Matthew 25:2

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Matthew 25:2 · World English Bible (WEB)

“Five of them were foolish, and five were wise.”

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Overview Confusing Elements Original Language Related Passages

Overview

Theme

Jesus introduces a division between outwardly similar people: some are wise and prepared, while others are foolish and unprepared.

Core Message

At this point in the parable, all ten virgins appear to belong to the same wedding party, but Jesus immediately reveals that they are not spiritually the same. The crucial issue is not outward association, but readiness for the bridegroom.

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Difficulty Level

What Makes This Verse Confusing?

Explanation

The verse does not mean that humanity is mathematically divided into exactly equal halves of saved and lost, prepared and unprepared. The number “five and five” sets up the parable’s contrast: two groups may look identical for a time, but the coming of the bridegroom reveals the difference between true readiness and empty appearance.

Why Confusing

The text gives an exact numerical split but does not state whether the number is meant statistically or structurally within the parable.

Why It Matters

This keeps the focus where Jesus places it: not on calculating proportions, but on sober self-examination before His coming.

Original Language

Strong’s G3474μωρόςmōros(greek)

As it appearsμωραὶMeaning

foolish — μωρός , -ά, -όν [in LXX for נָבָל, etc.; frequently in Sir. ;] __1. prop., of the nerves, dull, sluggish (Hipp., Arist.). __2. Of the mind, dull, stupid, foolish : Mat.5:22 (see Field, Notes , 3 ff.) Mat.7:26 23:17, 19 (T, WH, txt., R, om.) Mat.25:2-3 , 8, 1Co.3:18 4:10 ; of things, παράδοσις, Mrk.7:13 (T, WH, txt., R, om.) : ζητήσεις, 2Ti.2:23 , Tit.3:9 ; τὸ μ. τ. θεοῦ, 1Co.1:25; τὰ μ. τ. κόσμου,…

Why it matters

“Foolish” here is not merely unintelligent. In Jesus’ teaching, foolishness is often moral and spiritual: a failure to respond rightly to God’s word and coming judgment. The foolish virgins are not lacking information; they lack true readiness.

Strong’s G5429φρόνιμοςphronimos(greek)

As it appearsφρόνιμοι·Meaning

thoughtful — φρόνιμος , -ον (φρονέω), [in LXX for בִּין, חָכָם etc. ;] practically wise, sensible, prudent : Mat.10:16 24:45 , Luk.12:42 , 1Co.10:15 ; opposite to μωρός, Mat.7:24 25:2, 4 25:8-9 , 1Co.4:10 ; to ἄφρων, 2Co.11:19; φ. παρ᾽ ἑαυτῷ (EV, wise in one's own conceit), Rom.11:25 12:16 (cf. Pro.3:7 ); compar., -ώτερος, Luk.16:8. † SYN. : see: σοψός (AS)

Why it matters

“Wise” carries the sense of prudence, thoughtfulness, and practical discernment. The wise are those whose expectation of the bridegroom shapes their preparation before the moment of crisis arrives.

Lexicon & word tagging: STEP Bible (Tyndale House, STEPBible.org, CC BY 4.0)