Matthew 25:7

KJV

Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then {G5119} all {G3956} those {G1565} virgins {G3933} arose {G1453}, and {G2532} trimmed {G2885} their {G846} lamps {G2985}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The girls all woke up and prepared their lamps for lighting.

Berean Standard Bible

Then all the virgins woke up and trimmed their lamps.

American Standard Version

Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 25:7 captures a pivotal moment in the Parable of the Ten Virgins, as all ten virgins, both wise and foolish, are roused from their slumber by the sudden announcement of the bridegroom's arrival. This verse vividly portrays their immediate, collective action to prepare their lamps, setting the stage for the crucial distinction that will soon emerge between the prepared and the unprepared. It underscores the urgency and personal responsibility inherent in anticipating a significant, yet unannounced, event.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the broader narrative of the [Parable of the Ten Virgins](/matthew/25-1-13 "Matthew 25:1-13 - The Parable of the Ten Virgins"), which itself forms a crucial part of Jesus' Olivet Discourse (Matthew 24-25). This discourse is a comprehensive teaching on the end times, the destruction of the temple, and the Second Coming of Christ. Following warnings about the unexpected nature of the Lord's return in [Matthew 24:44](/matthew/24-44 "Matthew 24:44 - Be Ready for the Son of Man's Coming"), the parable of the virgins serves as an illustrative allegory emphasizing the necessity of constant vigilance and readiness. Matthew 25:7 specifically describes the initial, universal response to the bridegroom's cry, preceding the revelation of the foolish virgins' lack of preparation.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The parable draws heavily on ancient Jewish wedding customs. Typically, a bridegroom would leave his home at night, accompanied by friends, to fetch his bride from her home. From there, a torchlit procession would lead them back to the bridegroom's house for the wedding feast. Attendants, often young women or "virgins," would wait at the bride's home or along the procession route, carrying lamps or torches to light the way. The "delay" mentioned in [Matthew 25:5](/matthew/25-5 "Matthew 25:5 - The Delay of the Bridegroom") reflects the unpredictable timing of the bridegroom's arrival, which could extend late into the night. The lamps would have been small, open-flame oil lamps, requiring regular trimming of the wick and replenishment of oil to maintain a steady flame. This cultural backdrop is essential for understanding the significance of "trimming their lamps" as a practical act of preparation.
* **Key Themes:** Matthew 25:7 contributes to several key themes within the parable and the broader Olivet Discourse. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Urgency and Awakening**, as the sudden cry prompts an immediate, universal response from all virgins, underscoring the unexpected and demanding nature of the Lord's return. Secondly, it introduces the theme of **Preparation and Vigilance**, symbolized by the act of "trimming their lamps." This act signifies the active, ongoing spiritual readiness required of believers, as opposed to passive waiting. The parable consistently emphasizes the need for believers to be prepared for the unknown time of the Lord's return, a theme echoed in passages like [Mark 13:33](/mark/13-33 "Mark 13:33 - Be on Guard!"). Finally, the verse subtly sets up the theme of **Personal Responsibility**, as each virgin attends to her *own* lamp, foreshadowing the individual accountability for one's spiritual state.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **arose (Greek, _egeírō'_):** This verb signifies a waking or rousing, whether literally from sleep or figuratively from inactivity or obscurity. In this context, it denotes a sudden, decisive action of standing up and becoming active, implying a shift from a state of rest or slumber to one of alert readiness. The virgins were not merely awakened but "arose," indicating an immediate physical response to the call.
* **trimmed (Greek, _kosméō'_):** While often translated simply as "trimmed," _kosméō_ carries a richer meaning of putting something in proper order, adorning, or making ready. In the context of lamps, it implies more than just cutting the wick; it involves cleaning the lamp, adjusting the wick for optimal burning, and ensuring the oil supply is adequate to produce a clear, sustained light. It speaks to diligent and thorough preparation.
* **lamps (Greek, _lampás'_):** This refers to a "lamp" or "flambeau," a portable light source typically fueled by olive oil. These lamps were essential for navigating in the darkness and for the torchlit procession of a wedding. Symbolically, they represent the outward manifestation of one's readiness or spiritual condition, the light that is meant to shine.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then all those virgins arose":** This clause emphasizes the universal and immediate response to the bridegroom's cry. "Then" (G5119, _tóte_) points to the specific moment of the announcement, indicating a sudden shift in the narrative. "All those virgins" (G3956, _pâs_ G1565, _ekeînos_ G3933, _parthénos_) highlights that both the wise and the foolish initially reacted in the same way, rising from their slumber. This initial, shared action underscores the outward appearance of readiness that all possessed.
* **"and trimmed their lamps":** This second clause describes the specific action taken by the virgins. The conjunction "and" (G2532, _kaí_) links the act of rising with the act of preparation. "Trimmed" (G2885, _kosméō_) implies a careful, purposeful act of making their lamps ready to shine brightly. "Their lamps" (G846, _autós_ G2985, _lampás_) signifies that each virgin attended to her own lamp, emphasizing the personal nature of this preparation. This act of trimming was crucial for ensuring the lamps could provide light for the procession.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Symbolism** is paramount, with the "virgins" representing believers or those who await Christ's return, and the "lamps" symbolizing their spiritual readiness, faith, or good works that bear witness to their inner state. The act of "trimming their lamps" functions as a **metaphor** for active spiritual maintenance and preparation, such as prayer, study of God's Word, and obedience, ensuring one's faith is vibrant and ready to be manifested. The **suddenness** implied by "Then" (G5119, _tóte_) and the immediate action of "arose" (G1453, _egeírō_) creates a sense of **urgency** and **immediacy**, reflecting the unexpected nature of the eschatological event the parable foreshadows.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 25:7 serves as a powerful theological statement about the nature of spiritual readiness. It underscores that while the call to action may be universal, the capacity to respond effectively is not. The initial, shared act of rising and trimming lamps highlights an outward conformity, but the subsequent narrative reveals a deeper, internal distinction. Theologically, this verse points to the necessity of active, ongoing spiritual preparation that goes beyond mere profession or initial commitment. It implies that true readiness involves a continuous replenishment of spiritual resources, symbolized by the oil, which is not explicitly mentioned in this verse but is central to the parable's unfolding. This readiness is not a one-time event but a sustained posture of vigilance and diligence, anticipating the Lord's return.

