Matthew 25:10
And 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.
Original Language Analysis
ἀπερχομένων
while they went
G565
ἀπερχομένων
while they went
Strong's:
G565
Word #:
1 of 20
to go off (i.e., depart), aside (i.e., apart) or behind (i.e., follow), literally or figuratively
αὐτοῦ
him
G846
αὐτοῦ
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
3 of 20
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
ἀγοράσαι
to buy
G59
ἀγοράσαι
to buy
Strong's:
G59
Word #:
4 of 20
properly, to go to market, i.e., (by implication) to purchase; specially, to redeem
ἦλθεν
came
G2064
ἦλθεν
came
Strong's:
G2064
Word #:
5 of 20
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
8 of 20
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
αἱ
G3588
αἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
μετ᾽
with
G3326
μετ᾽
with
Strong's:
G3326
Word #:
12 of 20
properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)
αὐτοῦ
him
G846
αὐτοῦ
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
13 of 20
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
to
G1519
εἰς
to
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
14 of 20
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τοὺς
G3588
τοὺς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
15 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
17 of 20
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Cross References
Luke 13:25When once the master of the house is risen up, and hath shut to the door, and ye begin to stand without, and to knock at the door, saying, Lord, Lord, open unto us; and he shall answer and say unto you, I know you not whence ye are:Matthew 24:44Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.1 Peter 1:13Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;Revelation 22:20He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.Psalms 95:11Unto whom I sware in my wrath that they should not enter into my rest.Matthew 25:6And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him.Genesis 7:16And they that went in, went in male and female of all flesh, as God had commanded him: and the LORD shut him in.2 Timothy 4:8Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.
Historical Context
Once ancient wedding feasts began, latecomers were excluded—admission was only for invited, prepared guests. The shut door protected the celebration's sanctity and prevented disruptions. Jesus uses this cultural detail to illustrate the irreversible nature of final judgment: opportunities end, mercy's door closes, and only the prepared enter eternal rest.
Questions for Reflection
- What does it mean to be 'ready' when the Bridegroom comes—how do you cultivate lasting preparedness?
- How should the finality of the 'shut door' affect your urgency in evangelism and personal discipleship?
- Are you living as though the door remains open indefinitely, or with sober awareness that it will shut—perhaps soon?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And 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 (κέκλεισται, kekleistai—perfect passive, 'stands shut' with permanent results). The timing is devastating: the foolish leave to seek oil, and in their absence the bridegroom arrives. They that were ready (αἱ ἕτοιμοι, hai hetoimoi)—the prepared ones—enter the wedding feast.
The closed door is final. Perfect tense emphasizes permanence: once shut, it remains shut. This depicts the eschatological finality of Christ's return: no second chances, no appeals, no entry after the fact. Readiness is determined before the Bridegroom's arrival, not after. The 'marriage' (γάμος, gamos) is the Lamb's wedding supper (Revelation 19:7-9)—eternal fellowship with Christ reserved for those found ready, those possessing the Spirit's indwelling reality.