Matthew 25:4

Modern

But the wise ones took oil in flasks along with their lamps.

Traditional

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

Literal

…but the wise took oil in the vessels with their lamps.

Latin

…prudentes vero acceperunt oleum in vasis suis cum lampadibus.

Greek

English

But the wise ones took oil in flasks along with their lamps.

This parable confirms the need to be alert and ready for Christ's return (Matthew 25:13; see also Luke 12:35–36).

Jesus now applied his prophecies (Matthew 24:1–36) to his disciples so they would stay faithful and be ready for his second coming.

Theme notes and profiles

Romans 8:9
You, however, are controlled not by the flesh, but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ.
1 John 2:20
You, however, have an anointing from the Holy One, and all of you know the truth.
1 John 2:27
And as for you, the anointing you received from Him remains in you, and you do not need anyone to teach you. But just as His true and genuine anointing teaches you about all things, so remain in Him as you have been taught.
John 3:34
For the One whom God has sent speaks the words of God, for God gives the Spirit without limit.
Psalm 45:7
You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore God, your God, has anointed you above your companions with the oil of joy.
Galatians 5:22–23
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
Zechariah 4:2–3
“What do you see?” he asked. “I see a solid gold lampstand,” I replied, “with a bowl at the top and seven lamps on it, with seven spouts to the lamps.
2 Corinthians 1:22
…placed His seal on us, and put His Spirit in our hearts as a pledge of what is to come.
John 1:15–16
John testified concerning Him. He cried out, saying, “This is He of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me has surpassed me because He was before me.’”
Jude 1:19
These are the ones who cause divisions, who are worldly and devoid of the Spirit.