* [Luke 12:35-36](/luke/12-35-36 "Luke 12:35-36 - Be Ready for the Master's Return")
* [Romans 13:11](/romans/13-11 "Romans 13:11 - It Is Time to Wake Up")
* [1 Peter 1:13](/1_peter/1-13 "1 Peter 1:13 - Prepare Your Minds for Action")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 25:7 is a profound call to spiritual awakening and diligent preparation for every believer. The sudden cry that roused "all those virgins" serves as a vivid reminder that the Lord's return, or our personal encounter with Him, will be unexpected and demand an immediate response. We are not merely called to wait passively, but to actively "trim our lamps," ensuring our spiritual lives are in order and ready to shine. This involves a continuous process of self-examination, addressing any areas of spiritual neglect, and intentionally cultivating practices that fuel our faith. Just as the virgins needed their lamps to light the way, we need our spiritual light to guide us and bear witness in the darkness, prepared to meet our Bridegroom at any moment.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does "trimming your lamp" practically look like in your daily spiritual life?**
* **In what areas of your life might you be spiritually slumbering, and how can you "arise" to greater vigilance?**
* **How does the unexpected nature of the bridegroom's arrival in the parable shape your understanding of living a life of readiness?**
* **What steps can you take this week to ensure your spiritual "oil" is replenished and your "lamp" is ready to shine?**

### FAQ

**What is the symbolic meaning of the virgins "trimming their lamps" in Matthew 25:7?**

Answer: The act of "trimming their lamps" symbolizes the active and diligent spiritual preparation required of believers in anticipation of Christ's return. In the context of ancient oil lamps, trimming the wick and ensuring adequate oil supply was essential for the lamp to burn brightly and continuously. Spiritually, it represents the ongoing maintenance of one's faith through practices like prayer, studying [God's Word](/2_timothy/3-16 "2 Timothy 3:16 - All Scripture is God-breathed"), obedience, and living a life that reflects Christ's light. It signifies a readiness that is not merely passive waiting, but active engagement with one's spiritual condition.

**Why did "all" the virgins arise and trim their lamps, even the foolish ones?**

Answer: The fact that "all" the virgins arose and trimmed their lamps highlights that initial appearances can be deceiving. Outwardly, both the wise and foolish virgins seemed prepared and shared in the same immediate response to the bridegroom's cry. This emphasizes that a superficial or temporary show of readiness is insufficient. While they all possessed lamps and performed the initial act of trimming, the crucial distinction, revealed in the subsequent verses, was the presence or absence of sufficient oil—symbolizing a deeper, internal spiritual reality that could not be faked or borrowed. This underscores the parable's message that true readiness involves more than just outward conformity; it requires an inner, sustained spiritual vitality.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 25:7, within the Parable of the Ten Virgins, finds its Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus as the awaited Bridegroom. The "sudden cry" that rouses the virgins foreshadows the glorious and unexpected return of Christ, as described in passages like [1 Thessalonians 4:16](/1_thessalonians/4-16 "1 Thessalonians 4:16 - The Lord Will Descend"). The virgins' act of "trimming their lamps" points to the essential spiritual readiness that is only truly possible through a living relationship with Christ. He is the source of the "oil"—the Holy Spirit—that empowers believers to live lives of vigilance and holiness ([Romans 8:9](/romans/8-9 "Romans 8:9 - The Spirit of God Dwells in You")). The parable ultimately calls the church, the Bride of Christ, to be prepared and adorned for His coming, not with self-righteous works, but with a faith made active through love and sustained by the indwelling Spirit, reflecting the light of the [world, Jesus Christ](/john/8-12 "John 8:12 - Jesus, the Light of the World"). Our readiness is not based on our own merit but on our union with Him, who is our life and our hope of glory ([Colossians 3:4](/colossians/3-4 "Colossians 3:4 - Christ, Who Is Our Life")).

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

Luke 12:35

Let your loins be girded about, and [your] lights burning;

Revelation 3:19

As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.

Revelation 3:20

Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.

2 Peter 3:14

Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.

Revelation 2:4

Nevertheless I have [somewhat] against thee, because thou hast left thy first love.

Revelation 2:5

Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.

Revelation 3:2

Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God.