Matthew 25:5

While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept.

While {G1161} the bridegroom {G3566} tarried {G5549}, they all {G3956} slumbered {G3573} and {G2532} slept {G2518}.

Now the bridegroom was late, so they all went to sleep.

When the bridegroom was delayed, they all became drowsy and fell asleep.

Now while the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept.

Commentary

Matthew 25:5 is a pivotal verse within the Parable of the Ten Virgins, highlighting a common human tendency during a period of waiting for the Lord's return.

Context

This verse is part of Jesus' discourse on the end times and His Second Coming, delivered on the Mount of Olives. The parable illustrates the necessity of preparedness for the bridegroom's unexpected arrival. The ten virgins, representing believers, are waiting for the bridegroom (symbolizing Christ). This verse specifically notes that while the bridegroom was delayed, all the virgins, both wise and foolish, succumbed to sleep.

Key Themes

  • The Bridegroom's Tarrying: The phrase "the bridegroom tarried" speaks to the often-unpredictable timing of God's prophetic events, particularly the delay of Christ's return. This delay tests patience and reveals true readiness.
  • Universal Slumber: "They all slumbered and slept" indicates a general human inclination to relax or become less vigilant over time. It doesn't necessarily imply sin, but rather a natural state of rest. The critical distinction between the wise and foolish virgins was not that some slept and others didn't, but what they had prepared *before* they slept (Matthew 25:4).
  • The Call for Vigilance: Despite the natural tendency to sleep, the parable underscores the importance of being spiritually awake and prepared for the unknown hour of the Lord's coming.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV uses two distinct terms: "slumbered" (Greek: nystazō, νυστάζω), meaning to nod or doze off, and "slept" (Greek: katheudō, καθεύδω), meaning to be in a deep sleep. While both describe a state of rest, the progression from dozing to deep sleep emphasizes the length and depth of the delay. The verb "tarried" (Greek: chronizō, χρονίζω) literally means "to spend time" or "to delay," reinforcing the idea of a prolonged wait.

Practical Application

Matthew 25:5 serves as a timeless reminder for believers today. While it's natural to experience periods of spiritual quiet or rest, this verse cautions against complacency that leads to unpreparedness. The key is to ensure that even during periods of waiting or spiritual "slumber," one's spiritual "oil" (representing spiritual readiness, faith, and good works) is sufficient. We are called to be spiritually alert and ready, living in constant expectation of Christ's return, rather than being caught off guard like the foolish virgins when the cry comes (Matthew 25:10).

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Cross-References

  • Habakkuk 2:3 (6 votes)

    For the vision [is] yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.

  • 1 Thessalonians 5:6 (5 votes)

    ¶ Therefore let us not sleep, as [do] others; but let us watch and be sober.

  • 1 Thessalonians 5:8 (5 votes)

    But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation.

  • 2 Peter 3:4 (5 votes)

    And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as [they were] from the beginning of the creation.

  • 2 Peter 3:9 (5 votes)

    ¶ The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

  • Matthew 24:48 (4 votes)

    But and if that evil servant shall say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming;

  • Luke 20:9 (4 votes)

    ¶ Then began he to speak to the people this parable; A certain man planted a vineyard, and let it forth to husbandmen, and went into a far country for a long time.