Chapter

Matthew 25:5

ESV As the bridegroom was delayed, they all became drowsy and slept.
NIV The bridegroom was a long time in coming, and they all became drowsy and fell asleep.
NASB Now while the groom was delaying, they all became drowsy and began to sleep.
CSB When the groom was delayed, they all became drowsy and fell asleep.
NLT When the bridegroom was delayed, they all became drowsy and fell asleep.
KJV While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept.

What does Matthew 25:5 mean?

In another of Jesus' parables, ten unmarried young ladies have gathered for a wedding procession. They are waiting for the groom to come and collect his bride so that they can walk with the wedding party to his home for the marriage feast. Five of these young women are wise and five are foolish. The wise ones brought extra oil for their lights, while the foolish ones brought only lamps and not extra oil. They expected the groom to come early enough in the evening that this would not be a problem (Matthew 25:1–4).

The groom did not arrive when they expected, however. He was delayed. All ten of the young women got tired and fell asleep waiting for him. Jesus is not condemning the young women for falling asleep while they waited. The issue being highlighted is that they did not realize just how long the groom would be delayed.
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