Matthew 25:9

KJV

But the wise answered, saying, [Not so]; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves.

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G1161} the wise {G5429} answered {G611}, saying {G3004}, Not so; lest {G3379} there be {G714} not {G3756} enough {G714} for us {G2254} and {G2532} you {G5213}: but {G1161} go ye {G4198} rather {G3123} to them {G4314} that sell {G4453}, and {G2532} buy {G59} for yourselves {G1438}.

Complete Jewish Bible

`No,' they replied, `there may not be enough for both you and us. Go to the oil dealers and buy some for yourselves.'

Berean Standard Bible

‘No,’ said the wise ones, ‘or there may not be enough for both us and you. Instead, go to those who sell oil and buy some for yourselves.’

American Standard Version

But the wise answered, saying, Peradventure there will not be enough for us and you: go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 25:9, from the Parable of the Ten Virgins, captures the pivotal moment when the wise virgins refuse to share their oil with the foolish ones, stating there would not be enough for all. Their counsel to "go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves" underscores the non-transferable nature of spiritual readiness and the absolute necessity of individual diligence and proactive preparation for the Lord's return. This verse serves as a stark warning against spiritual complacency and highlights the personal accountability each believer bears before God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within 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' extensive [Olivet Discourse](/matthew/24-25 "Matthew 24-25 - Jesus' Olivet Discourse on the End Times"). Delivered on the Mount of Olives, this discourse addresses the signs of the end times, the timing of Christ's second coming, and the imperative of vigilance and preparedness for that unexpected event. The parable immediately precedes the [Parable of the Talents](/matthew/25-14-30 "Matthew 25:14-30 - The Parable of the Talents") and the vivid description of the [Last Judgment](/matthew/25-31-46 "Matthew 25:31-46 - The Judgment of the Nations"), collectively emphasizing themes of accountability, stewardship, and readiness for the Lord's return. The virgins symbolize those awaiting the Bridegroom (Christ), and the oil represents the essential spiritual provision necessary for enduring faith and readiness.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The parable draws heavily on ancient Jewish wedding customs. A traditional wedding involved the bridegroom, often accompanied by his friends, coming at night to the bride's house, where she and her bridesmaids would be waiting with lamps to light the procession to the wedding feast. The delay of the bridegroom was not uncommon, necessitating sufficient oil for the lamps. The act of "buying" oil would have been a normal, practical step for preparation. Spiritually, this reflects the expectation of the Messiah's coming, a deeply ingrained hope in Jewish culture. The concept of personal responsibility for one's spiritual state, rather than relying on communal or inherited righteousness, resonates with Old Testament calls to individual faithfulness and covenant keeping, though here applied to the eschatological context of Christ's return.

