What Is the Parable of the Ten Virgins?
What Is the Parable of the Ten Virgins? The Parable of the Ten Virgins warns believers to be spiritually prepared and watchful, for Christ's return will come at an unexpected hour.
Key verse: Matthew 25:2 (KJV)
The Parable of the Ten Virgins warns believers to be spiritually prepared and watchful, for Christ's return will come at an unexpected hour.
The Parable of the Ten Virgins warns believers to be spiritually prepared and watchful, for Christ's return will come at an unexpected hour.
"And five of them were wise, and five were foolish." — Matthew 25:2 (KJV)
Meaning
Plain-language explanation
In Context
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The Biblical Answer
In Matthew 25:1-13, Jesus tells of ten virgins who took their lamps to meet the bridegroom. Five were wise and took oil in their vessels with their lamps; five were foolish and took no extra oil. When the bridegroom delayed, all fell asleep. At midnight a cry rang out: 'Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him.' The foolish virgins found their lamps going out and begged the wise for oil, but were told there would not be enough for both. While they went to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the marriage. The door was shut. Jesus concludes: 'Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.' The oil represents the indwelling Holy Spirit and genuine saving faith — external religion without inward life will be exposed when Christ returns.
Topic Overview
What Does the Bible Say About Salvation?
What the Bible teaches about salvation, being saved, and how to receive eternal life.
Key Scripture References
"And five of them were wise, and five were foolish."
"And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut."
"Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh."
Frequently asked questions
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Related Questions
What Is the Parable of the Wedding Feast?
The Parable of the Wedding Feast teaches that many are invited to God's kingdom, but only those who accept the invitation and wear the proper garment enter in.
What Is the Rapture?
The rapture refers to the event when Christ returns to catch up believers — both living and dead — to meet Him in the air.
What Is the Second Coming of Christ?
The Second Coming is the visible, bodily return of Jesus Christ to earth to establish His kingdom and judge the world.
What Is the Passion of Christ?
The Passion of Christ refers to the suffering, crucifixion, and death of Jesus — the events that secured salvation for all who believe.
What Is Palm Sunday?
Palm Sunday commemorates Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem one week before His resurrection, when crowds waved palm branches and cried 'Hosanna!'
Deep Dive Commentary
For a more in-depth study, read our verse-by-verse commentary:
Related Reading
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The answer above sits inside Matthew. The 365-day chronological plan reads it in the order the events happened.
Read Matthew on day 284 of the chronological Bible reading planKeep the verses to hand
Every verse quoted in “What Is the Parable of the Ten Virgins?” comes from the King James Version, free to download and print.
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