Matthew 25:4
But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps.
Original Language Analysis
αἱ
G3588
αἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
φρόνιμοι
the wise
G5429
φρόνιμοι
the wise
Strong's:
G5429
Word #:
3 of 13
thoughtful, i.e., sagacious or discreet (implying a cautious character; while g4680 denotes practical skill or acumen; and g4908 indicates rather inte
τοῖς
G3588
τοῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αὐτῶν
G846
αὐτῶν
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
9 of 13
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
μετὰ
with
G3326
μετὰ
with
Strong's:
G3326
Word #:
10 of 13
properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)
Cross References
1 John 2:27But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.Romans 8:9But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.John 3:34For he whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God: for God giveth not the Spirit by measure unto him.Psalms 45:7Thou lovest righteousness, and hatest wickedness: therefore God, thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.1 John 2:20But ye have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things.
Historical Context
In ancient Jewish weddings, the bridegroom's arrival could be delayed by negotiations over the bride price, extended farewells, or deliberate tradition (building anticipation). Attendants had to prepare for unpredictable timing—sometimes late at night. The wise virgins' preparation was culturally expected for responsible participants.
Questions for Reflection
- What spiritual 'extra oil' are you cultivating now to sustain faith through Christ's delayed return?
- How do you balance expectant readiness for Christ's return with patient endurance during the 'delay'?
- What spiritual disciplines function as 'vessels' storing the Spirit's oil for times of testing?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps (αἱ δὲ φρόνιμοι ἔλαβον ἔλαιον ἐν τοῖς ἀγγείοις μετὰ τῶν λαμπάδων ἑαυτῶν, hai de phronimoi elabon elaion en tois angeiois meta tōn lampadōn heautōn). The wise carried extra oil in vessels (ἀγγείοις, angeiois)—separate containers beyond what the lamps already held. This was deliberate preparation for potential delay.
Wisdom is foresight: anticipating the bridegroom's possible tardiness and ensuring adequate resources. Spiritually, this represents vigilant readiness sustained by the Holy Spirit's indwelling presence. The wise didn't merely 'attend' the wedding; they prepared for the waiting. True believers possess not just initial conversion experience but ongoing Spirit-filled vitality that endures through delay and difficulty (Galatians 5:22-25, Ephesians 5:18).