Matthew 25:7

Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps.

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

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

Then all the virgins woke up and trimmed their lamps.

Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps.

Commentary

Matthew 25:7 is a pivotal moment in the Parable of the Ten Virgins, found in Jesus' Olivet Discourse. After a prolonged delay, the sudden cry announces the arrival of the bridegroom, prompting an immediate response from all the virgins.

Context

This verse is set within a Jewish wedding custom where the bridegroom would come at night to fetch his bride and lead her to the wedding feast. Attendants, like these virgins, would await his arrival, often with lamps to light the procession. The parable describes a period of waiting, symbolizing the time between Christ's first and second coming. The "delay" mentioned in Matthew 25:5 signifies that the timing of the Lord's return is unknown, requiring constant watchfulness and readiness.

Key Themes

  • Urgency and Awakening: The sudden cry "Behold, the bridegroom cometh!" (Matthew 25:6) jolts all the virgins into action. This highlights the unexpected and immediate nature of the Lord's return, demanding an instantaneous response from His followers.
  • Preparation and Vigilance: The act of "trimming their lamps" signifies the personal and active preparation required for the bridegroom's arrival. It's not enough to merely possess a lamp; it must be ready to shine brightly. This speaks to the need for believers to maintain a state of spiritual readiness.
  • Personal Responsibility: Each virgin arose and trimmed her *own* lamp. This emphasizes that spiritual preparedness is a personal responsibility that cannot be delegated or borrowed.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "trimmed" is kosmeō (κοσμέω), which means to put in order, to adorn, or to make ready. It implies more than just cutting the wick; it involves cleaning the lamp, ensuring the wick is properly positioned, and perhaps most importantly, checking the oil supply to ensure it can burn effectively. This suggests a diligent and thorough preparation to ensure the lamp functions optimally, producing light when needed.

Practical Application

Matthew 25:7 serves as a powerful call to spiritual awakening and diligent preparation in our lives today. Just as the virgins arose, believers are called to shake off spiritual slumber and actively engage in their faith. "Trimming their lamps" can be understood as:

  • Self-Examination: Regularly assessing our spiritual condition, ensuring our faith is active and our lives reflect God's light.
  • Spiritual Maintenance: Consistently engaging in practices that fuel our spiritual lives, such as prayer, studying God's Word, and living in obedience.
  • Readiness for Action: Being prepared to serve and testify at any moment, living with an awareness of Christ's imminent return or our personal encounter with Him.

The verse reminds us that true readiness involves not just waiting, but actively preparing, ensuring our "lamps" are full and ready to shine when the call comes, whether it's the Lord's return or our personal journey to meet Him.

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Cross-References

  • Luke 12:35 (6 votes)

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

  • Revelation 3:19 (5 votes)

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

  • Revelation 3:20 (5 votes)

    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 (5 votes)

    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 (4 votes)

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

  • Revelation 2:5 (4 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

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