But the wise ones
The term "wise" in this context is derived from the Greek word "phronimos," which implies prudence, foresight, and practical wisdom. In the biblical narrative, wisdom is often associated with the fear of the Lord and the application of knowledge in a way that aligns with God's will. The "wise ones" in this parable are those who anticipate the bridegroom's coming and prepare accordingly. This reflects the broader biblical theme of wisdom as a virtue that leads to life and blessing, as seen in Proverbs 9:10, "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom."

took oil
Oil in biblical times was a valuable commodity, often used for anointing, healing, and as a source of light. The Greek word "elaion" is used here, which specifically refers to olive oil. Symbolically, oil represents the Holy Spirit throughout Scripture, as seen in passages like 1 Samuel 16:13, where David is anointed with oil, and the Spirit of the Lord comes upon him. In this parable, the oil signifies spiritual preparedness and the presence of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers, enabling them to shine brightly in a dark world.

in flasks
The Greek word "aggeion" refers to a vessel or container. The use of flasks indicates that the wise virgins were not only prepared for the immediate moment but also for the future. This foresight is a hallmark of spiritual maturity, emphasizing the importance of being ready for Christ's return at any time. The flasks symbolize the capacity to hold and maintain the spiritual resources necessary for enduring faith.

along with their lamps
The lamps, or "lampas" in Greek, are a metaphor for the light of Christ that believers are called to carry into the world. In Matthew 5:14-16, Jesus calls His followers the "light of the world," urging them to let their light shine before others. The lamps in this parable represent the outward expression of faith, which must be sustained by the inward presence of the Holy Spirit (the oil). The wise virgins' preparation with both lamps and oil underscores the necessity of both faith and works, as James 2:26 states, "faith without deeds is dead."

Verse 4. - In their vessels. These were the flasks or vases carried by the maidens to replenish the oil in the lamps as occasion demanded. The contrast between the two classes seems to lie in the foresight of the one and the negligent carelessness of the other. It has been common from early times to find in the lamps the symbol of faith, in the oil the good works that proceed therefrom. The wise virgins exercise their faith in charity and good works; the foolish profess, indeed, the faith of Christ but carry it not out to the production of the good works in which God ordained that they should walk (Ephesians 2:10). But this exposition, time honored though it is, surely does not meet the requirements of the parable. What one wants is an interpretation which shall show how it is that the want of oil and its sudden failure debar one from meeting the bridegroom. If the oil be good works, and the believer has gone on doing these until the Lord's advent is signalled, why should he fail at the last? How comes it that in a moment he leaves off doing his duty, and making his calling and election sure? These are questions which the patristic and mediaeval explanation leaves unsolved. I doubt not that the right solution is to be found in regarding the oil as symbolical of the Holy Spirit, or the graces of God. This is a truly scriptural notion, as declared by the use of this substance in holy rites. Accepting this view, we should say that the ten virgins had so far alike taken and used the grace of God, but that they differed in this - that, while the wise maintained the supply of grace by constant recourse to the means thereof, the foolish were satisfied with their spiritual state once for all, and took no pains to keep their spiritual life healthful and active by the renewal of the Holy Spirit in their hearts. They retained the outward show and form of faith, but neglected the true inward life of faith; they had the appearance without the reality.

Parallel Commentaries ...


But
δὲ (de)
Conjunction
Strong's 1161: A primary particle; but, and, etc.

the
αἱ (hai)
Article - Nominative Feminine Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

wise [ones]
φρόνιμοι (phronimoi)
Adjective - Nominative Feminine Plural
Strong's 5429: Intelligent, prudent, sensible, wise. From phren; thoughtful, i.e. Sagacious or discreet; in a bad sense conceited.

took
ἔλαβον (elabon)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 2983: (a) I receive, get, (b) I take, lay hold of.

oil
ἔλαιον (elaion)
Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 1637: Olive oil, oil. Neuter of the same as elaia; olive oil.

in
ἐν (en)
Preposition
Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.

flasks
ἀγγείοις (angeiois)
Noun - Dative Neuter Plural
Strong's 30: A vessel, flask. From aggos; a receptacle.

along with
μετὰ (meta)
Preposition
Strong's 3326: (a) gen: with, in company with, (b) acc: (1) behind, beyond, after, of place, (2) after, of time, with nouns, neut. of adjectives.

their
ἑαυτῶν (heautōn)
Reflexive Pronoun - Genitive Feminine 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 1438: Himself, herself, itself.

lamps.
λαμπάδων (lampadōn)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Plural
Strong's 2985: A torch, lamp, lantern. From lampo; a 'lamp' or flambeau.


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NT Gospels: Matthew 25:4 But the wise took oil in their (Matt. Mat Mt)