Then all the virgins woke up and trimmed their lamps.
Parallel translations
- WEB Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps.
- KJV Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps.
- NKJV Then all those virgins arose and trimmed their lamps.
- NASB Then all those virgins got up and trimmed their lamps.
- NLT “All the bridesmaids got up and prepared their lamps.
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations taken from the (NASB®) New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. lockman.org
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Quick answer
All the virgins rose and trimmed their lamps. The arrival prompts everyone to make final preparations.
Overview
At the announcement, both wise and foolish spring into action and ready their lamps. Outward activity at the last moment, however, cannot supply what was lacking all along. The scene exposes the difference between those with reserves and those without. It shows that genuine readiness must precede the moment of Christ's coming.
Cross-references & the web
Cross-references · 5
- Luke 12:35Be dressed for service and keep your lamps burning.
- Rev 3:19–20Those I love, I rebuke and discipline. Therefore be earnest and repent.
- 2 Pet 3:14Therefore, beloved, as you anticipate these things, make every effort to be found at peace—spotless and blameless in His sight.
- Rev 2:4–5But I have this against you: You have abandoned your first love.
- Rev 3:2Wake up and strengthen what remains, which was about to die; for I have found your deeds incomplete in the sight of My God.
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Christ at the center
Matthew presents Jesus as the promised King — son of David, son of Abraham — the new Moses and true Israel in whom every prophecy reaches 'that it might be fulfilled.'
How Matthew 25:7 points to him is part of the one story that runs through all Scripture — meet Jesus at the heart of the web, or follow a trail that traces him from Genesis to Revelation.
Original language
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