* **Key Themes:** Matthew 25:9 significantly contributes to several overarching themes within the parable and the broader Olivet Discourse. Firstly, it powerfully emphasizes **Individual Spiritual Responsibility**, asserting that one's spiritual standing and readiness for Christ's return cannot be borrowed or transferred. Each person is personally accountable for cultivating their relationship with God and ensuring their "lamp" is full. Secondly, it highlights the **Non-Transferability of Grace and Readiness**. The wise virgins' refusal underscores that spiritual grace, faith, or the indwelling of the Holy Spirit are not commodities to be lent or shared, especially at the critical hour of judgment. This points to the deeply personal nature of salvation and the necessity of individual diligence, echoing the call to "work out your own salvation" found in [Philippians 2:12](/philippians/2-12 "Philippians 2:12 - Work Out Your Own Salvation"). Thirdly, the verse conveys the **Urgency of Preparation**. The instruction to "go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves" implies that there is a specific, limited window of opportunity to acquire what is needed for spiritual readiness. This preparation must be proactive and personal, as the parable's conclusion vividly illustrates that once the door is shut, it is too late, as seen in [Matthew 25:10](/matthew/25-10 "Matthew 25:10 - The Door Was Shut").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **wise (Greek, _phrónimos'_):** (G5429) This term describes someone who is thoughtful, sagacious, or discreet. It implies a cautious character, distinguishing them from the "foolish" (μωρός, _mōros_) who are imprudent or senseless. In this context, the wise virgins demonstrate foresight and practical wisdom by ensuring they have adequate oil for the anticipated delay of the bridegroom, thus embodying spiritual prudence.
* **answered (Greek, _apokrínomai'_):** (G611) This verb means to conclude for oneself or to respond. While often simply meaning "to answer," in this context, it carries the weight of a firm, decisive reply. The wise virgins' answer is not merely a statement but a definitive refusal rooted in the reality of their limited, personal provision, highlighting the finality and non-negotiable nature of spiritual readiness.
* **buy for yourselves (Greek, _agorázō heautoû'_):** (G59, G1438) _Agorázō_ means "to go to market, to purchase," and by implication, "to redeem." _Heautoû_ is a reflexive pronoun meaning "yourselves." The combination emphasizes the active, personal effort required to acquire what is needed. While not literal buying in a spiritual sense, it signifies the investment of time, attention, obedience, and personal commitment necessary to cultivate a genuine and prepared spiritual life.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you:"** This clause presents the firm refusal of the wise virgins to share their oil. The Greek phrase "Not so" (οὐ μήποτε, _ou mēpote_) is a strong double negative, conveying an emphatic "by no means" or "never." Their rationale, "lest there be not enough for us and you," highlights the intensely personal and non-transferable nature of the spiritual provision (symbolized by the oil). It implies that true spiritual readiness is not a commodity that can be divided or lent without diminishing one's own essential state of preparedness. This underscores that one cannot rely on another's faith or spiritual resources for their own salvation or readiness for Christ's return.
* **"but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves."** This is the wise virgins' counsel to the foolish. It is not an act of selfishness but a statement of spiritual reality and a directive towards personal responsibility. The command to "go... to them that sell" suggests that the means for spiritual preparation are available, but they must be actively and personally acquired. The imperative "buy for yourselves" (ἀγοράσατε ἑαυταῖς, _agorasate heautais_) emphasizes that this acquisition is an individual, proactive endeavor, requiring personal investment and diligence. It signifies that the time for preparation is now, and it is a task that each individual must undertake for themselves.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Symbolism** is paramount, with the "oil" representing spiritual readiness, which can be interpreted as faith, the indwelling Holy Spirit, or a life of good works and obedience. The "lamps" symbolize the individual believers awaiting the Bridegroom, who is a clear symbol for Christ. The act of "buying" is a powerful **Metaphor**, not implying that salvation or spiritual readiness can be literally purchased, but rather that it requires a personal investment of effort, time, and commitment. The wise virgins' response itself carries a degree of **Irony**, as the foolish virgins, having neglected preparation, now seek to benefit from the foresight of others, only to be met with a stark reminder of individual accountability. This dramatic interaction serves to heighten the tension and emphasize the critical nature of the parable's message.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 25:9 profoundly articulates the biblical principle of individual spiritual accountability. It teaches that while salvation is by grace through faith, the cultivation of a ready and expectant heart is a personal responsibility that cannot be delegated or borrowed. This challenges any notion of passive faith or reliance on the spiritual capital of others. The "oil" represents the essential, internal spiritual life—the very presence of the Holy Spirit, a living faith, and a lifestyle of obedience—which must be personally nurtured. The parable's warning is that there will come a moment when external resources or the spiritual vitality of others will be insufficient to cover one's own lack of preparation, emphasizing the finality of judgment and the personal nature of one's standing before God.

