Matthew 25:8
And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out.
Original Language Analysis
αἱ
G3588
αἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
μωραὶ
the foolish
G3474
μωραὶ
the foolish
Strong's:
G3474
Word #:
3 of 17
dull or stupid (as if shut up), i.e., heedless, (morally) blockhead, (apparently) absurd
ταῖς
G3588
ταῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
φρονίμοις
unto the wise
G5429
φρονίμοις
unto the wise
Strong's:
G5429
Word #:
5 of 17
thoughtful, i.e., sagacious or discreet (implying a cautious character; while g4680 denotes practical skill or acumen; and g4908 indicates rather inte
Δότε
Give
G1325
Δότε
Give
Strong's:
G1325
Word #:
7 of 17
to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)
ἐκ
of
G1537
ἐκ
of
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
9 of 17
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὅτι
for
G3754
ὅτι
for
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
13 of 17
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
Cross References
Proverbs 13:9The light of the righteous rejoiceth: but the lamp of the wicked shall be put out.Luke 12:35Let your loins be girded about, and your lights burning;Hebrews 4:1Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it.Revelation 3:9Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee.
Historical Context
Jesus warned throughout His ministry against secondhand religion—being children of Abraham without Abraham's faith (John 8:39-40), doing mighty works without knowing Christ (Matthew 7:22-23), or serving alongside the faithful without possessing faith (Matthew 7:21-23). The early church battled this issue: not all in the visible church possess saving faith (1 John 2:19).
Questions for Reflection
- Whose 'oil' might you be tempted to rely upon instead of cultivating your own Spirit-filled faith?
- What happens when the 'midnight cry' exposes that you've been living on borrowed spiritual capital?
- How can you ensure you possess genuine saving faith rather than mere association with believers?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out (σβέννυνται, sbennyntai—present passive, 'are being quenched/extinguished'). The crisis exposes the foolish virgins' unpreparedness: their lamps sputter and die at the crucial moment. Their request—Give us of your oil (δότε ἡμῖν ἐκ τοῦ ἐλαίου ὑμῶν, dote hēmin ek tou elaiou hymōn)—reveals tragic misunderstanding.
Spiritual reality cannot be borrowed or transferred. The Holy Spirit's indwelling presence is personal, not communal—no one else's faith can save you (Ezekiel 14:14, 20). This demolishes notions of vicarious Christianity: relying on a believing spouse, godly parents, faithful church attendance, or Christian heritage. Each person must have their own oil. The foolish face the Bridegroom empty-handed despite proximity to the wise, illustrating that association with genuine believers doesn't constitute salvation.