Matthew 25:9

Modern

‘No,’ said the wise ones, ‘or there may not be enough for both us and you. Instead, go to those who sell oil and buy some for yourselves.’

Traditional

But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves.

Literal

And the wise answered, saying, ‘No, lest it might not be sufficient for us and you. Go rather to those selling, and buy for yourselves.’

Latin

Responderunt prudentes, dicentes: Ne forte non sufficiat nobis, et vobis, ite potius ad vendentes, et emite vobis.

Greek

English

‘No,’ said the wise ones, ‘or there may not be enough for both us and you. Instead, go to those who sell oil and buy some for yourselves.’

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

Psalm 49:7–9
No man can possibly redeem his brother or pay his ransom to God.
Revelation 3:17–18
You say, ‘I am rich; I have grown wealthy and need nothing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind, and naked.
Isaiah 55:6–7
Seek the LORD while He may be found; call on Him while He is near.
Isaiah 55:1–3
“Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you without money, come, buy, and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost!
Ezekiel 14:20
…then as surely as I live, declares the Lord GOD, even if Noah, Daniel, and Job were in it, they could not deliver their own sons or daughters. Their righteousness could deliver only themselves.
Jeremiah 15:1
Then the LORD said to me: “Even if Moses and Samuel should stand before Me, My heart would not go out to this people. Send them from My presence, and let them go!
Ezekiel 14:14–16
…then even if these three men—Noah, Daniel, and Job—were in it, their righteousness could deliver only themselves, declares the Lord GOD.
Acts 8:22
Repent, therefore, of your wickedness, and pray to the Lord. Perhaps He will forgive you for the intent of your heart.