Bible Strands
Matthew 25:5
When the bridegroom was delayed, they all became drowsy and fell asleep.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Jesus narrates the parable to his disciples at the precise moment the bridegroom's arrival exceeds the expected timeframe. The scene shifts from the individual preparation of the wise virgins to the collective decline of the entire group as the delay continues.
The words — The Greek verb ἐνυστάξαν (enustaxan) literally means "they became drowsy," indicating a gradual loss of alertness. This condition directly precedes ἐκάθευδον (ekatheudon), "they were sleeping," which denotes a sustained state of unresponsiveness.
The thread — The pattern of delayed expectation and spiritual unpreparedness recurs in Habakkuk 2:3 regarding a vision that lingers, 1 Thessalonians 5:6 warning against sleeping like the unwatchful, and 2 Peter 3:4 mocking the promise of His coming. These references trace a consistent scriptural warning against equating delay with absence.
Why it lands — The passage records a factual progression from waiting to sleep, requiring the reader to acknowledge that passive endurance naturally decays into unpreparedness. It demands deliberate maintenance of readiness rather than relying on the passage of time to preserve vigilance.
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
While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept.
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.
- 1 Thessalonians 5:6 So then, let us not sleep as the others do, but let us remain awake and sober.
- 2 Peter 3:4 “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.”
- Matthew 24:48 But suppose that servant is wicked and says in his heart, ‘My master will be away a long time.’
- Luke 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.
- Matthew 25:19 After a long time the master of those servants returned and settled accounts with them.
- Mark 14:37 Then Jesus returned and found them sleeping. “Simon, are you asleep?” He asked. “Were you not able to keep watch for one hour?
- Luke 12:45 But suppose that servant says in his heart, ‘My master will be a long time in coming,’ and he begins to beat the menservants and maidservants, and to eat and drink and get drunk.
- Hebrews 10:36 You need to persevere, so that after you have done the will of God, you will receive what He has promised.
- Song of Solomon 3:1 On my bed at night I sought the one I love; I sought him, but did not find him.