The Parable of the Ten Virgins

Matthew 25:1-13 · Berean Standard Bible

Ten virgins wait for the bridegroom, but only five bring extra oil for their lamps; when he arrives at midnight the unprepared five are shut out of the wedding feast. Jesus uses the wise and foolish virgins to urge spiritual readiness for His return, which will come at an unexpected hour. The closing command frames the whole passage: 'Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour.'

1“At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom.

2Five of them were foolish, and five were wise.

3The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take along any extra oil.

4But the wise ones took oil in flasks along with their lamps.

5When the bridegroom was delayed, they all became drowsy and fell asleep.

6At midnight the cry rang out: ‘Here is the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!’

7Then all the virgins woke up and trimmed their lamps.

8The foolish ones said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil; our lamps are going out.’

9‘No,’ said the wise ones, ‘or there may not be enough for both us and you. Instead, go to those who sell oil and buy some for yourselves.’

10But while they were on their way to buy it, the bridegroom arrived. Those who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet, and the door was shut.

11Later the other virgins arrived and said, ‘Lord, lord, open the door for us!’

12But he replied, ‘Truly I tell you, I do not know you.’

13Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.

Read the wider context: Matthew 25.

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