* [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")
* [Philippians 2:12](/philippians/2-12 "Philippians 2:12 - Work Out Your Own Salvation")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 25:9 serves as a sober and urgent call for every believer to examine their own spiritual state. It compels us to move beyond superficial faith or relying on the spiritual strength of our community, family, or leaders. Our relationship with God is intensely personal, and our readiness for Christ's return is our individual responsibility. This means actively pursuing spiritual growth through prayer, studying God's Word, obedience to His commands, and cultivating a vibrant, Spirit-filled life. The "buying" of oil, though metaphorical, implies a cost—an investment of our time, energy, and priorities into our spiritual well-being. We are reminded that the opportunity for preparation is finite and its timing unknown. Therefore, complacency is a dangerous spiritual posture. We are called to live with a watchful expectation, ensuring our lamps are trimmed and burning brightly, so that when the Bridegroom comes, we are not found wanting but are ready to enter into the joy of His presence.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific ways might I be subtly relying on the spiritual strength or faith of others instead of diligently cultivating my own personal relationship with God?**
* **What practical steps can I take today to "buy oil" for myself, investing more deeply in my spiritual preparedness and growth?**
* **How does the urgency of this verse impact my daily priorities and long-term spiritual goals? Am I living with a genuine sense of watchfulness for Christ's return?**

### FAQ

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

Answer: The wise virgins could not share their oil because it symbolizes an intensely personal and non-transferable spiritual readiness. This "oil" represents elements like genuine faith, the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, a personal relationship with God, and a life lived in obedience to Him. These are not commodities that can be divided or lent. Sharing their oil would not genuinely equip the foolish virgins with true spiritual readiness, nor would it be sufficient for both groups. The parable emphasizes that each individual must cultivate their own spiritual life and relationship with God; it cannot be borrowed or transferred from another, especially at the critical moment of Christ's return and judgment.

**Does "buy for yourselves" imply salvation by works, contradicting salvation by grace?**

Answer: No, "buy for yourselves" does not imply salvation by works in the sense of earning one's way into heaven. Instead, it is a powerful metaphor for the active, personal engagement and diligence required in one's spiritual life. Salvation is indeed by grace through faith in Christ Jesus, as articulated in [Ephesians 2:8-9](/ephesians/2-8-9 "Ephesians 2:8-9 - Salvation by Grace Through Faith"). However, genuine faith is never passive; it is a living faith that expresses itself through obedience and spiritual growth. The act of "buying oil" signifies the necessary investment of time, attention, and obedience in response to God's grace, cultivating a prepared heart. It points to the truth that while salvation is a gift, maintaining a state of readiness requires personal effort and stewardship of the grace received.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 25:9, within the Parable of the Ten Virgins, finds its ultimate fulfillment and meaning in Jesus Christ. He is the long-awaited Bridegroom, whose return is certain, though its timing is unknown. The "oil" that signifies spiritual readiness is ultimately provided and sustained through Him. It is by His grace that we are given faith, and it is through the Spirit, whom He sends, that we are empowered to live lives of obedience and watchfulness. The command to "buy for yourselves" is not a call to earn salvation, but a call to personally receive and diligently steward the spiritual provisions that Christ Himself offers. He is the "way, the truth, and the life" ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life")), the sole source of true spiritual vitality. Our readiness for His coming is intrinsically linked to our ongoing relationship with Him and our abiding in Him, for apart from Him, we can do nothing ([John 15:5](/john/15-5 "John 15:5 - Abide in Me")). The parable thus underscores that true preparation means being found in Christ, having His Spirit within us ([Romans 8:9](/romans/8-9 "Romans 8:9 - Indwelling of the Spirit")), and actively living out the faith He has graciously given, eagerly anticipating the joyous [marriage supper of the Lamb](/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

Psalms 49:7

None [of them] can by any means redeem his brother, nor give to God a ransom for him:

Psalms 49:9

That he should still live for ever, [and] not see corruption.

Revelation 3:17

Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:

Revelation 3:18

I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and [that] the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.

Isaiah 55:6

¶ Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near:

Isaiah 55:7

Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.

Ezekiel 14:20

Though Noah, Daniel, and Job, [were] in it, [as] I live, saith the Lord GOD, they shall deliver neither son nor daughter; they shall [but] deliver their own souls by their righteousness.