Matthew 25:8 Meaning and Explanation
“And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →As their lamps go out, the foolish bridesmaids ask the wise to share their oil.
What Does Matthew 25:8 Mean?
Only now, with the bridegroom approaching, do the foolish discover their lack; the dry wicks flare and gutter. The request sounds reasonable — friends share — but it comes at the one moment when sharing cannot help, with the procession already forming in the dark.
Some things can be borrowed; readiness to meet Christ is not one of them. A friend can encourage faith but cannot transfer it. Godliness formed over years cannot be handed across at midnight. The plea of the foolish is the cry of every postponed intention. The kindness of this verse is that it alarms us early, while oil can still be gathered and lamps still burn.
Frequently Asked Questions About Matthew 25:8
What does Matthew 25:8 mean?
As their lamps go out, the foolish bridesmaids ask the wise to share their oil.