Matthew 25:7
Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps.
Original Language Analysis
τότε
Then
G5119
τότε
Then
Strong's:
G5119
Word #:
1 of 11
the when, i.e., at the time that (of the past or future, also in consecution)
ἠγέρθησαν
arose
G1453
ἠγέρθησαν
arose
Strong's:
G1453
Word #:
2 of 11
to waken (transitively or intransitively), i.e., rouse (literally, from sleep, from sitting or lying, from disease, from death; or figuratively, from
αἱ
G3588
αἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 11
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐκεῖναι
those
G1565
ἐκεῖναι
those
Strong's:
G1565
Word #:
6 of 11
that one (or (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
7 of 11
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐκόσμησαν
trimmed
G2885
ἐκόσμησαν
trimmed
Strong's:
G2885
Word #:
8 of 11
to put in proper order, i.e., decorate (literally or figuratively); specially, to snuff (a wick)
Historical Context
Wedding torch maintenance was essential—burnt wicks produced dim, smoky flames unsuitable for a joyful procession. The trimming process was routine but critical. Jesus uses this mundane detail to illustrate spiritual preparedness: profession must be backed by reality, or the 'lamp' fails when most needed.
Questions for Reflection
- What happens when you 'trim your lamp'—examine your spiritual life honestly before God?
- Can you distinguish between external religious activity ('carrying a lamp') and internal Spirit-sustaining reality ('having oil')?
- How does the reality of Christ's imminent return (the 'midnight cry') expose areas of spiritual presumption in your life?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps (τότε ἠγέρθησαν πᾶσαι αἱ παρθένοι ἐκεῖναι καὶ ἐκόσμησαν τὰς λαμπάδας ἑαυτῶν, tote ēgerthēsan pasai hai parthenoi ekeinai kai ekosmēsan tas lampadas heautōn). Both groups awoke immediately and trimmed (ἐκόσμησαν, ekosmēsan—'adorned, put in order') their lamps—cutting burnt wicks and adding oil to ensure bright flames for the procession.
The critical moment of crisis reveals hidden realities: the foolish virgins' lamps are gone out (v. 8—σβέννυνται, sbennyntai, 'are being extinguished'). External appearances identical until testing. All had lamps, all slept, all awoke—but only the wise had sustaining oil. The trimming represents self-examination in light of Christ's coming: spiritual inventory before meeting the Bridegroom. For the foolish, this examination exposes fatal deficiency.