οὐκ� is upheld with אALZ of the uncials against οὐ μὴ� with BCD and several late uncials. See Winer, p. 632, and Dr Moulton’s note 3. This is the first appeal to Codex A.

9. Μήποτε οὐκ�. The bridal procession was still to be made in which there would be need of burning lamps. The wise cannot impart their oil:—an incident necessary to the leading idea of the parable;—nothing can make up for unreadiness at the last moment. This point has been adduced as an argument against works of supererogation.

μήποτε οὐκ�. ‘Lest haply it suffice not.’ There is an ellipse of a refusal or of a word signifying fear. The reading οὐ μὴ�. need not alter the construction, οὐ μὴ being merely a strengthened negative; but by some μήποτε is taken by itself, ‘no, in no wise.’

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Old Testament