Matthew 25:1–13

The Parable of the Ten Virgins

25“Then the kingdom of heaven may be compared to ten virgins who took their lamps and^* went out to meet the bridegroom. ²Now five of them were foolish and five were wise. ³For when^* the foolish ones took their lamps, they did not take olive oil with them. ⁴But the wise ones took olive oil in flasks with their lamps. ⁵And when^* the bridegroom was delayed, they all became drowsy and fell asleep.^{a 6}But in the middle of the night there was a shout, ‘Behold, the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!’ ⁷Then all those virgins woke up and trimmed their lamps. ⁸And the foolish ones said to the wise ones, ‘Give us some of your olive oil, because our lamps are going out!’ ⁹But the wise ones answered saying, “Certainly there will never be enough for us and for you! Go instead to those who sell olive oil^* and buy some^* for yourselves.’ ¹⁰But while^* they had gone away to buy it^* the bridegroom arrived, and those who were ready went inside with him to the wedding celebration, and the door was shut. ¹¹And later the other virgins came also, saying, ‘Lord, lord, open the door^* for us!’ ¹²But he answered and^* said, ‘Truly I say to you, I do not know you!’ ¹³Therefore be on the alert, because you do not know the day or the hour!