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Matthew 25

Matt. 25:1 KJV (With Strong’s)

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1
Then
tote (Greek #5119)
the when, i.e. at the time that (of the past or future, also in consecution)
KJV usage: that time, then.
Pronounce: tot'-eh
Origin: from (the neuter of) 3588 and 3753
shall the kingdom
ho (Greek #3588)
the definite article; the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in English idiom)
KJV usage: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc.
Pronounce: ho
Origin: ἡ (hay), and the neuter τό (to) in all their inflections
basileia (Greek #932)
properly, royalty, i.e. (abstractly) rule, or (concretely) a realm (literally or figuratively)
KJV usage: kingdom, + reign.
Pronounce: bas-il-i'-ah
Origin: from 935
of heaven
ho (Greek #3588)
the definite article; the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in English idiom)
KJV usage: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc.
Pronounce: ho
Origin: ἡ (hay), and the neuter τό (to) in all their inflections
ouranos (Greek #3772)
the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of God); by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the Gospel (Christianity)
KJV usage: air, heaven(-ly), sky.
Pronounce: oo-ran-os'
Origin: perhaps from the same as 3735 (through the idea of elevation)
be likened
homoioo (Greek #3666)
to assimilate, i.e. compare; passively, to become similar
KJV usage: be (make) like, (in the) liken(-ess), resemble.
Pronounce: hom-oy-o'-o
Origin: from 3664
unto
parthenos (Greek #3933)
a maiden; by implication, an unmarried daughter
KJV usage: virgin.
Pronounce: par-then'-os
Origin: of unknown origin
ten
deka (Greek #1176)
ten
KJV usage: (eight-)een, ten.
Pronounce: dek'-ah
Origin: a primary number
virgins
parthenos (Greek #3933)
a maiden; by implication, an unmarried daughter
KJV usage: virgin.
Pronounce: par-then'-os
Origin: of unknown origin
a, which
hostis (Greek #3748)
which some, i.e. any that; also (definite) which same
KJV usage: X and (they), (such) as, (they) that, in that they, what(-soever), whereas ye, (they) which, who(-soever). Compare 3754.
Pronounce: hos'-tis
Origin: ἥτις (hay'-tis), and the neuter ὅτι (hot'-ee) from 3739 and 5100
took
lambano (Greek #2983)
to take (in very many applications, literally and figuratively (properly objective or active, to get hold of; whereas 1209 is rather subjective or passive, to have offered to one; while 138 is more violent, to seize or remove))
KJV usage: accept, + be amazed, assay, attain, bring, X when I call, catch, come on (X unto), + forget, have, hold, obtain, receive (X after), take (away, up).
Pronounce: lam-ban'-o
Origin: a prolonged form of a primary verb, which is use only as an alternate in certain tenses
their
autos (Greek #846)
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative 1438) of the third person , and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
KJV usage: her, it(-self), one, the other, (mine) own, said, (self-), the) same, ((him-, my-, thy- )self, (your-)selves, she, that, their(-s), them(-selves), there(-at, - by, -in, -into, -of, -on, -with), they, (these) things, this (man), those, together, very, which. Compare 848.
Pronounce: ow-tos'
Origin: from the particle αὖ (perhaps akin to the base of 109 through the idea of a baffling wind) (backward)
lamps
ho (Greek #3588)
the definite article; the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in English idiom)
KJV usage: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc.
Pronounce: ho
Origin: ἡ (hay), and the neuter τό (to) in all their inflections
lampas (Greek #2985)
a "lamp" or flambeau
KJV usage: lamp, light, torch.
Pronounce: lam-pas'
Origin: from 2989
, and went
exerchomai (Greek #1831)
to issue (literally or figuratively)
KJV usage: come (forth, out), depart (out of), escape, get out, go (abroad, away, forth, out, thence), proceed (forth), spread abroad.
Pronounce: ex-er'-khom-ahee
Origin: from 1537 and 2064
forth
eis (Greek #1519)
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
KJV usage: (abundant-)ly, against, among, as, at, (back-)ward, before, by, concerning, + continual, + far more exceeding, for (intent, purpose), fore, + forth, in (among, at, unto, -so much that, -to), to the intent that, + of one mind, + never, of, (up-)on, + perish, + set at one again, (so) that, therefore(-unto), throughout, til, to (be, the end, -ward), (here-)until(-to), ...ward, (where-)fore, with. Often used in composition with the same general import, but only with verbs (etc.) expressing motion (literally or figuratively).
Pronounce: ice
Origin: a primary preposition
to meet
apantesis (Greek #529)
a (friendly) encounter
KJV usage: meet.
Pronounce: ap-an'-tay-sis
Origin: from 528
the bridegroom
ho (Greek #3588)
the definite article; the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in English idiom)
KJV usage: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc.
Pronounce: ho
Origin: ἡ (hay), and the neuter τό (to) in all their inflections
numphios (Greek #3566)
a bride-groom (literally or figuratively)
KJV usage: bridegroom.
Pronounce: noom-fee'-os
Origin: from 3565
c.
a
Psa. 45:14• 14She shall be brought unto the king in raiment of embroidery; the virgins behind her, her companions, shall be brought in unto thee: (Psa. 45:14)
;
Song of Sol. 6:8‑9• 8There are threescore queens, and fourscore concubines, And virgins without number:
 9My dove, mine undefiled, is but one; She is the only one of her mother, She is the choice one of her that bore her. The daughters saw her, and they called her blessed; The queens and the concubines, and they praised her. (Song of Sol. 6:8‑9)
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2 Cor. 11:2• 2For I am jealous as to you with a jealousy which is of God; for I have espoused you unto one man, to present you a chaste virgin to Christ. (2 Cor. 11:2)
c
John 3:29• 29He that has the bride is the bridegroom; but the friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices in heart because of the voice of the bridegroom: this my joy then is fulfilled. (John 3:29)

More on:

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Bridegroom,
Heaven,
Kingdom; Kingdom of God; Kingdom of Heaven,
Ten,
Virgin; Virginity

Cross References

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Ministry on This Verse

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1-13:  The parable of the ten virgins,
14-30:  and of the talents.
31-46:  Also the description of the last judgment.
Then.
Matt. 24:42‑51• 42Watch therefore, for ye know not in what hour your Lord comes.
 43But know this, that if the master of the house had known in what watch the thief was coming, he would have watched and not have suffered his house to be dug through into.
 44Wherefore *ye* also, be ye ready, for in that hour that ye think not the Son of man comes.
 45Who then is the faithful and prudent bondman whom his lord has set over his household, to give them food in season?
 46Blessed is that bondman whom his lord on coming shall find doing thus.
 47Verily I say unto you, that he will set him over all his substance.
 48But if that evil bondman should say in his heart, My lord delays to come,
 49and begin to beat his fellow-bondmen, and eat and drink with the drunken;
 50the lord of that bondman shall come in a day when he does not expect it, and in an hour he knows not of,
 51and shall cut him in two and appoint his portion with the hypocrites: there shall be the weeping and the gnashing of teeth. (Matt. 24:42‑51)
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Luke 21:34‑36• 34But take heed to yourselves lest possibly your hearts be laden with surfeiting and drinking and cares of life, and that day come upon you suddenly unawares;
 35for as a snare shall it come upon all them that dwell upon the face of the whole earth.
 36Watch therefore, praying at every season, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things which are about to come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man. (Luke 21:34‑36)
the kingdom.
Matt. 3:2• 2and saying, Repent, for the kingdom of the heavens has drawn nigh. (Matt. 3:2)
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Matt. 13:24,31,38,44‑45,47• 24Another parable set he before them, saying, The kingdom of the heavens has become like a man sowing good seed in his field;
 31Another parable set he before them, saying, The kingdom of the heavens is like a grain of mustard seed which a man took and sowed in his field;
 38and the field is the world; and the good seed, these are the sons of the kingdom, but the darnel are the sons of the evil one;
 44The kingdom of the heavens is like a treasure hid in the field, which a man having found has hid, and for the joy of it goes and sells all whatever he has, and buys that field.
 45Again, the kingdom of the heavens is like a merchant seeking beautiful pearls;
 47Again, the kingdom of the heavens is like a seine which has been cast into the sea, and which has gathered together of every kind, (Matt. 13:24,31,38,44‑45,47)
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Matt. 20:1• 1For the kingdom of the heavens is like a householder who went out with the early morn to hire workmen for his vineyard. (Matt. 20:1)
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Matt. 22:2• 2The kingdom of the heavens has become like a king who made a wedding feast for his son, (Matt. 22:2)
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Dan. 2:44• 44And in the days of these kings shall the God of the heavens set up a kingdom which shall never be destroyed; and the sovereignty thereof shall not be left to another people: it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, but itself shall stand for ever. (Dan. 2:44)
ten.
Psa. 45:14• 14She shall be brought unto the king in raiment of embroidery; the virgins behind her, her companions, shall be brought in unto thee: (Psa. 45:14)
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Song of Sol. 1:3• 3Thine ointments savour sweetly; Thy name is an ointment poured forth: Therefore do the virgins love thee. (Song of Sol. 1:3)
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Song of Sol. 5:8,16• 8I charge you, daughters of Jerusalem, If ye find my beloved, … What will ye tell him?--That I am sick of love.
 16His mouth is most sweet: Yea, he is altogether lovely. This is my beloved, yea, this is my friend, O daughters of Jerusalem. (Song of Sol. 5:8,16)
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Song of Sol. 6:1,8‑9• 1Whither is thy beloved gone, Thou fairest among women? Whither is thy beloved turned aside? And we will seek him with thee.
 8There are threescore queens, and fourscore concubines, And virgins without number:
 9My dove, mine undefiled, is but one; She is the only one of her mother, She is the choice one of her that bore her. The daughters saw her, and they called her blessed; The queens and the concubines, and they praised her. (Song of Sol. 6:1,8‑9)
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1 Cor. 11:2• 2Now I praise you, that in all things ye are mindful of me; and that as I have directed you, ye keep the directions. (1 Cor. 11:2)
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Rev. 14:4• 4These are they who have not been defiled with women, for they are virgins: these are they who follow the Lamb wheresoever it goes. These have been bought from men as first-fruits to God and to the Lamb: (Rev. 14:4)
which.
Matt. 5:16• 16Let your light thus shine before men, so that they may see your upright works, and glorify your Father who is in the heavens. (Matt. 5:16)
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Luke 12:35‑36• 35Let your loins be girded about, and lamps burning;
 36and *ye* like men who wait their own lord whenever he may leave the wedding, that when he comes and knocks, they may open to him immediately. (Luke 12:35‑36)
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Phil. 2:15‑16• 15that ye may be harmless and simple, irreproachable children of God in the midst of a crooked and perverted generation; among whom ye appear as lights in the world,
 16holding forth the word of life, so as to be a boast for me in Christ's day, that I have not run in vain nor laboured in vain. (Phil. 2:15‑16)
went.
2 Tim. 4:8• 8Henceforth the crown of righteousness is laid up for me, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will render to me in that day; but not only to me, but also to all who love his appearing. (2 Tim. 4:8)
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Titus 2:13• 13awaiting the blessed hope and appearing of the glory of our great God and Saviour Jesus Christ; (Titus 2:13)
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2 Peter 1:13‑15• 13But I account it right, as long as I am in this tabernacle, to stir you up by putting you in remembrance,
 14knowing that the putting off of my tabernacle is speedily to take place, as also our Lord Jesus Christ has manifested to me;
 15but I will use diligence, that after my departure ye should have also, at any time, in your power to call to mind these things. (2 Peter 1:13‑15)
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2 Peter 3:12‑13• 12waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God, by reason of which the heavens, being on fire, shall be dissolved, and the elements, burning with heat, shall melt?
 13But, according to his promise, we wait for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwells righteousness. (2 Peter 3:12‑13)
the bridegroom.
Matt. 9:15• 15And Jesus said to them, Can the sons of the bridechamber mourn so long as the bridegroom is with them? But days will come when the bridegroom will have been taken away from them, and then they will fast. (Matt. 9:15)
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Matt. 22:2• 2The kingdom of the heavens has become like a king who made a wedding feast for his son, (Matt. 22:2)
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Psa. 45:9‑11• 9Kings' daughters are among thine honourable women; upon thy right hand doth stand the queen in gold of Ophir.
 10Hearken, daughter, and see, and incline thine ear; and forget thine own people and thy father's house:
 11And the king will desire thy beauty; for he is thy Lord, and worship thou him. (Psa. 45:9‑11)
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Isa. 54:5• 5For thy Maker is thy husband: Jehovah of hosts is his name, and thy Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: the God of the whole earth shall he be called. (Isa. 54:5)
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Isa. 62:4‑5• 4Thou shalt no more be termed, Forsaken; neither shall thy land any more be termed, Desolate: but thou shalt be called, My delight is in her, and thy land, Married; for Jehovah delighteth in thee, and thy land shall be married.
 5For as a young man marrieth a virgin, shall thy sons marry thee; and with the joy of the bridegroom over the bride, shall thy God rejoice over thee. (Isa. 62:4‑5)
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Mark 2:19‑20• 19And Jesus said to them, Can the sons of the bride-chamber fast while the bridegroom is with them? As long as they have the bridegroom with them they cannot fast.
 20But days will come when the bridegroom shall have been taken away from them, and then shall they fast in that day. (Mark 2:19‑20)
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Luke 5:34‑35• 34And he said to them, Can ye make the sons of the bridechamber fast when the bridegroom is with them?
 35But days will come when also the bridegroom will have been taken away from them; then shall they fast in those days. (Luke 5:34‑35)
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John 3:29• 29He that has the bride is the bridegroom; but the friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices in heart because of the voice of the bridegroom: this my joy then is fulfilled. (John 3:29)
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2 Cor. 11:2• 2For I am jealous as to you with a jealousy which is of God; for I have espoused you unto one man, to present you a chaste virgin to Christ. (2 Cor. 11:2)
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Eph. 5:25‑33• 25Husbands, love your own wives, even as the Christ also loved the assembly, and has delivered himself up for it,
 26in order that he might sanctify it, purifying it by the washing of water by the word,
 27that *he* might present the assembly to himself glorious, having no spot, or wrinkle, or any of such things; but that it might be holy and blameless.
 28So ought men also to love their own wives as their own bodies: he that loves his own wife loves himself.
 29For no one has ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, even as also the Christ the assembly:
 30for we are members of his body; we are of his flesh, and of his bones.
 31Because of this a man shall leave his father and mother, and shall be united to his wife, and the two shall be one flesh.
 32This mystery is great, but *I* speak as to Christ, and as to the assembly.
 33But *ye* also, every one of you, let each so love his own wife as himself; but as to the wife I speak that she may fear the husband. (Eph. 5:25‑33)
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Rev. 19:7• 7Let us rejoice and exult, and give him glory; for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife has made herself ready. (Rev. 19:7)
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Rev. 21:2,9• 2And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of the heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.
 9And there came one of the seven angels which had had the seven bowls full of the seven last plagues, and spoke with me, saying, Come here, I will shew thee the bride, the Lamb's wife. (Rev. 21:2,9)
• The kingdom of heaven here implies a certain economy at a given point of time. (“Remarks on Matthew 25” by W. Kelly)
• "Their lamps" set forth the light of profession. They were witnesses for the Lord, and their calling was to meet the Saviour. That was to be the attitude of the Christian from the first, going forth to meet the Bridegroom. (“Remarks on Matthew 25” by W. Kelly)
• Some of the early believers were Jews, and some were Gentiles; but they abandoned for Christ their previous connections, their position in the world, and all that they hitherto valued. They had a new object (“Remarks on Matthew 25” by W. Kelly)

J. N. Darby Translation

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Then shall the kingdom of the heavens be made like to ten virgins thatb having taken their torchesc, went forth to meet the bridegroom.

JND Translation Notes

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b
"Who were such as."
c
Torches that were fed with oil.

W. Kelly Translation

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1
Thena shall the kingdom of the heavens be likened to ten virgins, the which took their torches and went forth to meet the bridegroomb.

WK Translation Notes

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a
Or, "Then shall the kingdom of the heavens be made like to ten virgins, such as, having taken their torches, went forth to meet the bridegroom."
b
A few MSS. add "and the bride." Notwithstanding, the vast mass of the best MSS. is adverse. As to the sense, it seems plain that the bridegroom is represented as coming to the home of his bride. Not, however, she, but the marriage retinue is the object of the Spirit here. Had a bride been named, it would have detracted from the perfect finish of the parable and brought in confusion, as Christians real or in name are meant by the ten who go forth to meet the Lord.