Comentários bíblicos

Ch. Matthew 25:1-13. The Parable of the Ten Virgins

In St Matthew only.

1. Then] In the Last Day—the time just spoken of.

the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins] The condition of the Church at the End of the World shall be like the condition of the ten virgins described in the parable.

This parable is another warning for the disciples of Christ “to watch.” Like the rest of the discourse it is primarily addressed to the Apostles, and after them to the pastors of the Church, who are posted as sentinels for the coming of Christ; lastly, to all Christians. Whatever interpretation may be put on the lesser incidents they must be subordinated to the lesson of the parable—vigilance, and the reason for vigilance—the certainty of the event, and the uncertainty as to the time of its occurrence.

their lamps] Either like the familiar Roman lamps carried in the hand or attached to staves, or else torches which were sometimes fed with oil.

to meet the bridegroom] The usual Jewish custom was for the “friends of the bridegroom” to conduct the bride to her husband’s home; and when the procession arrived, the bridegroom went forth to lead the bride across the threshold (Lightfoot, Hor. Hebr. ad loc., and Dr Ginsburg in Kitto’s Cycl. of Bib. Lit.). The imagery of the parable, however, implies that the bridegroom himself went to fetch his bride perhaps from a great distance, while a group of maidens await his return ready to welcome him in Oriental fashion with lamps and flambeaux.

2. wise] The word is used of prudence or practical intelligence, a characteristic of the steward, ch. Matthew 24:45, and Luke 16:8.

3. They that were foolish took their lamps] All watch for their Lord, but some only—“the wise”—with true intensity and with due provision for the watch. The foolish virgins have sufficient oil if the Lord come quickly; not sufficient for long and patient expectation. It is a rebuke to shallow religion that dies away when the excitement passes.

The oil seems to mean generally the perfection of the Christian life or preparedness for the Lord’s coming.

5. the bridegroom] The thought of Christ as the Bridegroom of the Church is hardly appropriate here, for in the parable the maidens, and not the bride, are the expectant Church. The thought of the “children of the bridechamber,” ch. Matthew 9:15, is a nearer parallel.

they all slumbered and slept] Sleep represents the ignorance as to the time of Christ’s coming; it is not to be interpreted of unwatchfulness, it is not a guilty or imprudent sleep, as in the parable of the thief coming by night (ch. Matthew 24:43).

slumbered and slept] Rather, “nodded” from drowsiness, and fell asleep.

6. there was a cry made] Literally, “there is a cry made.”

7. trimmed their lamps] By addition of oil, and by clearing the fibres with a needle.

8. are gone out] Rather, “are going out.” Even the foolish virgins had not been quite unwatchful, they were nearly ready for the Lord’s appearing.

9. lest there be not enough for us and you] The bridal procession was still to be made in which there would be need of burning lamps. The wise cannot impart their oil:—an incident necessary to the leading idea of the parable;—nothing can make up for unreadiness at the last moment. This point has been adduced as an argument against works of supererogation.

Not so; lest there be not] Accepting a variation in the text adopted by Lachmann and Tregelles and Meyer, translate “Not so;” (which now comes into the text,) “there will surely not be enough,” &c.