Matthew 25:11
Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us.
Original Language Analysis
ἔρχονται
came
G2064
ἔρχονται
came
Strong's:
G2064
Word #:
3 of 12
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
καὶ
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
4 of 12
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 #:
5 of 12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
λέγουσαι
saying
G3004
λέγουσαι
saying
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
8 of 12
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
κύριε
Lord
G2962
κύριε
Lord
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
9 of 12
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
κύριε
Lord
G2962
κύριε
Lord
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
10 of 12
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
Historical Context
The double vocative 'Lord, Lord' was a common form of urgent appeal in biblical Greek (cf. Luke 6:46, Acts 9:4). In Jewish culture, a closed door signaled the feast had begun and no more guests would be admitted. Jesus's original audience would understand the social finality of exclusion from a wedding celebration.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you reconcile calling Jesus 'Lord' with actually obeying Him as Lord in daily life?
- What areas of your life reveal the gap between religious profession ('Lord, Lord') and Spirit-empowered reality?
- Why does Jesus refuse entry to those who address Him as 'Lord' and plead for admission?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us (Κύριε κύριε, ἄνοιξον ἡμῖν, Kyrie kyrie, anoixon hēmin). The foolish virgins return, frantically pounding on the door. Their repeated address, Lord, Lord (Κύριε κύριε, Kyrie kyrie), echoes Matthew 7:21-23 where Jesus warns, 'Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven… And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.'
The foolish virgins' appeal demonstrates their assumption of inclusion: they call Him 'Lord,' they attended the waiting, they carried lamps—yet they lack entrance. External profession without internal reality fails at the final crisis. Their belated urgency contrasts with their earlier negligence: panicked at midnight but careless beforehand. The closed door symbolizes judgment's irreversibility—once Christ returns, pleas for admission are futile.