Matthew 25:9
But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves.
Original Language Analysis
ἀπεκρίθησαν
answered
G611
ἀπεκρίθησαν
answered
Strong's:
G611
Word #:
1 of 20
to conclude for oneself, i.e., (by implication) to respond; by hebraism (compare h6030) to begin to speak (where an address is expected)
αἱ
G3588
αἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
φρόνιμοι
the wise
G5429
φρόνιμοι
the wise
Strong's:
G5429
Word #:
4 of 20
thoughtful, i.e., sagacious or discreet (implying a cautious character; while g4680 denotes practical skill or acumen; and g4908 indicates rather inte
λέγουσαι
saying
G3004
λέγουσαι
saying
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
5 of 20
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
ἀρκέσῃ
enough
G714
ἀρκέσῃ
enough
Strong's:
G714
Word #:
8 of 20
properly, to ward off, i.e., (by implication) to avail (figuratively, be satisfactory)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
10 of 20
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
πορεύεσθε
go ye
G4198
πορεύεσθε
go ye
Strong's:
G4198
Word #:
12 of 20
to traverse, i.e., travel (literally or figuratively; especially to remove (figuratively, die), live, etc.)
πρὸς
to them
G4314
πρὸς
to them
Strong's:
G4314
Word #:
15 of 20
a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,
τοὺς
G3588
τοὺς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
16 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
18 of 20
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Historical Context
Ancient marketplace oil vendors would have been closed at midnight. The advice to 'go buy' is both sincere (genuine counsel) and practically impossible (shops closed). Similarly, gospel invitations remain open now but will close at death or Christ's return—after which no opportunity for repentance remains (Hebrews 9:27).
Questions for Reflection
- Why do you delay in securing 'oil'—the Spirit's transforming presence—when the gospel is freely offered today?
- How does this parable warn against presuming you can 'get serious about faith' later when it's more convenient?
- What might it mean to 'go buy oil' right now—seeking genuine conversion and Spirit-filled reality?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you—the wise virgins' refusal seems harsh but reflects spiritual reality: they cannot transfer their oil. But go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves (πορεύεσθε μᾶλλον πρὸς τοὺς πωλοῦντας καὶ ἀγοράσατε ἑαυταῖς, poreuesthe mallon pros tous pōlountas kai agorasate heautais).
The command to 'buy' may allude to Isaiah 55:1—'buy wine and milk without money'—seeking salvation while it may be found. The counsel is not cruel but truthful: each must personally obtain spiritual life. However, the tragic irony is that midnight is too late to 'buy'—shops are closed, the bridegroom arrives immediately (v. 10). This illustrates the urgency of present salvation: 'now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation' (2 Corinthians 6:2). Deathbed conversions are possible but presumptuous.