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border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad1.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/matthew/24-51.htm" title="Matthew 24:51">◄</a> Matthew 25:1 <a href="/matthew/25-2.htm" title="Matthew 25:2">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/matthew/25.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/matthew/25.htm">New International Version</a> &#8220At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. <a href="/nlt/matthew/25.htm">New Living Translation</a> “Then the Kingdom of Heaven will be like ten bridesmaids who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. <a href="/esv/matthew/25.htm">English Standard Version</a> “Then the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. <a href="/bsb/matthew/25.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> “At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. <a href="/blb/matthew/25.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Then the kingdom of the heavens will be likened to ten virgins, who, having taken their lamps, went forth to meet the bridegroom. <a href="/kjv/matthew/25.htm">King James Bible</a> Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. <a href="/nkjv/matthew/25.htm">New King James Version</a> “Then the kingdom of heaven shall be likened to ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. <a href="/nasb_/matthew/25.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> “Then the kingdom of heaven will be comparable to ten virgins, who took their lamps and went out to meet the groom. <a href="/nasb/matthew/25.htm">NASB 1995</a> &#8220Then the kingdom of heaven will be comparable to ten virgins, who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. <a href="/nasb77/matthew/25.htm">NASB 1977 </a> “Then the kingdom of heaven will be comparable to ten virgins, who took their lamps, and went out to meet the bridegroom. <a href="/lsb/matthew/25.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> “Then the kingdom of heaven may be compared to ten virgins, who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. <a href="/amp/matthew/25.htm">Amplified Bible</a> “Then the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins, who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. <a href="/csb/matthew/25.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> “At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the groom. <a href="/hcsb/matthew/25.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> &#8220Then the kingdom of heaven will be like 10 virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the groom. <a href="/asv/matthew/25.htm">American Standard Version</a> Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, who took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. <a href="/cev/matthew/25.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> The kingdom of heaven is like what happened one night when ten young women took their oil lamps and went to a wedding to meet the groom. <a href="/erv/matthew/25.htm">English Revised Version</a> Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. <a href="/gwt/matthew/25.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> "When the end comes, the kingdom of heaven will be like ten bridesmaids. They took their oil lamps and went to meet the groom. <a href="/gnt/matthew/25.htm">Good News Translation</a> "At that time the Kingdom of heaven will be like this. Once there were ten young women who took their oil lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. <a href="/isv/matthew/25.htm">International Standard Version</a> "At that time, the kingdom from heaven will be comparable to ten bridesmaids who took their oil lamps and went out to meet the groom. <a href="/net/matthew/25.htm">NET Bible</a> "At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. <a href="/nheb/matthew/25.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> "Then the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins, who took their lamps, and went out to meet the bridegroom. <a href="/wbt/matthew/25.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened to ten virgins, who took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. <a href="/wey/matthew/25.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> "Then will the Kingdom of the Heavens be found to be like ten bridesmaids who took their torches and went out to meet the bridegroom.<div class="vheading2">Majority Text Translations</div><a href="/msb/matthew/25.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> “At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. <a href="/web/matthew/25.htm">World English Bible</a> “Then the Kingdom of Heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/matthew/25.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> “Then will the kingdom of the heavens be likened to ten virgins, who, having taken their lamps, went forth to meet the bridegroom; <a href="/blb/matthew/25.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Then the kingdom of the heavens will be likened to ten virgins, who, having taken their lamps, went forth to meet the bridegroom. <a href="/ylt/matthew/25.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> 'Then shall the reign of the heavens be likened to ten virgins, who, having taken their lamps, went forth to meet the bridegroom; <a href="/slt/matthew/25.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> Then shall the kingdom of the heavens be likened to ten virgins, who having taken their lanterns, went forth to the meeting of the bridegroom.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/matthew/25.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> THEN shall the kingdom of heaven be like to ten virgins, who taking their lamps went out to meet the bridegroom and the bride. <a href="/cpdv/matthew/25.