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.
Ready or Not
“At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Matthew 25:1 · Berean Standard Bible
Jesus tells a story about ten young women who take their lamps and go out to meet a bridegroom. It's a picture of waiting and readiness for something wonderful that's coming.
In those days, the groom would come to the bride's house in a torchlight procession, and the wedding attendants would light the way. It was a joyful, celebratory event.
Jesus begins a new parable about being prepared for His return, using a wedding celebration as the backdrop.
Picture a group of bridesmaids all dressed up, lamps in hand, excited for the party. But as we'll see, not all of them planned ahead.
Jesus begins the Parable of the Ten Virgins with 'at that time' (tote), linking it to the eschatological context of chapter 24. The kingdom of heaven is compared to ten virgins (parthenois) who take their lamps (lampadas) to meet the bridegroom (nymphiou). This reflects first-century Jewish wedding customs where attendants greeted the groom's torchlight procession.
This parable continues the theme of readiness from 24:36-51 but shifts the focus from active faithfulness to preparedness. It is the second of three eschatological parables (faithful servant, virgins, talents).
Jesus introduces a new parable set within the familiar cultural context of a Jewish wedding celebration.
Jesus tells a story everyone could picture: ten young women waiting for the bridegroom to arrive for the wedding. But not all of them are equally prepared for the wait.
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.
Read all of Matthew 25 — Ten bridesmaids, three servants, and a flock of sheep and goats. Jesus paints the final judgment in vivid, unsettling detail.
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