Matthew 25:2 Meaning and Explanation
“And five of them were wise, and five were foolish.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The ten bridesmaids divide evenly: five are wise and five are foolish.
What Does Matthew 25:2 Mean?
The parable sorts its characters at the outset. All ten are invited, all carry lamps, all go out to meet the bridegroom; outwardly nothing distinguishes them. The difference lies in what they carry with them, and it recalls the close of the Sermon on the Mount, where wise and foolish builders hear the same words but respond differently (Matthew 7:24-27).
Wisdom here is not cleverness but foresight — living now in light of an arrival that is certain though unscheduled. Half the company assumed the evening would take care of itself. Jesus tells the story so that no one who waits for him will drift through the waiting; the wise heart prepares while there is still time to prepare.
Matthew 25:2 in the Original Language
phronimos (φρόνιμος), 'wise' -- practically prudent, thinking ahead.
Frequently Asked Questions About Matthew 25:2
What does Matthew 25:2 mean?
The ten bridesmaids divide evenly: five are wise and five are foolish.