I recently came across this very interesting anomaly in the Scriptures that changed my perspective on the usual interpretation of the 10 Virgins in Matthew 25. First as a refresher of the parable, here are the verses.
Then the kingdom of heaven shall be likened to ten virgins who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish and five were wise
For when the foolish took their lamps, they did not take any extra oil with them;
But the wise took flasks of oil along with them also with their lamps. While the bridegroom lingered and was slow in coming, they all began nodding their heads, and they fell asleep.
But at midnight there was a shout, Behold, the bridegroom! Go out to meet him!
Then all those virgins got up and put their own lamps in order.
And the foolish said to the wise, Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.
But the wise replied, There will not be enough for us and for you; go instead to the dealers and buy for yourselves.
But while they were going away to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were prepared went in with him to the marriage feast; and the door was shut.
Later the other virgins also came and said, Lord, Lord, open the door to us!
But He replied, I solemnly declare to you, I do not know you [I am not acquainted with you].
Watch therefore [give strict attention and be cautious and active], for you know neither the day nor the hour when the Son of Man will come. Matthew 25: 1-13
A couple of things to note here. The word THEN at the beginning of verse 1. In Matthew 24, Jesus had just explained to His disciples everything that would happen in the last days. Hence, by the use of the word "Then", He's saying... after all of what I just told you. I used to think these virgins were the Bride or Christians awaiting the Rapture. Now, I'm not so sure.
Did you know that in some ancient texts verse 1 of Matthew 25 includes the Bride?
"Then the Kingdom of Heaven will be compared to ten virgins; the same took their lamps and went to meet the groom and the bride."
The phrase "meet the groom and the bride" is a significant textual variant found in several ancient manuscript traditions and specific modern translations of them. While most standard Greek-based versions (like the KJV, NIV, and ESV) only mention the "bridegroom," these ancient versions include the "bride.
Syriac/Aramaic Traditions:
Peshitta: This ancient Aramaic version of the New Testament explicitly includes "and the bride" (wa-klathâ). Modern translations of this tradition, such as the Aramaic Bible in Plain English and the Lamsa Bible, reflect this reading.
Latin Vulgate:
The Latin Vulgate includes the bride in this verse. Catholic translations derived from the Vulgate, such as the Douay-Rheims Bible and the Catholic Public Domain Version, retain this phrasing.
Greek Manuscript Variants:
Codex Bezae (Cantabrigiensis): A 5th-century manuscript that is one of the few major Greek witnesses to include the phrase "and the bride".
Early English Translations:
Wycliffe’s Bible: Translated from the Vulgate in the 14th century, it says "to meet the husband and the wife".
In face, no ancient fragment of Matthew thus found omits the addition of "the bride."
What does this mean? Why would these ancient texts have the bride included and later translations omit it? Let's go with the premise that the bride is supposed to be there. If that's true, then these 10 Virgins are not the Bride, but rather wedding guests invited to the Marriage Feast.
In Ancient Hebrew Marriage Customs, the Bride and Groom marry first, then spend 7 days on a honeymoon where they consummate their union. Only after that time is there a celebration involving a banquet, a feast, and dancing.
Notice in the passage above, that the Bridegroom shuts the door on the Marriage Feast, not on the Marriage itself, which would imply that the marriage has already occurred and the Bride is with Him. So, who are these virgins then? I postulate they are people who got saved during the first half of the Tribulation and/or part of the Lukewarm church who finally woke up and gave their lives to Jesus. Another thing to note is that the cry went out at midnight. Midnight is halfway through the night. Could this imply that this is a mid-trib rapture event?
If you follow me here, you know I believe in the Harvest model of raptures found throughout the Bible. I believe the Bride leaves first (Those who are fully committed to Jesus and Love Him as their first love). Then midtrib, along with the two witnesses, there's another event at the wheat harvest where those left behind and others newly saved will be taken to heaven before the wrath of God is fully unleashed. Then at the end, we have the fruit harvest of grapes. I don't have time to go into these in detail in this post, but this is all Scriptural and would certainly explain why Christians argue over Pre-Mid-Post raptures when they all are true!
If this is a good interpretation of this passage, then it would seem that even at this mid-trib event, there will be some believers who will not remain ready. Sad.
I hope you found this as interesting as I did!
Greetings Precious Bride to be,
ReplyDeleteWow ! very interesting. And before you even wrote it my mind was already thinking that this would explain a lot about the 3 divisions of the Rapture. Which would mean, there is really no division, but rather 3 seperat Raptures, which you have indicated in the past !
I'm thinking I might agree with this, it really does make perfect sense. Definately food for thought.
But a question I dont really want to ask just struck me ; could this explain that sometimes I wonder how I relate to folks like the Apostles and the many great people of enormous faith, martyrs and all the so many of those who have gone before us ? I mean people I would never compare myself to as far as faith, persecution, or boldness in preaching the Gospel ?
