Matthew 25:1–13

The Parable of the 10 Virgins

25“Then the kingdom of heaven will be like 10 virgins ^cwho took their lamps and went out to meet the groom. ^d2Five of them were foolish and five were sensible. ^e3When the foolish took their lamps, they didn’t take olive oil with them. ⁴But the sensible ones took oil in their flasks with their lamps. ⁵Since the groom was delayed, they all became drowsy and fell asleep.

⁶“In the middle of the night there was a shout: ‘Here’s the groom! Come out to meet him.’

⁷“Then all those virgins got up and trimmed their lamps. ⁸But the foolish ones said to the sensible ones, ‘Give us some of your oil, because our lamps are going out.’

⁹“The sensible ones answered, ‘No, there won’t be enough for us and for you. Go instead to those who sell, and buy oil for yourselves.’

¹⁰“When they had gone to buy some, the groom arrived. Then those who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet, and the door was shut. ^f

¹¹“Later the rest of the virgins also came and said, ‘Master, master, open up for us!’

¹²“But he replied, ‘^•I assure you: I do not know you!’

¹³“Therefore be alert, because you don’t know either the day or the hour. ^g