The Parable of the Ten Virgins in the Bible

The Parable of the Ten Virgins, recorded in Matthew 25, is one of Jesus' most vivid teachings about readiness for His return. Ten virgins take their lamps and go out to meet the bridegroom, but only five of them are wise: the wise take oil in flasks along with their lamps, while the foolish take their lamps but bring no oil (Matthew 25:1-4). When the bridegroom is delayed, all ten grow drowsy and fall asleep. At midnight a cry rings out, "Here is the bridegroom! Come out to meet him" (Matthew 25:6), and suddenly the difference between the two groups becomes decisive. The foolish virgins find their lamps going out and beg the wise for oil, but the wise cannot share without running short themselves. While the foolish go to buy more oil, the bridegroom arrives, and those who are ready go in with him to the wedding feast, and the door is shut (Matthew 25:10). When the others return and plead, "Lord, lord, open to us," he answers, "Truly, I say to you, I do not know you" (Matthew 25:12). Jesus concludes with the sober application: "Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour" (Matthew 25:13). Theologically, the parable warns that a profession of faith is not enough; what matters is genuine, persevering readiness that cannot be borrowed at the last moment. The oil is often understood as the inward reality of grace, the Spirit's presence, or a living faith that endures, none of which can be transferred from one person to another. The shut door underscores the finality of judgment and the urgency of being prepared now. For believers today, the parable is both a comfort and a call: those who keep watch and walk faithfully will share in the joy of the wedding feast, while presumption and delay risk being left outside.