Hmm, you've given me a lot to think about Sister. And I appreciate this word, because it spurs me on to increase my own boldness and faith !
Christs peace
Hi Brother Joe. I try to never compare myself and my walk with Jesus with anyone else. It only leads to discouragement or pride! We can only get as close to Jesus as we can and do the best we can. Each one of us is a complex bundle of past, genetics, upbringing, biology, life experiences and the time and place in which we grow up. Anyway, I do believe there will be 3 rapture events. TWO are already described clearly in the Scriptures. Blessings!
DeleteHello Sister in Christ,
ReplyDeleteVery interesting interpretation of the Parable of the Ten Virgins. It is amazing how the Bible speaks highly using symbolism and cryptic messages, some of which may require even deeper analysis to understand their true meaning.
Based on this, does this mean the mid-Tribulation Rapture will be the primary “snatching away” of true Believers like us? I do not want to immediately think that means there is no Pre-Tribulation Rapture for I have been staunchly holding onto this belief, but I just would like to ask about it. I also do not want to fret over the thought that if this new interpretation is thee, then we may have to go through the first half of the Tribulation and thus endure the Seals, Trumpets, and whatever mediums the demonic forces have already put in place (ie. Mass Surveillance, AI, Digital ID, Unannounced assaults/raids by demonic loyalists, etc.)?
I always interpreted the Parable as long as we true Believers (the Wise Virgins) keep watch with alert and faith (keep oil lamps burning), then the Lord will unexpectedly call us (Rapture) when we are asleep (sleeping at night) or during an unexpected hour (going about our usual lives). But if this is confirmed, does this mean we may also get to see who the AC is, WWIII, worsened famine, the next “pandemic” that makes COVID and Ebola look like mere germs instead of viruses, and the actual signing of the Daniel Covenant? I am sorry that I am sounding a bit frantic, but a little fear came upon me after some thought on this interpretation.
One positive thing I can think of is, say if we do have to stay during the first 3.5 years, family or people who originally doubted us may finally understand why we have been “losing our minds” and start believing, and also that we may have better credibility in warning people about the signs, especially with who the AC will be. I think the best thing is, we may have the opportunity to ultimately prove, even though it is likely we may succumb to some plague or demonic doing, that we are truly loyal and faithful to Christ and have never wavered from Him, even during the most difficult trial ever. This is assuming that the mid-Tribulation Rapture is true and we have to stay for a little while during the first half. Do you agree Sister?
Regarding the Post-Tribulation Rapture, I do not think it is credible because since Jesus will be preparing for Armageddon with the Devil and his forces upon His return to Earth, wouldn’t it be unfitting for Raptured Believers to flock to the Lord just as He is running into battle?
Also, I have read of some other true Believers who are boldly adamant that the Rapture is Pre-Tribulation and I do not know if they might receive this interpretation well, but since they are true devoted Believers based on what I have seen them post, I think they will understand despite the surprise or possible disappointment.
Thanks Sister for understanding and apologies if I am saying or asking too much. As I have mentioned before, I am looking forward more than anything to get out of this world as much as any other true Believers are. Thanks again and Peace and Blessings From a Brother in Christ.
Brother, no, I believe it will be the left behind lukewarm believers who will have to endure the first half of the Tribulation and have a chance to leave mid-trib. At least that's what I'm seeing in Scripture and sensing from the Lord. It is the Bride who leaves pre-trib.. those who have made themselves ready by walking in the Light with Jesus and submitting to Him. So take a deep breath and don't worry. God is in control and He promises to keep us from His wrath and from the Tribulation (Revelation 3:10)
DeleteA rapture or harvest at the end of the Tribulation is clearly specified in Revelation 14, starting at verse 14. Jesus is reaping the Earth of it's fruit. This is a fruit harvest. So, we are assured there are at least two raptures... but we also know the two witnesses are raptured mid-trip, so that makes 3. They are listed as firstfruits of a harvest, so there should be more people raptured at that time also, which is what I believe this passage in Matthew 25 speaks of. Hope that helps. And yes, I don't think many people will accept what I have posted here, but I must be obedient to my King. Blessings
Hello Sister in Christ,
DeleteThanks for the clarification. I have believed the lukewarm believers would have to endure the first 3.5 years in order to reaffirm their faith in Jesus, so it makes sense for them to take this second chance to redeem themselves and leave via the second Rapture at the midpoint of the Tribulation.
For the Post-Tribulation Rapture, I initially thought there was only going to be one Rapture, then the Tribulation, then the Second Coming of the Lord, but that there is Scripture that points out multiple raptures, it is clear how it is debatable which Rapture would Believers go in.
This is something else, but I remember you once posted on how there will be two Judgments, one is after the Rapture (Bema Seat Judgment) for true Believers according to their works, and the other is after the Millennium (Great White Throne Judgment) for unbelievers according to their sins since they have not repented. That gave me a question: I read that the latter judgment may also be based on the works of unbelievers - if they still have not accepted the Lord, but if they have done as much good as they can than bad/poor deeds, would the Lord consider these to determine if those people may deserve some grace, or is at that point, the Lake of Fire is already confirmed regardless of the good deeds?
