Parables
Back to Parables

Parables · 43 of 45

The Ten Virgins

In Jerusalem, the final week

Matthew 25:1–13

Matthew 25:1–13

1At that time, the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. 25 of them were foolish, and 5 were wise. 3The foolish ones took their lamps but did not bring any oil with them. 4The wise ones, however, brought jars of oil along with their lamps. 5While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. 6Then at midnight, someone shouted, "Look! The bridegroom is coming! Come out to meet him!" 7Then all those virgins woke up and trimmed their lamps. 8The foolish said to the wise, “Give us some of your oil, because our lamps have gone out.” 9But the wise ones replied, 'No, there won't be enough for both us and you. Instead, go to those who sell oil and buy some for yourselves.' 10While they went to buy oil, the bridegroom arrived; and those who were ready went in with him to the marriage, and the door was shut. 11Later, the other virgins came back and called out, 'Lord, Lord, open the door for us!' 12But he answered, "I tell you the truth — I don't know you." 13So stay alert, because you don't know the day or the hour when the Son of Man will come.

Read Matthew 25

About this passage

What the parable says

Ten virgins took their lamps to meet the bridegroom. Five were wise and brought extra oil. Five were foolish and did not. When the bridegroom came at midnight, the foolish ones had to go and buy oil, and the door was shut. Jesus said to watch, because you know neither the day nor the hour.

Where this fits

One of 45 passages in Jesus' Parables, in the group “In Jerusalem, the final week.”

Keep exploring