Matthew 25:8

KJV

And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} the foolish {G3474} said {G2036} unto the wise {G5429}, Give {G1325} us {G2254} of {G1537} your {G5216} oil {G1637}; for {G3754} our {G2257} lamps {G2985} are gone out {G4570}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The foolish ones said to the sensible ones, `Give us some of your oil, because our lamps are going out.'

Berean Standard Bible

The foolish ones said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil; our lamps are going out.’

American Standard Version

And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are going out.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 25:8 captures the desperate plea of the five foolish virgins in Jesus's parable, who, upon the unexpected arrival of the bridegroom, realize their lamps are failing. Their request to the wise virgins for oil underscores their profound unpreparedness and the dire consequences of spiritual negligence, highlighting the critical, non-transferable nature of true readiness for the Lord's return.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral part of the [Parable of the Ten Virgins](/matthew/25-1-13 "Matthew 25:1-13 - The Parable of the Ten Virgins"), which immediately follows Jesus's extensive discourse on the signs of the end times and His second coming in [Matthew 24](/matthew/24 "Matthew 24 - The Olivet Discourse"). The parable serves as a vivid illustration of the call to vigilance and preparedness, reinforcing the themes of watchfulness and readiness that permeate the preceding chapter. It directly precedes the [Parable of the Talents](/matthew/25-14-30 "Matthew 25:14-30 - The Parable of the Talents") and the description of the [judgment of the nations](/matthew/25-31-46 "Matthew 25:31-46 - The Judgment of the Nations"), all of which emphasize accountability and the necessity of active, faithful living in anticipation of Christ's return.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Jewish wedding customs provide the essential backdrop for this parable. Weddings often involved a nocturnal procession where the bridegroom, accompanied by his friends, would come to the bride's house, often at an unannounced hour. From there, the bridal party, including bridesmaids (virgins), would light the way with lamps or torches to the wedding feast. These lamps required oil to burn throughout the potentially long wait and procession. The unexpected arrival of the bridegroom, often in the middle of the night, necessitated a constant state of readiness, as a lack of oil would mean being unable to participate in the joyous procession and subsequently being excluded from the feast. This cultural detail powerfully conveys the urgency and finality of the moment.
* **Key Themes:** Matthew 25:8 powerfully contributes to several key themes within the parable and the broader eschatological discourse. The most prominent theme is **Spiritual Preparedness**, symbolized by the oil in the lamps. This is not merely passive waiting but active, ongoing cultivation of one's spiritual life. Another crucial theme is **Personal Responsibility**, as the wise virgins' inability to share their oil underscores that spiritual readiness cannot be borrowed or transferred; each individual is accountable for their own relationship with God. The verse also highlights the **Urgency and Finality** of the moment of reckoning, where a lack of preparation leads to irreversible exclusion. The "lamps gone out" signify a critical failure at the most crucial time, emphasizing that opportunities for preparation are not infinite. This aligns with Jesus's repeated call to "watch therefore" in [Matthew 24:42](/matthew/24-42 "Matthew 24:42 - Watch Therefore").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **foolish (Greek, _mōrós'_):** From G3474, meaning "dull or stupid (as if shut up), i.e. heedless, (morally) blockhead, (apparently) absurd." This word describes the virgins who lacked foresight and spiritual discernment. Their foolishness was not a lack of intelligence, but a moral and spiritual heedlessness that led to their unpreparedness, highlighting a failure to anticipate and act wisely concerning the future.
* **oil (Greek, _élaion'_):** From G1637, meaning "olive oil." In the context of the parable, this literal substance takes on profound symbolic meaning. It is the essential fuel for the lamps, representing the necessary spiritual sustenance, whether understood as the Holy Spirit, genuine faith, a life of good works, or a deep, abiding relationship with Christ, all of which are indispensable for spiritual readiness.
* **are gone out (Greek, _sbénnymi'_):** From G4570, meaning "to extinguish (literally or figuratively); to go out, quench." The Greek verb here is in the perfect tense, indicating a completed action with ongoing results ("have gone out" or "are extinguished"). This signifies a state of complete depletion and failure at the moment when light is most desperately needed, emphasizing the irreversible consequence of their prior negligence.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the foolish said unto the wise":** This clause sets up the interaction between the two groups of virgins, immediately highlighting the contrast in their preparedness and character. The "foolish" are those characterized by their lack of foresight and spiritual readiness, while the "wise" are those who demonstrated prudence and diligence.
* **"Give us of your oil":** This is a desperate plea, revealing the foolish virgins' realization of their dire predicament. It underscores their complete dependence on the wise virgins, and implicitly, their own failure to provide for themselves. This request also sets the stage for the crucial theological point about the non-transferability of spiritual readiness.
* **"for our lamps are gone out.":** This explanatory clause provides the reason for their urgent request. The lamps, which were meant to provide light for the procession, are now extinguished or on the verge of extinguishing. This signifies their total lack of readiness at the critical moment, rendering them unable to participate in the joyous event. The "going out" of the lamps symbolizes the spiritual emptiness or lack of genuine faith that becomes apparent when the time for action arrives.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Symbolism** is paramount, with "oil" representing spiritual readiness, the Holy Spirit, or genuine faith, and "lamps" symbolizing outward profession of faith or the spiritual life itself. The "bridegroom" **symbolizes** Christ, and the "wedding feast" the eschatological banquet or the Kingdom of Heaven. The entire passage is a **Parable**, an earthly story with a heavenly meaning, designed to teach a profound spiritual truth about vigilance and preparedness for Christ's return. There is also an element of **Irony** in the foolish virgins' belated realization; they had lamps, but their outward form of readiness lacked the essential inner substance. The contrast between the "wise" and "foolish" virgins also serves as a form of **Juxtaposition**, highlighting the stark difference between true spiritual diligence and superficial religiosity.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 25:8 serves as a stark theological warning about the nature of salvation and discipleship. It underscores that while the call to follow Christ is universal, the responsibility for maintaining one's spiritual vitality is intensely personal. The "oil" cannot be shared, emphasizing that genuine faith, the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, or a life of active obedience are not commodities that can be borrowed or transferred at the eleventh hour. This highlights the necessity of an ongoing, authentic relationship with God, cultivated through consistent spiritual disciplines and a heart truly devoted to Him, rather than a superficial adherence or a reliance on the spirituality of others. The parable thus challenges believers to assess the depth of their own commitment and preparedness, reminding them that outward appearances are insufficient without an inner, sustaining reality.

* [Luke 12:35-36](/luke/12-35-36 "Luke 12:35-36 - Be Ready for the Master's Return")
* [Hebrews 12:14](/hebrews/12-14 "Hebrews 12:14 - Pursue Peace and Holiness")
* [Revelation 3:2-3](/revelation/3-2-3 "Revelation 3:2-3 - Wake Up and Strengthen What Remains")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 25:8 is a profound call to introspection for every believer. It compels us to move beyond mere profession of faith to a diligent, active cultivation of our spiritual lives. Are our "lamps" merely present, or are they truly burning brightly, fueled by a consistent walk with God? This verse challenges us to examine the depth of our spiritual reserves—our prayer life, our engagement with God's Word, our obedience, and our reliance on the Holy Spirit. It serves as a sober reminder that the time for preparation is now, and that spiritual vitality cannot be manufactured or borrowed in a moment of crisis. We are called to live with an expectant heart, always ready for the Lord's return, ensuring that our faith is not merely a facade but a vibrant, living reality that sustains us through every season and prepares us for His glorious appearing.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does the "oil" in your spiritual lamp represent in your life today, and how are you actively replenishing it?**
* **In what areas might you be relying on the spiritual strength or faith of others instead of cultivating your own personal relationship with God?**
* **How does the urgency of the foolish virgins' plea challenge your own sense of spiritual preparedness and vigilance?**
* **What practical steps can you take this week to ensure your "lamp" is burning brightly for the Lord?**

### FAQ

**What does the "oil" in the parable symbolize?**

Answer: While interpretations vary, the "oil" is most commonly understood to symbolize the Holy Spirit, genuine faith, or a life of active obedience and good works that flows from a transformed heart. It represents the inner spiritual reality and vitality that sustains a believer's relationship with God, distinguishing true discipleship from mere outward profession. Without this essential "oil," the "lamp" (representing one's outward testimony or spiritual life) cannot shine when it is most needed, particularly at the unexpected arrival of the bridegroom (Christ). It is the indispensable element of true spiritual preparedness for the [Lord's return](/matthew/24-44 "Matthew 24:44 - Be Ready for the Son of Man").

**Why couldn't the wise virgins share their oil with the foolish ones?**

Answer: The inability of the wise virgins to share their oil underscores a critical theological truth: spiritual readiness, genuine faith, and a personal relationship with God are not transferable commodities. One cannot borrow or lend spiritual maturity, the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, or the fruit of a life lived in obedience to Christ. Each individual is personally responsible for cultivating their own spiritual life and ensuring their own preparedness. The parable highlights that salvation and true discipleship are deeply personal journeys, and while believers can encourage and support one another, they cannot stand in for another's spiritual state at the moment of ultimate accountability. This truth is echoed in passages emphasizing individual responsibility, such as [Romans 14:12](/romans/14-12 "Romans 14:12 - Each of Us Will Give an Account to God").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 25:8, within the Parable of the Ten Virgins, finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "bridegroom" of the parable is unequivocally Christ Himself, whose unexpected return is the central event for which all believers must be prepared. The "oil" that the foolish virgins lack, and the wise possess, points to the essential spiritual life that only Christ can provide and sustain. He is the source of all true spiritual vitality, the one who gives the [Holy Spirit](/john/14-16-17 "John 14:16-17 - The Promise of the Holy Spirit") to indwell believers, empowering them for a life of faith and obedience. The foolish virgins' lamps going out highlight the futility of an outward profession of faith without an inner, living connection to Christ, who is the [Light of the World](/john/8-12 "John 8:12 - Jesus, the Light of the World"). True preparedness is not merely about waiting, but about being found "in Christ," clothed in His righteousness and filled with His Spirit, as described in [Philippians 3:9](/philippians/3-9 "Philippians 3:9 - Found in Him"). The parable thus serves as a stark reminder that our readiness for His glorious appearing is entirely dependent on our present, active relationship with Him, the one who is both the coming King and the very essence of the "oil" we need.

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;

Proverbs 13:9

¶ The light of the righteous rejoiceth: but the lamp of the wicked shall be put out.

Hebrews 4:1

¶ Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left [us] of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it.

Revelation 3:9

Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee.

Luke 16:24

And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.

Job 21:17

¶ How oft is the candle of the wicked put out! and [how oft] cometh their destruction upon them! [God] distributeth sorrows in his anger.

Job 8:13

So [are] the paths of all that forget God; and the hypocrite's hope shall perish: