Matthew 25:5
3 The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take along any extra oil.
4 But the wise ones took oil in flasks along with their lamps.
When the bridegroom was delayed, they all became drowsy and fell asleep.
6 At midnight the cry rang out: ‘Here is the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!’
7 Then all the virgins woke up and trimmed their lamps.
Do read the surrounding verses too, because the context often says more than a single verse.
Compare
- BSB
- When the bridegroom was delayed, they all became drowsy and fell asleep.
- KJV
- While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept.
- WEB
- Now while the bridegroom delayed, they all slumbered and slept.
- ASV
- Now while the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept.
- DARBY
- Now the bridegroom tarrying, they all grew heavy and slept.
- BLB
- And [in] the tarrying of the bridegroom, they all became drowsy and were sleeping.
- ÅB
- «Men da brudgommen gav seg tid, sovnet de alle inn.
- OTB
- Brudgommen ble forsinket, og de ble alle søvnige og sovnet.
- B1930
- Men da brudgommen gav sig tid, slumret de alle inn og sov.
Study notes (Tyndale)
Original text and word study
Cross references
Habakkuk 2:3
For the vision awaits an appointed time; it testifies of the end and does not lie. Though it lingers, wait for it, since it will surely come and will not delay.
Read in context1 Thessalonians 5:6–8
So then, let us not sleep as the others do, but let us remain awake and sober.
Read in context2 Peter 3:4–9
“Where is the promise of His coming?” they will ask. “Ever since our fathers fell asleep, everything continues as it has from the beginning of creation.”
Read in contextMatthew 24:48
But suppose that servant is wicked and says in his heart, ‘My master will be away a long time.’
Read in contextLuke 20:9
Then He proceeded to tell the people this parable: “A man planted a vineyard, rented it out to some tenants, and went away for a long time.
Read in contextHebrews 10:36–37
You need to persevere, so that after you have done the will of God, you will receive what He has promised.
Read in contextMark 14:37–38
Then Jesus returned and found them sleeping. “Simon, are you asleep?” He asked. “Were you not able to keep watch for one hour?
Read in contextMatthew 25:19
After a long time the master of those servants returned to settle accounts with them.
Read in context