And when the bridegroom was delayed, they all became drowsy and fell asleep.
This saying presents the psychological and spiritual state of waiting. The bridegroom’s delay symbolizes the period when Christ’s coming seems delayed and believers begin to grow weak in their waiting. “They became drowsy and fell asleep” does not necessarily mean sin, but spiritual weakness, when faith ceases to act with its full strength. This reminds us of the limitations of human nature: even believers cannot remain continually watchful by their own strength.