Parable · Matthew 25:1-13

The Ten Virgins

Ten wait for a bridegroom. Five brought extra oil. Five did not, and the door closes.

Also called The Ten Bridesmaids, The Wise and Foolish Virgins

The point

All ten fell asleep. The difference was not staying awake, it was what they packed.

Matthew 25:1-13

1“At 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.

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.

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.

Berean Standard Bible, public domain. Read the whole chapter

Using this at church

Read in church on

Lectionary 32 Year AGospel, Matthew 25:1-13

For a newsletter or sermon notes

The parable of the Ten Virgins, explained in plain words. Ten wait for a bridegroom. Only five brought extra oil. https://freescripture.org/parables/ten-virgins/

Lines for the next eight Sundays, on Digital Lutheran Church