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> “Then the kingdom of heaven shall be like ten virgins, who, taking their lamps, went out to meet the groom and the bride. <a href="/nabre/matthew/25.htm">New American Bible</a> “Then the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. <a href="/nrsvce/matthew/25.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> “Then the kingdom of heaven will be like this. Ten bridesmaids took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/matthew/25.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> THEN the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins, who took their lamps, and went out to greet the bridegroom and the bride. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/matthew/25.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> “Then the Kingdom of Heaven will be compared to ten virgins; the same took their lamps and went to meet the groom and the bride.<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/matthew/25.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened to ten virgins, who took their lamps and went out to meet the bride-groom. <a href="/godbey/matthew/25.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> <FR>Then shall the kingdom of the heavens be likened unto ten virgins, who taking their lamps, went out to meet the bridegroom.<Fr> <a href="/haweis/matthew/25.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> THEN shall the kingdom of heaven be like to ten virgins, who taking their lamps, went forth to meet the bridegroom. <a href="/mace/matthew/25.htm">Mace New Testament</a> The kingdom of the Messiah will then be such, as when ten virgins took their lamps, and went out to meet the bridegroom. <a href="/wey/matthew/25.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> "Then will the Kingdom of the Heavens be found to be like ten bridesmaids who took their torches and went out to meet the bridegroom. <a href="/worrell/matthew/25.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> <FR>"Then the Kingdom of Heaven will be likened to ten virgins, who, taking their lamps, went forth to meet the bridegroom.<Fr> <a href="/worsley/matthew/25.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> <FR>Then will the kingdom of heaven be like ten virgins, who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom: and five of them were wise,<Fr> <a href="/parallel/matthew/25-1.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hriiyJYqzvc?start=7472" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/matthew/25.htm">The Parable of the Ten Virgins</a> 1<a href="/greek/5119.htm" title="5119: Tote (Adv) -- Then, at that time. From ho and hote; the when, i.e. At the time that.">“At that time</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: hē (Art-NFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/932.htm" title="932: basileia (N-NFS) -- From basileus; properly, royalty, i.e. rule, or a realm.">kingdom</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tōn (Art-GMP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">of</a> <a href="/greek/3772.htm" title="3772: ouranōn (N-GMP) -- Perhaps from the same as oros; the sky; by extension, heaven; by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the Gospel.">heaven</a> <a href="/greek/3666.htm" title="3666: homoiōthēsetai (V-FIP-3S) -- To make like, liken; I compare. From homoios; to assimilate, i.e. Compare; passively, to become similar.">will be like</a> <a href="/greek/1176.htm" title="1176: deka (Adj-DFP) -- Ten. A primary number; ten.">ten</a> <a href="/greek/3933.htm" title="3933: parthenois (N-DFP) -- Of unknown origin; a maiden; by implication, an unmarried daughter.">virgins</a> <a href="/greek/3748.htm" title="3748: haitines (RelPro-NFP) -- Whosoever, whichsoever, whatsoever. ">who</a> <a href="/greek/2983.htm" title="2983: labousai (V-APA-NFP) -- (a) I receive, get, (b) I take, lay hold of. ">took</a> <a href="/greek/1438.htm" title="1438: heautōn (RefPro-GF3P) -- Himself, herself, itself. ">their</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tas (Art-AFP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/2985.htm" title="2985: lampadas (N-AFP) -- A torch, lamp, lantern. From lampo; a lamp or flambeau.">lamps</a> <a href="/greek/1831.htm" title="1831: exēlthon (V-AIA-3P) -- To go out, come out. From ek and erchomai; to issue.">and went out</a> <a href="/greek/1519.htm" title="1519: eis (Prep) -- A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.">to</a> <a href="/greek/5222.htm" title="5222: hypantēsin (N-AFS) -- A meeting. From hupantao; an encounter or concurrence.">meet</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tou (Art-GMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/3566.htm" title="3566: nymphiou (N-GMS) -- A bridegroom. From numphe; a bride-groom.">bridegroom.</a> 2Five of them were foolish, and five were wise.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/matthew/24-42.htm">Matthew 24:42-44</a> Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day on which your Lord will come. / But understand this: If the homeowner had known in which watch of the night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into. / For this reason, you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour you do not expect. <a href="/luke/12-35.htm">Luke 12:35-40</a> Be dressed for service and keep your lamps burning. / Then you will be like servants waiting for their master to return from the wedding banquet, so that when he comes and knocks, they can open the door for him at once. / Blessed are those servants whom the master finds on watch when he returns. Truly I tell you, he will dress himself to serve and will have them recline at the table, and he himself will come and wait