Then all those virgins rose and trimmed their lamps.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The word translated "trimmed" doesn't just mean making the wick ready; it suggests putting the lamp in order or even decorating it, highlighting the deliberate and personal nature of the wise virgins' readiness that the foolish ones neglected. This wasn't a passive waiting, but an active, individual preparation that they made for themselves, emphasizing personal responsibility for their spiritual state.
Then all those virgins rose and trimmed their lamps.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus is telling the parable of the ten virgins, where five are wise and prepared for the bridegroom's arrival, and five are foolish and unprepared. The parable illustrates the importance of readiness for his return, contrasting those who have diligently maintained their spiritual state with those who have not. When the cry comes that the bridegroom is here, all ten virgins wake up to prepare their lamps.
This simple action by the wise virgins wasn't just about lighting a lamp. It speaks volumes about diligent preparation and the personal responsibility we have in our faith.
When the text says the virgins 'trimmed their lamps,' it paints a vivid picture of active readiness.
More Than Just Lighting
The parable shows all the virgins sleeping, yet only some are found ready. What does this teach us about the true nature of spiritual preparedness?
It's easy to think that spiritual readiness means never 'sleeping' or slacking off. But this parable reveals a deeper truth.
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The Nature of Sleep
Understand the original words
lampas · Greek Noun
A common biblical metaphor for the active testimony, light, or spiritual presence of a believer; in this context, it represents the necessity of persistent grace and preparation for the Lord's return.
This passage echoes the same urgent call to readiness, highlighting the need for constant preparation for the Lord's return, just as the wise virgins were prepared.
Revelation 3:20This verse speaks of Christ standing at the door and knocking, a parallel to the bridegroom's arrival, and it emphasizes the personal invitation to open the door, mirroring the individual responsibility of the virgins to be ready.
Romans 13:11This passage directly connects the present time with the approaching salvation, urging believers to 'wake up' and 'put on Christ,' aligning with the virgins' awakening and trimming of their lamps for the coming event.
1 Thessalonians 5:6This verse explicitly warns against sleeping like others and encourages staying alert and sober, a direct parallel to the virgins who were asleep but were suddenly roused to a state of preparedness or unpreparedness.
vincentMatthew 25:7: "Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps."
Then all those virgins arose (τότε ἠγέρθησαν πᾶσαι αι παρθένοι ἐκεῖναι)The Greek order is expressive. Then arose all the virgins, those former ones. Those (ἐκεῖναι) a pronoun of remoter reference, and emphatic by its position at the end of the sentence.Trimmed (ἐκόσμησαν)From κοσμός, order, and meaning to put in order or arrange. Tynd., prepared Trench ("Parables") quotes from Ward ("View of the Hindoos"), descri…
barnesMatthew 25:7: "Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps."
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 trem…
The word translated "trimmed" doesn't just mean making the wick ready; it suggests putting the lamp in order or even decorating it, highlighting the deliberate and personal nature of the wise virgins' readiness that the foolish ones neglected. This wasn't a passive waiting, but an active, individual preparation that they made for themselves, emphasizing personal responsibility for their spiritual state.
Jesus is telling the parable of the ten virgins, where five are wise and prepared for the bridegroom's arrival, and five are foolish and unprepared. The parable illustrates the importance of readiness for his return, contrasting those who have diligently maintained their spiritual state with those who have not. When the cry comes that the bridegroom is here, all ten virgins wake up to prepare their lamps.
Jesus is telling the parable of the ten virgins, where five are wise and prepared for the bridegroom's arrival, and five are foolish and unprepared. The parable illustrates the importance of readiness for his return, contrasting those who have diligently maintained their spiritual state with those who have not. When the cry comes that the bridegroom is here, all ten virgins wake up to prepare their lamps.
"Then all those virgins rose and trimmed their lamps." — The word translated "trimmed" doesn't just mean making the wick ready; it suggests putting the lamp in order or even decorating it, highlighting the deliberate and personal nature of the wise virgi…
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Last reviewed October 2026