Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us.

MATTHEW 25:11KJV
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Matthew 25:11 (KJV)

What does Matthew 25:11 mean?

Matthew 25:11 describes how, after the door was shut, the other virgins came and pleaded, “Lord, Lord, open to us.” This shows that some were not ready when the time came and were left outside, asking to be let in but finding the opportunity had already passed.

In this verse, Jesus is telling a story to his disciples about ten virgins waiting for a bridegroom. The “other virgins” are those who were not prepared and arrived too late. Their repeated call, “Lord, Lord,” highlights their desperation and the seriousness of missing their chance. The scene sets up a contrast between those who were ready and those who were not, emphasizing the importance of being prepared.

The Greek behind Matthew 25:11

  • The word for “other” is ἄλλαι (allai), which here means “the rest” or “the remaining.” This makes clear that these are the virgins who were not ready, not just any group.
  • The word for “open” is ἀνοῖξον (anoixon), which is an urgent request for the door to be opened. The Greek form shows a strong sense of pleading or begging, not just a casual ask.
  • The repeated use of “Lord, Lord” (κύριε κύριε, kyrie kyrie) intensifies the urgency and emotion in their plea, showing their recognition of the bridegroom’s authority and their distress at being shut out.

Why Matthew 25:11 matters

  • Matthew 25:11 helps clarify that not everyone who seeks entry at the last moment will be admitted, even if they recognize and call out to the Lord.
  • The verse highlights the theme of readiness and personal responsibility, which is central to the whole parable.
  • By showing the reaction of the unprepared virgins, this verse sets up the lesson that follows and deepens the warning Jesus is giving to his listeners.

Where else these words appear

“Afterward” Greek G5305 · used in 12 verses

  • Matthew 4:2 And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward an hungred.
  • Matthew 21:37 But last of all he sent unto them his son, saying, They will reverence my son.
  • Luke 4:2 Being forty days tempted of the devil. And in those days he did eat nothing: and when they were ended, he afterward hungered.

“virgins” Greek G3933 · used in 13 verses

  • Matthew 1:23 Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.
  • Acts 21:9 And the same man had four daughters, virgins, which did prophesy.
  • 1 Corinthians 7:36 But if any man think that he behaveth himself uncomely toward his virgin, if she pass the flower of her age, and need so require, let him do what he will, he sinneth not: let them marry.

“other” Greek G3062 · used in 41 verses

  • Matthew 22:6 And the remnant took his servants, and entreated them spitefully, and slew them.
  • Acts 27:44 And the rest, some on boards, and some on broken pieces of the ship. And so it came to pass, that they escaped all safe to land.
  • Philippians 1:13 So that my bonds in Christ are manifest in all the palace, and in all other places;

“open” Greek G455 · used in 75 verses

  • Matthew 2:11 And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.
  • John 10:3 To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out.
  • Revelation 3:7 And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth;