Matthew 25:3 Meaning and Explanation
“They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them:”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The foolish bridesmaids carry lamps but bring no oil to keep them burning.
What Does Matthew 25:3 Mean?
The story now explains the difference within the company. Lamps in a night procession needed a steady supply of oil; a wick alone would flare briefly and die. The foolish five have the look of readiness — the lamp, the place in the procession — but not the supply that keeps a flame alive through a long wait.
It is possible to hold the equipment of faith without the substance that sustains it. These five are not enemies of the bridegroom; they simply never expected the waiting to cost them anything. Jesus presses his hearers to look beneath appearances. Whatever feeds the lamp — prayer, obedience, quiet faithfulness — cannot be gathered at the last minute; it must be carried all along.
Frequently Asked Questions About Matthew 25:3
What does Matthew 25:3 mean?
The foolish bridesmaids carry lamps but bring no oil to keep them burning.