Bible Strands
Matthew 25:3
The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take along any extra oil.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Jesus addresses his disciples in a parable about ten bridesmaids waiting for a bridegroom, capturing the exact moment the five foolish ones gather their lamps but lack provision for delay.
The words — μωραὶ (mōrai) means "foolish," and λαμπάδας (lampadas) translates to "lamps," marking the distinction between the initial act of taking a lamp and the failure to carry supplementary oil.
The thread — The text notes the absence of extra oil, a deficiency that parallels the external form without internal reality condemned in 2 Timothy 3:5 and the lukewarm state rebuked in Revelation 3:15.
Why it lands — It demands that the reader verify whether their preparation includes sustained resources for prolonged waiting, rather than relying solely on an initial outward action.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them:
Cross-references
- 2 Timothy 3:5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. Turn away from such as these!
- Revelation 3:15 I know your deeds; you are neither cold nor hot. How I wish you were one or the other!
- Isaiah 48:1 “Listen to this, O house of Jacob, you who are called by the name of Israel, who have descended from the line of Judah, who swear by the name of the LORD, who invoke the God of Israel—but not in truth or righteousness—
- Isaiah 58:2 For day after day they seek Me and delight to know My ways, like a nation that does what is right and does not forsake the justice of their God. They ask Me for righteous judgments; they delight in the nearness of God.”
- Revelation 3:1 “To the angel of the church in Sardis write: These are the words of the One who holds the seven spirits of God and the seven stars. I know your deeds; you have a reputation for being alive, yet you are dead.
- Hebrews 12:15 See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God, and that no root of bitterness springs up to cause trouble and defile many.
- Matthew 23:25 Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence.
- Ezekiel 33:3 and he sees the sword coming against that land and blows the ram’s horn to warn the people.