King James Version

What Does Matthew 25:5 Mean?

Matthew 25:5 in the King James Version says “While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept.” — study this verse from Matthew chapter 25 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept.”

Matthew 25:5 · KJV

Context

3

They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them:

4

But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps.

5

While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept.

6

And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him.

7

Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept (χρονίζοντος δὲ τοῦ νυμφίου ἐνύσταξαν πᾶσαι καὶ ἐκάθευδον, chronizontos de tou nymphiou enystaxan pasai kai ekhathedon). The bridegroom's delay (χρονίζοντος, chronizontos—'delaying, taking time') caused all ten virgins to drowse (enystaxan—nodding off) and sleep (ekhathedon—falling fully asleep).

Crucially, both wise and foolish slept—the difference was not wakefulness but preparedness. Sleep is not condemned here as negligence; rather, it represents natural human limitation during the interim between Christ's ascension and return. The wise remained ready even while sleeping because they had oil. This challenges hyper-vigilance: readiness is not anxious insomnia but confident preparation. The 'tarrying' reflects Christ's delayed Parousia—2,000 years and counting (2 Peter 3:3-9).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Jesus spoke this two days before His crucifixion. The 'delay' would prove longer than the disciples imagined—not days or years but millennia. The early church expected Christ's imminent return (1 Thessalonians 4:15-17); successive generations have waited, slumbered, and died, yet the bridegroom has not yet come. The parable prepares believers for extended waiting without losing readiness.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you maintain spiritual preparedness during the prolonged 'tarrying' of Christ's return without falling into presumption or despair?
  2. Does Jesus's teaching that even the wise slept give you comfort or concern about your own spiritual vigilance?
  3. How should the church balance 'maranatha' urgency with 2,000 years of 'tarrying'—neither complacent nor fanatical?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 8 words
χρονίζοντος1 of 8

“tarried”

G5549

to take time, i.e., linger

δὲ2 of 8

“While”

G1161

but, and, etc

τοῦ3 of 8
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

νυμφίου4 of 8

“the bridegroom”

G3566

a bride-groom (literally or figuratively)

ἐνύσταξαν5 of 8

“slumbered”

G3573

to nod, i.e., (by implication) to fall asleep; figuratively, to delay

πᾶσαι6 of 8

“they all”

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

καὶ7 of 8

“and”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἐκάθευδον8 of 8

“slept”

G2518

to lie down to rest, i.e., (by implication) to fall asleep (literally or figuratively)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Matthew. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Matthew 25:5 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Matthew 25:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Habakkuk 2:32 Peter 3:4-91 Thessalonians 5:6-8Matthew 24:48Luke 20:9Mark 14:37-38

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