Matthew 25:1
Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom.
Original Language Analysis
Τότε
Then
G5119
Τότε
Then
Strong's:
G5119
Word #:
1 of 18
the when, i.e., at the time that (of the past or future, also in consecution)
ὁμοιωθήσεται
be likened
G3666
ὁμοιωθήσεται
be likened
Strong's:
G3666
Word #:
2 of 18
to assimilate, i.e., compare; passively, to become similar
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
βασιλεία
shall the kingdom
G932
βασιλεία
shall the kingdom
Strong's:
G932
Word #:
4 of 18
properly, royalty, i.e., (abstractly) rule, or (concretely) a realm (literally or figuratively)
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
οὐρανῶν
of heaven
G3772
οὐρανῶν
of heaven
Strong's:
G3772
Word #:
6 of 18
the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of god); by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the gospel (christianity)
αἵτινες
which
G3748
αἵτινες
which
Strong's:
G3748
Word #:
9 of 18
which some, i.e., any that; also (definite) which same
τὰς
G3588
τὰς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀυτῶν
G846
ἀυτῶν
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
13 of 18
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
εἰς
G1519
εἰς
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
15 of 18
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
Cross References
Revelation 19:7Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready.Revelation 21:9And there came unto me one of the seven angels which had the seven vials full of the seven last plagues, and talked with me, saying, Come hither, I will shew thee the bride, the Lamb's wife.Revelation 21:2And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.Matthew 13:24Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field:Revelation 14:4These are they which were not defiled with women; for they are virgins. These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth. These were redeemed from among men, being the firstfruits unto God and to the Lamb.Isaiah 54:5For thy Maker is thine husband; the LORD of hosts is his name; and thy Redeemer the Holy One of Israel; The God of the whole earth shall he be called.John 3:29He that hath the bride is the bridegroom: but the friend of the bridegroom, which standeth and heareth him, rejoiceth greatly because of the bridegroom's voice: this my joy therefore is fulfilled.Matthew 22:2The kingdom of heaven is like unto a certain king, which made a marriage for his son,Titus 2:13Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;Matthew 3:2And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
Historical Context
Ancient Jewish weddings involved the groom coming to claim his bride, with a procession to the wedding feast. Attendants with lamps joined the celebration. The parable assumes this cultural context. The kingdom's consummation is portrayed as a wedding feast—imagery used throughout Scripture (Revelation 19:7-9).
Questions for Reflection
- What does this parable teach about the difference between external profession and genuine faith?
- Are you living as a wise virgin with oil, or foolish virgin with only a lamp?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The parable's opening 'Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom' uses a wedding metaphor for Christ's return. The ten virgins represent those professing faith awaiting Christ (bridegroom). All had lamps (external profession) but only five had oil (genuine faith/Spirit). The delayed bridegroom tests perseverance. This parable warns that external religious participation doesn't guarantee salvation—genuine preparation is essential.