Matthew 25:5

Matthew 25:5, in plain English

When the groom took longer than expected, all ten women got drowsy and fell asleep — even the wise ones. The difference wasn't who stayed awake but who was prepared.

Why it's here

This is reassuring. Jesus doesn't expect you to never get tired or discouraged. He expects you to be prepared. Your preparation carries you through the times your energy doesn't.

Who's speaking

Jesus describes a relatable moment: everyone gets tired during a long wait. The question is what you brought with you.

Where it sits in the story

Even the wisest, most prepared people get tired. That's not failure. What matters is what you have in reserve when the critical moment finally arrives.

The scholarly reading

The bridegroom 'delayed' (chronizontos, the same verb used of the master's delay in 24:48), and all ten — wise and foolish alike — 'became drowsy and fell asleep' (enystaxan pasai kai ekatheudon). Notably, the wise also sleep; the parable does not condemn sleeping but rather inadequate preparation.

Language and setting

The universal drowsiness indicates that the delay affects everyone in the community. The issue is not staying physically awake but being prepared so that even when caught off-guard, one has the necessary resources.

Voice

Jesus describes the shared human experience of fatigue during the wait, absolving sleep itself and focusing on preparation.

Significance

All ten fell asleep — even the wise ones. The difference wasn't who stayed awake; it was who brought enough oil. Preparation matters more than performance.

3The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take along any extra oil.

4But the wise ones took oil in flasks along with their lamps.

5When the bridegroom was delayed, they all became drowsy and fell asleep.

6At midnight the cry rang out: ‘Here is the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!’

7Then all the virgins woke up and trimmed their lamps.

Read all of Matthew 25 — Ten bridesmaids, three servants, and a flock of sheep and goats. Jesus paints the final judgment in vivid, unsettling detail.