Matthew 25:8

New Testament Gospel ASV (1901)

What does Matthew 25:8 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are going out.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are going out.
Matthew 25:8 — American Standard Version

Context — Matthew 25

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
8And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are going out.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“And the foolish said unto the wise, give us of your oil, etc.] A graceless person may be able to see the grace of God in others, be convinced of it, and acknowledge it, as these foolish virgins did: they saw that the wise virgins had oil, that is, grace; this they knew by the bright burning of their lamps, by their readiness in trimming them, and that in a different way from them; by their sedate composure of mind, and confidence of soul, notwithstanding the midnight cry; and by their ardent and affectionate desire to meet the bridegroom. A graceless person may also see a need of grace: these foolish virgins had no such sense, when they first took up their profession; they went on a long…”
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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
“Give us of your oil, for our lamps are gone out - Our faith is dead. What a time to discover this! Whether it mean the time of death, or of judgment. Unto which of the saints wilt thou then turn? Who can help thee at such a season? Matthew 25:9”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“Give: Mat 3:9; Luk 16:24; Act 8:24; Rev 3:9 for: Mat 13:20, Mat 13:21; Job 8:13, Job 8:14, Job 18:5, Job 21:17; Pro 4:18, Pro 4:19, Pro 13:9, Pro 20:20; Luk 8:18; Luk 12:35 gone out: or, going out, Heb 4:1 Matthew 25:9”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification