What is the meaning of Matthew 25:7?

Then

– The word “Then” anchors this moment to the earlier cry, “Here is the bridegroom!” (Matthew 25:6). It signals the decisive point in time when expectation meets reality.

– Scripture consistently shows that God acts at a specific, appointed “then” (Matthew 24:44; Acts 17:31).

– That instant separates those who were merely waiting from those who were ready (Luke 12:35-40; Revelation 19:7).

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all the virgins

– Every member of the bridal party—wise and foolish alike—responds. Jesus’ parable targets the entire visible church, not the pagan world (2 Corinthians 11:2; 1 Peter 4:17).

– External similarities (virgin status, lamps, eagerness) cannot replace inner preparation (Matthew 7:21-23; 13:30).

– Their collective movement reminds us that every professing believer will face the same moment of reckoning (Romans 14:10-12).

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woke up

– Sleep in Scripture often pictures spiritual lethargy (Romans 13:11-12; Ephesians 5:14).

– The midnight cry jolts them into alertness, but the wise had been living ready all along (1 Thessalonians 5:4-6).

– True readiness is proven when sudden events disrupt ordinary life (Luke 21:34-36).

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and trimmed their lamps

– Trimming removes charred wick, letting the flame burn bright. It speaks of immediate, practical action:

• For the wise: drawing on the oil they already secured (Galatians 5:25; Philippians 2:15).

• For the foolish: discovering too late that appearance without supply cannot sustain light (Matthew 5:14-16; Revelation 3:1-3).

– The act echoes earlier exhortations to keep lamps burning (Luke 12:35) and to let faith express itself in deeds ready for Christ’s inspection (James 2:17).

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summary

Matthew 25:7 captures the critical moment when every professing believer is summoned to meet the returning Lord. All awaken, yet only those who secured the Spirit’s “oil” beforehand can keep their lamps blazing. The verse warns that last-minute activity cannot replace a life of genuine, continual readiness, urging us to live prepared for the “then” that surely comes.