Matthew 25:7

New Testament Gospel ASV (1901)

What does Matthew 25:7 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps.
Matthew 25:7 — American Standard Version

Context — Matthew 25

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
7Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“Then all these virgins arose, etc.] Not out of their graves; for the righteous and wicked will not rise together; the dead in Christ will rise first, and this first resurrection will not be till Christ is come; nor will grace be to be had, or be thought to be had after the resurrection; nor will there be any trimming of lamps then, in order to meet the bridegroom, for he will be come: nor out of the graves of sin; for the wise virgins were not in such a state, and the foolish virgins were never brought out of it: but the meaning is, that they arose out of their sleepy and slumbering frame. True believers may fall into a very low condition, with respect to the exercise of grace, and discharge…”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Trimmed their lamps - Burning until midnight, the oil was exhausted: they gave a dim and obscure light. They trimmed them by removing the burnt parts of the linen or the torch, so that they would burn clear. It was needful, also, to dip them again in oil, or to pour oil upon them. This strikingly represents the conduct of most people at the approach of death. They then begin to make ready. They are alarmed, anxious, and trembling, and then they ask the aid of others, but often when it is forever too late. return to 'Top of Page'”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“They trimmed their lamps - They examined themselves and prepared to meet their God. Matthew 25:8”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“Luk 12:35; Pe2 3:14; Rev 2:4, Rev 2:5, Rev 3:2, Rev 3:19, Rev 3:20 Matthew 25:8”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification