Mat 25:5 | RWP | e4.org | They all slumbered and slept ( ενυσταξαν πασα κα εκαθευδον ). They dropped off to sleep, nodded (ingressive aorist) and then went on sleeping (imperfect, linear action), a vivid picture drawn by the difference in the two tenses. Many a preacher has seen this happen while he is preaching.

‏ Matthew 25:5

They all slumbered and slept ( ενυσταξαν πασα κα εκαθευδον ). They dropped off to sleep, nodded (ingressive aorist) and then went on sleeping (imperfect, linear action), a vivid picture drawn by the difference in the two tenses. Many a preacher has seen this happen while he is preaching.