Please do not get upset Sister for I may have misinterpreted today’s Scripture and displayed a little pessimism. I know the Rapture is a sensitive topic, but like you and other true Believers, I am praying that I will be found worthy of escaping the Tribulation, and something that I had not thought of before got me a little startled, but I feel better now - thanks again for the clarification and Blessings.
I'm not upset at all. I feel I should have been more clear in the post. It is my understanding that there are levels in hell just as there are levels in heaven. There are various rewards in heaven and various punishments in hell. So, those people who refused God's Grace in Jesus will be judged based on their works... so yes, they will still end up i hell, but perhaps if they did a lot of good, not in the place of the most torment. That's my understanding. Blessing!
DeleteGreetings Holy Messenger of God,
ReplyDeleteWow I have not thought of this interpretation of the Ten Virgins Parable. Now that I think about this, I am wondering about a couple things.
When the Bible says of God’s Wrath, is it referring to just the Seven Bowls of God’s Wrath that take place near the End of the Tribulation, excluding the Seals and Trumpets? If this interpretation turns out to be true, does it really mean even us true Believers may have to go through the first 3.5 years of the Tribulation? I know the first half will also be difficult, especially with the effects of the Seals and Trumpets, but would God intervene supernaturally to ensure that true Believers like us are protected, like it was for Noah, Lot, and their families, minus the removal (Rapture)?
There was something I forgot to ask about recently, but I read something stating that Trump is planning to announce the 10 appointees to head the “Board of Peace” committee. Could this really be the 10 Kings mentioned in Revelation 17:12? I am wondering now if this committee may be the final component, along with the Abraham Accords and 20-Point Peace Plan, for the Daniel Covenant to finally materialize and I think it may be sometime later this year. This is why I am still firmly holding to a Pre-Tribulation Rapture since “God has not appointed us to wrath,” but with this interpretation, do you think this may or may not change our perception?
For the Two Witnesses, since they appear after the Sixth Trumpet, could that be support that the Trumpets may possibly take place prior to the second half of the Tribulation? Would it also conclude that the Seven Bowls of God’s Wrath would be during the second half especially since the sores (First Bowl) are said to be directed at “those who took the MOB?”
Stay strong in the Lord Sister. I still hope (with a little desperation now) that there will be a Pre-Tribulation Rapture, but if we have to go through the worldly judgments, we may get to prove just as Paul said in Philippians 1:21: “To live is Christ, and to die is gain.” Would this bring the assumption that any true Believers who do not make it to the mid-Tribulation Rapture have demonstrated their steadfast faith in the Lord?
Have a great rest of the day and Blessings!
Greetings! Please read my response to the Brother above. No, the Bride does not have to endure any part of the Tribulation. Those of us (and I always pray I'm found worth) who are fully committed to Jesus and living for Him will leave pre-trib. The parable here I believe is talking about giving those left behind another chance to leave before the Wrath. And yes, I don't believe God's full wrath will be poured out until the 2nd half of the Tribulation.
DeleteI do not know the timing of the Trumpets, etc.. but yes, it is only my opinion that most of the Trumpets happen before the mid-point.. .but only God knows. I had not heard about Trump's 10 appointees yet, but anytime there are 10 world rulers, we need to pay attention!
Blessings!!
Hi MaryLu, many many (40?) years ago, I heard a radio message on the old Biola Hour by David Hocking on just this parable. I don't remember the details now, but he made the case then that the virgins are NOT the Church/Saints; they are bridesmaids, not the Bride. I can't find a record of that teaching, either by an AI search or on his website, Hope for Today. But I remember clearly his conclusion. I agreed with him then and do so now. It has never made sense that the virgins represent the Bride, for the reasons you cite. From gotquestions.org (https://www.gotquestions.org/parable-ten-virgins.html):
ReplyDeleteSome interpret this parable as a picture of the rapture of the church. We believe a better interpretation is that the parable of the ten virgins pictures Christ’s second coming at the end of the tribulation. Our view is that all the parables in this series relate to Israel, not the church. Israel during the end times is the focus of Matthew 24, and Matthew 25 continues that theme. So, in our view, the bridegroom in the parable is Jesus Christ, and the waiting bridesmaids are Israel. Will Israel be ready to receive the Lord as her Messiah? Jesus’ answer in the parable is that some will be ready to enter the kingdom, and some will not.
Whether they are Trib Saints, Jewish people, left behind saints, they are not the Bride. We should, of course, keep our oil full in watching and longing for Jesus, but we will not be left behind if we aren't "full" enough.
Blessings, Judi
Hi Judi! Yes! I agree with Mr. Hocking. And I've heard other pastors say similar things, including that the virgins represent Israel. Like you said, whoever they are... they are not the Bride who is already with the Groom! So, we wait for our Groom and keep looking up!
Delete