But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps.

MATTHEW 25:4KJV
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Matthew 25:4 (KJV)

What does Matthew 25:4 mean?

Matthew 25:4 describes how the wise bridesmaids brought extra oil with them, carrying it in containers along with their lamps. This detail shows the difference between the wise and foolish bridesmaids in how they prepared for the bridegroom’s arrival.

In this scene, Jesus is telling a parable to His disciples about ten bridesmaids waiting for a wedding procession. The wise ones are set apart because they think ahead and bring extra oil, while the foolish do not. This verse highlights the importance of readiness and careful preparation in the story Jesus is telling.

The Greek behind Matthew 25:4

  • The word for "wise" is φρόνιμοι (phronimoi), which often means thoughtful, sensible, or prudent. The Greek here emphasizes not just intelligence but practical foresight.
  • The word for "vessels" is ἀγγεῖον (angeion), meaning a container or jar. This shows the wise bridesmaids didn’t just rely on what was in their lamps but brought extra oil in separate containers.
  • The word for "oil" is ἔλαιον (elaion), which refers to olive oil, the common fuel for lamps at the time. The detail about oil underlines the practical need for sustained light during a long wait.

Why Matthew 25:4 matters

  • Matthew 25:4 clarifies that the wise bridesmaids’ preparation went beyond the bare minimum, showing that true readiness involves thinking ahead, not just reacting in the moment.
  • This verse sets up the contrast that drives the parable’s message: the wise are prepared for a delay, while the foolish are not, which becomes crucial later in the story.
  • Understanding the practical details—extra oil and separate containers—helps modern readers grasp the everyday reality of the parable’s setting and why the wise bridesmaids’ actions were significant.

Where else these words appear

“vessels” Greek G30 · used in 2 verses

  • Matthew 13:48 Which, when it was full, they drew to shore, and sat down, and gathered the good into vessels, but cast the bad away.

“lamps” Greek G2985 · used in 9 verses

  • Matthew 25:1 Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom.
  • Matthew 25:7 Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps.
  • Acts 20:8 And there were many lights in the upper chamber, where they were gathered together.

“oil” Greek G1637 · used in 11 verses

  • Matthew 25:3 They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them:
  • Luke 7:46 My head with oil thou didst not anoint: but this woman hath anointed my feet with ointment.
  • Hebrews 1:9 Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, even thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.

“wise” Greek G5429 · used in 14 verses

  • Matthew 7:24 Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:
  • Matthew 25:8 And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out.
  • Romans 11:25 For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in.