The Parable of the Ten Virgins

Ten virgins go out with lamps, but only five bring extra oil. When the bridegroom delays, all become drowsy and sleep.

“¹At 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.

At midnight the cry goes out, and the virgins wake to trim their lamps. The foolish ones lack enough oil, and while they go to buy some, the bridegroom arrives and the prepared enter the banquet.

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.

The late arrivals ask for entry, but the bridegroom refuses them and says he does not know them. Jesus ends by calling for watchfulness because the day and hour are unknown.

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.