Read & Study the Bible Online - Bible Portal
Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Matthew 25:1-13

Here, I. That in general which is to be illustrated is, the kingdom of heaven, the state of things under the gospel, the external kingdom of Christ, and the administration and success of it. Some of Christ's parables had shown us what it is like now in the present reception of it, as Matt. 13:1-52 This tells us what it shall be like, when the mystery of God shall be finished, and that kingdom delivered up to the Father. The administration of Christ's government, towards the ready and the... read more

William Barclay

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - Matthew 25:1-13

25:1-13 "What will happen in the Kingdom of Heaven is like the situation which arose when ten virgins took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish and five were wise. The foolish took their lamps, but did not take oil with them; but the wise took oil in their vessels together with their lamps. When the bridegroom was long in coming, all of them settled down to rest and slept. In the middle of the night the cry went up, 'Look you, the bridegroom! Go out to... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Matthew 25:7

Then all these virgins arose ,.... Not out of their graves; for the righteous and wicked will not rise together; the dead in Christ will rise first, and this first resurrection will not be till Christ is come; nor will grace be to be had, or be thought to be had after the resurrection; nor will there be any trimming of lamps then, in order to meet the bridegroom, for he will be come: nor out of the graves of sin; for the wise virgins were not in such a state, and the foolish virgins were... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Matthew 25:7

Trimmed their lamps - Εκοσμησαν , adorned them. I have seen some of the eastern lamps or lanthorns, the body of which was a skeleton of wood and threads, covered with a very thin transparent membrane, or very fine gauze, and decorated with flowers painted on it. It is probable that the nuptial lamps were highly decorated in this way; though the act mentioned here may mean no more than preparing the lamps for burning. The following account of the celebration of a wedding in Persia, taken... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 25:1-13

Parable of the ten virgins. (Peculiar to St. Matthew.) This parable, as a continuation of the teaching of the last chapter, sets forth the necessity of having and retaining grace unto the end, in order to be able to welcome the advent of Christ. The duty of watchfulness and preparation for the great day is, of course, implied and set forth ( Matthew 25:13 ); but the point is that the oil of God's grace alone enables the soul to meet the bridegroom joyfully, without dismay. The usual... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 25:1-13

The parable of the ten virgins. I. THEY GO FORTH . 1 . The kingdom of heaven. Here, as elsewhere, that kingdom is the visible Church. But the present parable seems to relate to a part only of the kingdom, a portion of the Church. There may possibly be no spiritual significance in the word "virgins." Like the number ten, perhaps a common number at such times, it may belong merely to the structure, the imagery of the parable; young unmarried women were and are usually attendants of... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 25:1-13

The ten virgins. I. CHRIST INVITES HIS CHURCH TO SHARE HIS JOY . Here is a festal occasion, and the joy and splendour of it will not be complete unless the virgin friends of the bride go forth to meet the bridegroom with their lamps illuminating the gay scene. More than once is the gospel gladness compared to that of a wedding. Under such an image the service and the warfare of life are for the moment forgotten, and its bright, glad side is brought to light. This too is to be... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 25:1-13

Parable of the ten virgins. This parable illustrates chiefly these three things: the meaning of our Lord's command to watch; its reason; and the means of fulfilling it. I. IT SHOWS US THAT IT DOES NOT MEAN , BE ALWAYS ON THE WATCH , BUT , BE ALWAYS PREPARED . The fisherman's wife who spends her time on the pier head watching for the boats cannot be so well prepared to give her husband a comfortable reception as the woman who is busy about her household... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 25:1-13

The virgins. Amongst the great truths taught in this parable we notice these. I. THAT RELIGION ADMITS OF NO NEUTRALITY . 1 . In either things men may be indifferent. 2 . But the relations of existence forbid neutrality in religion. II. THAT UNBELIEF IS THE PARALYZER OF RELIGIOUS ENERGY . 1 . The world appeals vividly to sense. 2 . The foolish sleep without oil in their vessels. 3 . Even the wise are found sleeping. III. ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 25:7

Trimmed their lamps. The trimming consisted in removing the charred portion of the wick, and raising the wick itself by means of a pointed wire which was fastened by a chain to each lamp. These operations would be followed by the replenishment of the vase with oil from the vessel carried for what purpose. In a spiritual sense the dormant grace has to be revived at the awful summons. It had, indeed, come upon all unexpectedly at the moment; but while one party was ready to meet the emergency,... read more

Group of Brands