Matthew 25:12

But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not.

But {G1161} he answered {G611} and said {G2036}, Verily {G281} I say {G3004} unto you {G5213}, I know {G1492} you {G5209} not {G3756}.

But he answered, `Indeed! I tell you, I don't know you!'

But he replied, ‘Truly I tell you, I do not know you.’

But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not.

Commentary

This verse is a pivotal moment in the parable of the ten virgins, found in Matthew 25:1-13.

Context

Matthew 25:12 occurs within Jesus' parable illustrating the importance of readiness for the Kingdom of Heaven and, specifically, for His return. Ten virgins (representing believers or those awaiting the bridegroom/Christ) take their lamps. Five are wise and bring extra oil; five are foolish and do not. When the bridegroom is delayed, all ten sleep. At midnight, the cry comes that the bridegroom is arriving. The foolish virgins realize their lamps are going out and ask the wise ones for oil, but they are told to go buy their own. While they are gone, the bridegroom arrives, and those who were ready go in with him to the wedding feast. The door is shut. The foolish virgins arrive later, knocking and saying, "Lord, Lord, open to us." This verse is the Bridegroom's stark response to their plea.

Key Themes

  • Preparedness and Vigilance: The core message is the necessity of being truly ready for the Lord's coming, which happens at an unexpected time. The "oil" is often interpreted as genuine faith, the presence of the Holy Spirit, or a life lived in active relationship with Christ.
  • The Finality of Missed Opportunity: The shut door signifies a point of no return. Once the time for preparation is over, there is no second chance.
  • Authentic Relationship: The phrase "I know you not" highlights that merely being near the Kingdom or professing belief is insufficient. What matters is a real, personal, and recognized relationship with the Bridegroom.
  • Judgment: This verse underscores the reality of judgment based on one's state of readiness and relationship with Christ upon His return.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "I know you not" translates the Greek ouk oida humas (οὐκ οἶδα ὑμᾶς). The word oida (οἶδα) implies a deep, personal, and experiential knowing, not just intellectual recognition. The Bridegroom's statement is a profound declaration of a lack of relationship or connection. It's not that He doesn't know who they are by name, but rather that they are strangers to Him in a relational sense, despite their expectation of entry.

Related Scriptures

This response from the Bridegroom echoes similar warnings from Jesus about the importance of a genuine relationship over mere outward profession. For instance, in the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus warns that not everyone who says "Lord, Lord" will enter the Kingdom of Heaven, but only those who do the will of His Father. He concludes that passage with a similar statement: "I never knew you: depart from me." The call to readiness is also found in other passages urging believers to watch and pray, because the time of the Lord's coming is unknown (Matthew 24:42).

Reflection

Matthew 25:12 serves as a solemn reminder that salvation is more than a one-time decision; it is an ongoing state of relationship and readiness. The foolish virgins had lamps (outward appearance of faith) but lacked the necessary oil (the inner reality of grace, the Spirit, or active obedience born of relationship). The shut door and the Bridegroom's refusal highlight the critical need to cultivate a deep, personal "knowing" of Christ now, ensuring that when He comes, we are recognized as His own and welcomed into His eternal presence.

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Cross-References

  • 1 Corinthians 8:3 (6 votes)

    But if any man love God, the same is known of him.

  • 2 Timothy 2:19 (5 votes)

    ¶ Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.

  • John 10:27 (5 votes)

    My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:

  • Luke 13:26 (4 votes)

    Then shall ye begin to say, We have eaten and drunk in thy presence, and thou hast taught in our streets.

  • Luke 13:30 (4 votes)

    And, behold, there are last which shall be first, and there are first which shall be last.

  • John 9:31 (2 votes)

    Now we know that God heareth not sinners: but if any man be a worshipper of God, and doeth his will, him he heareth.

  • Psalms 5:5 (2 votes)

    The foolish shall not stand in thy sight: thou hatest all workers of iniquity.