ESV Global Study Bible :: Footnotes for Matthew 25

Matt. 25:1 the kingdom of heaven will be like. See notes on 3:2; 13:24. ten virgins. Bridesmaids. bridegroom. As God called himself Israel’s “husband” in the OT (e.g., Isa. 54:4–6), so Jesus pictures himself here as a bridegroom (see Matt. 9:14–15). It was Jewish marriage custom for the groom and his friends to leave his home and go to the home of the bride. The marriage ceremony was conducted there, often at night. The entire wedding party then returned to the groom’s home for a celebration banquet.

Matt. 25:3–4 lamps. Large dome-shaped torches, fueled by rags soaked in oil, used for walking outside. oil. With extra containers of oil, the torches could last for several hours.

Matt. 25:11–12 I do not know you. The OT speaks of God “knowing” his chosen people (Jer. 1:5; Hos. 13:5; Amos 3:2). The same theme continues in the NT, where it describes a saving relationship with God through Jesus Christ (Gal. 4:8–9; 2 Tim. 2:19).

Matt. 25:13 you know neither the day nor the hour. See note on 24:42.

Matt. 25:15 talents. See note on 18:24.

Matt. 25:18 dug in the ground. See note on 13:44.

Matt. 25:20–23 Well done, good and faithful servant. What was important was their faithfulness in using their gifts and potential.

Matt. 25:24–25 Master, I knew you to be a hard man. The third servant’s actions result from his misperception of his master.

Matt. 25:27 you ought to have invested my money with the bankers. Israelites were forbidden to charge interest to other Israelites (Deut. 23:19), but they could collect interest from Gentiles (Deut. 23:20).

Matt. 25:29 to everyone who has will more be given. Using one’s God-given abilities wisely and productively is an important part of discipleship. Faithfulness will be rewarded with more opportunities to serve God.

Matt. 25:30 outer darkness . . . weeping and gnashing of teeth. See note on 8:11–12.

Matt. 25:31 Son of Man. See note on 8:20. angels with him. See 13:41–42; Rev. 14:17–20. sit on his glorious throne. As both Judge and King (Dan. 7:13–14).

Matt. 25:32 all the nations. Both Jews and Gentiles (see note on 28:19). he will separate people one from another. See 7:21–23; 13:40–43.

Matt. 25:34 blessed by my Father. The blessing to the “sheep” (v. 32) is their inheritance of the Father’s kingdom. They receive this because of their saving relationship with the Father and the Son.

Matt. 25:40 least of these. Those who are most needy among Jesus’ brothers (Jesus’ disciples, but also all believers).

Matt. 25:41–46 eternal punishment. Some interpreters think this judgment (these will go away) will occur prior to the start of Jesus’ earthly millennial kingdom. They think the “sheep” (v. 33) are those blessed to live under Jesus’ reign. Others think this judgment will come at the end of that time (Rev. 20:11–13).