The invention is directed to a motor-driven chain saw having a drive motor which drives a saw chain via a sprocket with the saw chain running around the periphery of the cutter bar in a guide groove formed in this periphery. A brake device is provided to bring the saw chain to standstill which is actuated by a brake lever. In addition, the drive motor continuously drives a lubricating-oil pump which is mounted in a feed line between the supply tank and a outlet opening of the guide groove. The supply of lubricating oil is interrupted when the saw chain is brought to standstill. This is achieved by providing a blocking valve in the feed line which is closed during idle operation of the drive motor and is opened during load operation of the drive motor.