This commentary is a work in progress and may be revised as study continues. If you have a question, spot an error, or want to discuss a passage, please reach out.
1Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom.
Virginity symobolizes holiness and purity. It is possible this parable uses virgins as a symbol to show there can be an outward holiness or religious apperance to people but as we read on we can see that only five were holy inwardly.
The book of Matthew was written to the Jews. The other gospels were not specifically written to a Jewish audience. Since this parable is only found in the gospel of Matthew it shows that it is specific to a Jew. Jesus is trying to reach and warn them of their need to receive Him. Jesus is speaking to a Jewish audience here which is key to take into account when interpreting this parable.
2And five of them were wise, and five were foolish.
The wise Jew is one that accepts the Messiah, that has ears to hear (Matthew 11:15).
3They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them:
4But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps.
In the Bible ”oil” or being annointed with oil represents the Holy Spirit (1 Samuel 16:13, Isaiah 61:1, Acts 10:38) and our bodies are ”vessels” (2 Corinthians 4:7, 1 Thessalonians 4:4, 2 Timothy 2:20-21). Therefore, this seems to be saying that the wise virgins are Christians, born again of the Spirit and the foolish virgins are those without the Holy Spirit.
In verses 3 and 4, we see that both groups of virgins have lamps (which possibly parallels our eyes being light or lamps, as some translations state in Matthew 6:22-23 and Luke 11:34-36). While both groups of virgins are aware of spiritual matters and are awaiting the Lord or bridegroom, we see that merely looking for Him is not enough. A virgin needs oil, a person needs to be born of the Spirit as Jesus tells us in John 3. A Jew needs to accept Jesus as the true Messiah.
A wise person believes upon Jesus for salvation (Proverbs 9:10, Matthew 7:24-25).
5While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept.
6And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him.
7Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps.
8And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out.
The foolish virgins were not prepared and ready to meet the bridgegroom. They came unprepared because they never believed upon Jesus.
9But 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.
Salvation or the Holy Spirit cannot be bought but to continue the idea of the parable it seems Jesus is essentially saying that the 5 wise virgins are unable to help the 5 foolish ones. It is too late, even if the foolish went to buy for themselves they would miss meeting the bridegroom which is exactly what will happen to those that don’t believe upon Jesus.
This sounds similar to what Jesus tells the lukewarm church in Revelation 3:18 “I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire...”. Again, one cannot buy salvation or purity but we see this metaphor that something is missing, something is needed for a person to be made right and holy in God’s eyes.
10And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut.
Just like what happened in the day of Noah, a door was shut for those that didn’t have believe. Genesis 7:16 “and the Lord shut him in”. There comes a time when it is too late, too late to buy oil and too late to believe upon Jesus and receive His free gift of salvation and God shuts the door.
11Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us.
Here the meaning of the parable really comes to light as this line “Lord, Lord” is remincesnt of the prophetic account Jesus describes will happen at the judgement in Matthew 7:22 to a group of people that don’t do His will (also seen in Luke 13:25-27)
What is His will as Matthew 7:22 says we must do? In John 6:40 we see it is simply to believe upon Him “And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.”
12But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not.
Just like what Jesus says in Matthew 7:23 “And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you”. Not, I once knew you and no don’t but “never”, these people aren’t Christians. They trusted in their works instead of trusting in the Savior.
13Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.
14For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods.
Who are these servants? Jesus is warning through multiple parables here in Matthew 24 and 25 to be ready at His coming. He keeps reiterating there are 2 types of people, one ready and one not ready.
Galatians 4:6-7 and John 15:15 both make it clear from Jesus and from Paul that a Christian is not labeled a servant.
Lastly, in context we have this book of Matthew written to the Jews and we have the parable of the 10 virgins just about this one which is only found in this gospel. The Lord is trying to warn the Jews and get them to see their need for Him.
15And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey.
16Then he that had received the five talents went and traded with the same, and made them other five talents.
17And likewise he that had received two, he also gained other two.
18But he that had received one went and digged in the earth, and hid his lord's money.
19After a long time the lord of those servants cometh, and reckoneth with them.
20And so he that had received five talents came and brought other five talents, saying, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me five talents: behold, I have gained beside them five talents more.
21His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.
22He also that had received two talents came and said, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me two talents: behold, I have gained two other talents beside them.
23His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.
24Then he which had received the one talent came and said, Lord, I knew thee that thou art an hard man, reaping where thou hast not sown, and gathering where thou hast not strawed:
25And I was afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the earth: lo, there thou hast that is thine.
26His lord answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strawed:
27Thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine own with usury.
28Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him which hath ten talents.
29For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath.
30And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
31When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory:
32And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats:
33And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left.
34Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:
35For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in:
36Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.
37Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink?
38When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee?
39Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee?
40And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.
We know that we are not saved by our works as Paul says in Romans 4:5 “But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.”
The works these people did were unknown to them, they were living by the Spirit in the vine and the fruit or works were a natural by product. In John 15:5 Jesus says we will bring forth much fruit “I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.”
Who is he that abideth? He that believeth upon Him. See John 6:53 and 1 John 4:15
41Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:
Without faith, we won’t be pleasing to God, work are not the issue. Hebrews 11:6 “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.”
Furthermore, we can see Jesus Himself earlier in Matthew stating it is not about works for these people did many wonderful things in His name but didn’t make it as they didn’t do His will Matthew 7:21-23 “21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? 23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.”
What is His will? Jesus tells us in John 6:40 it is simply to believe upon Him, again He is only pleased with faith. “And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.”
42For I was an hungred, and ye gave me no meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink:
43I was a stranger, and ye took me not in: naked, and ye clothed me not: sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not.
44Then shall they also answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto thee?
On judgement day everyone will call Him Lord even non-believers Romans 14:11 “For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.”See also Isaiah 45:23 and Philippians 2:9-11.
45Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me.
If it were of works that we enter the kingdom then we would have something to boast about but scripture is clear that this is not the case. Ephesians 2:8-9 being one of the clearest that articulate this truth “8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.”
46And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.
Where does this righteousness come from? It comes imputed from Jesus by faith as Philippians 3:9 says “And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:”
25
Matthew 25 — Forever Word commentary
King James VersionThis commentary is a work in progress and may be revised as study continues. If you have a question, spot an error, or want to discuss a passage, please reach out.
1Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom.
Virginity symobolizes holiness and purity. It is possible this parable uses virgins as a symbol to show there can be an outward holiness or religious apperance to people but as we read on we can see that only five were holy inwardly.
The book of Matthew was written to the Jews. The other gospels were not specifically written to a Jewish audience. Since this parable is only found in the gospel of Matthew it shows that it is specific to a Jew. Jesus is trying to reach and warn them of their need to receive Him. Jesus is speaking to a Jewish audience here which is key to take into account when interpreting this parable.
2And five of them were wise, and five were foolish.
The wise Jew is one that accepts the Messiah, that has ears to hear (Matthew 11:15).
3They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them:
4But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps.
In the Bible ”oil” or being annointed with oil represents the Holy Spirit (1 Samuel 16:13, Isaiah 61:1, Acts 10:38) and our bodies are ”vessels” (2 Corinthians 4:7, 1 Thessalonians 4:4, 2 Timothy 2:20-21). Therefore, this seems to be saying that the wise virgins are Christians, born again of the Spirit and the foolish virgins are those without the Holy Spirit.
In verses 3 and 4, we see that both groups of virgins have lamps (which possibly parallels our eyes being light or lamps, as some translations state in Matthew 6:22-23 and Luke 11:34-36). While both groups of virgins are aware of spiritual matters and are awaiting the Lord or bridegroom, we see that merely looking for Him is not enough. A virgin needs oil, a person needs to be born of the Spirit as Jesus tells us in John 3. A Jew needs to accept Jesus as the true Messiah.
A wise person believes upon Jesus for salvation (Proverbs 9:10, Matthew 7:24-25).
5While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept.
6And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him.
7Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps.
8And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out.
The foolish virgins were not prepared and ready to meet the bridgegroom. They came unprepared because they never believed upon Jesus.
9But 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.
