready for eternal fellowship with Christ and those who are not.

* [Matthew 24:42](/matthew/24-42 "Matthew 24:42 - Be Watchful")
* [1 Thessalonians 4:16](/1_thessalonians/4-16 "1 Thessalonians 4:16 - The Lord's Descent with a Shout")
* [Revelation 22:20](/revelation/22-20 "Revelation 22:20 - Maranatha: Come, Lord Jesus!")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 25:6 calls us to a profound self-examination regarding our spiritual state. The "midnight cry" reminds us that the timing of the Lord's return is unknown, making constant vigilance not an option, but a necessity. It's not enough to merely profess faith or to have once been prepared; true readiness requires an ongoing, active maintenance of our spiritual lamps. This means cultivating a vibrant relationship with Christ, living in obedience to His commands, engaging in acts of love and service, and being filled with the Holy Spirit. The urgency of the cry compels us to consider whether we are merely waiting passively or actively preparing our hearts and lives for His glorious appearing. Our response to this "cry" will determine our eternal destiny, urging us to live each day with intentionality, purpose, and a deep longing for His return.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does "midnight" symbolize in your own spiritual journey? Are there areas where you have become complacent or spiritually drowsy?**
* **How does the "cry" in this verse challenge your understanding of Christ's return? Do you live with a sense of urgency and expectation?**
* **What does "going out to meet him" practically look like in your daily life? What "oil" do you need to ensure your lamp is burning brightly?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of "midnight" in this parable?**

Answer: "Midnight" (Greek: _mesonuktion_) is highly significant because it represents the darkest, most unexpected, and inconvenient hour. It underscores the element of surprise and unpredictability regarding the timing of the bridegroom's (Jesus Christ's) return. It's a time when people are typically asleep and least prepared, thus emphasizing the necessity of continuous vigilance and readiness, as the Lord's coming will be at an hour when many least expect it, as Jesus warns in [Matthew 24:44](/matthew/24-44 "Matthew 24:44 - The Unexpected Hour").

**Who makes the "cry" in Matthew 25:6?**

Answer: The text states "there was a cry made" (Greek: _kraugē egeneto_), using a passive construction that does not explicitly name the one making the cry. The passive voice suggests an external, authoritative, and possibly divine source. The cry is a public, undeniable announcement, ensuring that all waiting parties are alerted. Theologically, it can be understood as a divine signal or an angelic proclamation, signaling the imminent arrival of the Lord, similar to the "shout" and "voice of an archangel" mentioned in [1 Thessalonians 4:16](/1_thessalonians/4-16 "1 Thessalonians 4:16 - The Lord's Descent with a Shout") concerning Christ's return.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 25:6, with its dramatic announcement of the bridegroom's arrival, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who is the promised Bridegroom of His Church. This verse foreshadows His glorious Second Coming, an event that will be as sudden, unexpected, and unmistakable as the midnight cry in the parable. Just as the virgins were called to go out and meet the bridegroom, believers are called to be prepared for the return of Christ, who will come not as a suffering servant, but as a triumphant King to claim His bride, the Church, for the eternal wedding feast of the Lamb (as depicted in [Revelation 19:7-9](/revelation/19-7-9 "Revelation 19:7-9 - The Wedding Supper of the Lamb")). The "cry" heralds the culmination of God's redemptive plan, where Christ, who first "came" to suffer and die for the sins of the world (as foretold in [Isaiah 53:5](/isaiah/53-5 "Isaiah 53:5 - Wounded for Our Transgressions")), will finally "come" again in power and great glory to gather His elect and establish His eternal kingdom (as promised in [Matthew 24:30](/matthew/24-30 "Matthew 24:30 - The Son of Man Coming on the Clouds")). Thus, the urgency of Matthew 25:6 is a call to live in light of the finished work of Christ and the promised future hope of His return, inspiring faithful endurance until He appears.

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

2 Peter 3:10

But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.

Matthew 25:1

¶ Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom.

John 5:28

Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice,

John 5:29

And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.

Matthew 24:44

Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.

Matthew 24:31

And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.

Malachi 3:1

¶ Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, he shall come, saith the LORD of hosts.