Salvation or the Holy Spirit cannot be bought but to continue the idea of the parable it seems Jesus is essentially saying that the 5 wise virgins are unable to help the 5 foolish ones. It is too late, even if the foolish went to buy for themselves they would miss meeting the bridegroom which is exactly what will happen to those that don’t believe upon Jesus.
This sounds similar to what Jesus tells the lukewarm church in Revelation 3:18 “I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire...”. Again, one cannot buy salvation or purity but we see this metaphor that something is missing, something is needed for a person to be made right and holy in God’s eyes.
10And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut.
Just like what happened in the day of Noah, a door was shut for those that didn’t have believe. Genesis 7:16 “and the Lord shut him in”. There comes a time when it is too late, too late to buy oil and too late to believe upon Jesus and receive His free gift of salvation and God shuts the door.
11Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us.
Here the meaning of the parable really comes to light as this line “Lord, Lord” is remincesnt of the prophetic account Jesus describes will happen at the judgement in Matthew 7:22 to a group of people that don’t do His will (also seen in Luke 13:25-27)
What is His will as Matthew 7:22 says we must do? In John 6:40 we see it is simply to believe upon Him “And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.”
12But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not.
Just like what Jesus says in Matthew 7:23 “And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you”. Not, I once knew you and no don’t but “never”, these people aren’t Christians. They trusted in their works instead of trusting in the Savior.
13Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.
14For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods.
Who are these servants? Jesus is warning through multiple parables here in Matthew 24 and 25 to be ready at His coming. He keeps reiterating there are 2 types of people, one ready and one not ready.
Galatians 4:6-7 and John 15:15 both make it clear from Jesus and from Paul that a Christian is not labeled a servant.
Lastly, in context we have this book of Matthew written to the Jews and we have the parable of the 10 virgins just about this one which is only found in this gospel. The Lord is trying to warn the Jews and get them to see their need for Him.
15And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey.
16Then he that had received the five talents went and traded with the same, and made them other five talents.
17And likewise he that had received two, he also gained other two.
18But he that had received one went and digged in the earth, and hid his lord's money.
19After a long time the lord of those servants cometh, and reckoneth with them.
20And so he that had received five talents came and brought other five talents, saying, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me five talents: behold, I have gained beside them five talents more.
21His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.
22He also that had received two talents came and said, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me two talents: behold, I have gained two other talents beside them.
23His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.
24Then he which had received the one talent came and said, Lord, I knew thee that thou art an hard man, reaping where thou hast not sown, and gathering where thou hast not strawed:
25And I was afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the earth: lo, there thou hast that is thine.
26His lord answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strawed:
27Thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine own with usury.
28Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him which hath ten talents.
29For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath.
30And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
31When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory:
32And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats:
33And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left.
34Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:
35For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in:
36Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.
37Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink?
38When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee?
39Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee?
40And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.
We know that we are not saved by our works as Paul says in Romans 4:5 “But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.”
The works these people did were unknown to them, they were living by the Spirit in the vine and the fruit or works were a natural by product. In John 15:5 Jesus says we will bring forth much fruit “I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.”
Who is he that abideth? He that believeth upon Him. See John 6:53 and 1 John 4:15
41Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:
Without faith, we won’t be pleasing to God, work are not the issue. Hebrews 11:6 “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.”
Furthermore, we can see Jesus Himself earlier in Matthew stating it is not about works for these people did many wonderful things in His name but didn’t make it as they didn’t do His will Matthew 7:21-23 “21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? 23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.”
What is His will? Jesus tells us in John 6:40 it is simply to believe upon Him, again He is only pleased with faith. “And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.”
42For I was an hungred, and ye gave me no meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink:
43I was a stranger, and ye took me not in: naked, and ye clothed me not: sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not.
44Then shall they also answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto thee?
On judgement day everyone will call Him Lord even non-believers Romans 14:11 “For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.” See also Isaiah 45:23 and Philippians 2:9-11.
45Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me.
If it were of works that we enter the kingdom then we would have something to boast about but scripture is clear that this is not the case. Ephesians 2:8-9 being one of the clearest that articulate this truth “8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.”
46And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.
Where does this righteousness come from? It comes imputed from Jesus by faith as Philippians 3:9 says “And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:”