on them. ... <a href="/revelation/19-7.htm">Revelation 19:7-9</a> Let us rejoice and be glad and give Him the glory. For the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His bride has made herself ready. / She was given clothing of fine linen, bright and pure.” For the fine linen she wears is the righteous acts of the saints. / Then the angel told me to write, “Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.” And he said to me, “These are the true words of God.” <a href="/1_thessalonians/5-2.htm">1 Thessalonians 5:2-6</a> For you are fully aware that the Day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. / While people are saying, “Peace and security,” destruction will come upon them suddenly, like labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. / But you, brothers, are not in the darkness so that this day should overtake you like a thief. ... <a href="/mark/13-33.htm">Mark 13:33-37</a> Be on your guard and stay alert! For you do not know when the appointed time will come. / It is like a man going on a journey who left his house, put each servant in charge of his own task, and instructed the doorkeeper to keep watch. / Therefore keep watch, because you do not know when the master of the house will return—whether in the evening, at midnight, when the rooster crows, or in the morning. ... <a href="/john/3-29.htm">John 3:29</a> The bride belongs to the bridegroom. The friend of the bridegroom stands and listens for him, and is overjoyed to hear the bridegroom’s voice. That joy is mine, and it is now complete. <a href="/2_corinthians/11-2.htm">2 Corinthians 11:2</a> I am jealous for you with a godly jealousy. For I promised you to one husband, to present you as a pure virgin to Christ. <a href="/ephesians/5-25.htm">Ephesians 5:25-27</a> Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her / to sanctify her, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, / and to present her to Himself as a glorious church, without stain or wrinkle or any such blemish, but holy and blameless. <a href="/revelation/21-2.htm">Revelation 21:2</a> I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. <a href="/revelation/21-9.htm">Revelation 21:9</a> Then one of the seven angels with the seven bowls full of the seven final plagues came and said to me, “Come, I will show you the bride, the wife of the Lamb.” <a href="/isaiah/62-5.htm">Isaiah 62:5</a> For as a young man marries a young woman, so your sons will marry you; and as a bridegroom rejoices over his bride, so your God will rejoice over you. <a href="/psalms/45-13.htm">Psalm 45:13-15</a> All glorious is the princess in her chamber; her gown is embroidered with gold. / In colorful garments she is led to the king; her virgin companions are brought before you. / They are led in with joy and gladness; they enter the palace of the king. <a href="/songs/3-11.htm">Song of Solomon 3:11</a> Come out, O daughters of Zion, and gaze at King Solomon, wearing the crown with which his mother crowned him on the day of his wedding—the day of his heart’s rejoicing. <a href="/songs/5-1.htm">Song of Solomon 5:1</a> I have come to my garden, my sister, my bride; I have gathered my myrrh with my spice. I have eaten my honeycomb with my honey; I have drunk my wine with my milk. Eat, O friends, and drink; drink freely, O beloved. <a href="/jeremiah/2-2.htm">Jeremiah 2:2</a> “Go and proclaim in the hearing of Jerusalem that this is what the LORD says: ‘I remember the devotion of your youth, your love as a bride, how you followed Me in the wilderness, in a land not sown.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened to ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom.Then.<a href="/matthew/24-42.htm">Matthew 24:42-51</a> Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come… <a href="/luke/21-34.htm">Luke 21:34-36</a> And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares… the kingdom.<a href="/matthew/3-2.htm">Matthew 3:2</a> And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.<a href="/matthew/13-24.htm">Matthew 13:24,31,38,44,45,47</a> Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field: … <a href="/matthew/20-1.htm">Matthew 20:1</a> For the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which went out early in the morning to hire labourers into his vineyard.ten.<a href="/psalms/45-14.htm">Psalm 45:14</a> She shall be brought unto the king in raiment of needlework: the virgins her companions that follow her shall be brought unto thee.<a href="/songs/1-3.htm">Song of Solomon 1:3</a> Because of the savour of thy good ointments thy name is as ointment poured forth, therefore do the virgins love thee.<a href="/songs/5-8.htm">Song of Solomon 5:8,16</a> I charge you, O daughters of Jerusalem, if ye find my beloved, that ye tell him, that I am sick of love… which.<a href="/matthew/5-16.htm">Matthew 5:16</a> Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.<a href="/luke/12-35.htm">Luke 12:35,36</a> Let your loins be girded about, and your lights burning; … <a href="/philippians/2-15.htm">Philippians 2:15,16</a> That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; … went.<a href="/2_timothy/4-8.htm">2 Timothy 4:8</a> Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.<a href="/titus/2-13.htm">Titus 2:13</a> Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;<a href="/2_peter/1-13.htm">2 Peter 1:13-15</a> Yea, I think it meet, as long as I am in this tabernacle, to stir you up by putting you in remembrance; … the bridegroom.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/joel/2-16.htm">Bride</a> <a href="/matthew/9-15.htm">Bridegroom</a> <a href="/matthew/25-11.htm">Bridesmaids</a> <a href="/lamentations/4-2.htm">Comparable</a> <a href="/matthew/22-2.htm">Compared</a> <a href="/matthew/24-32.htm">Forth</a> <a href="/matthew/22-10.htm">Found</a> <a href="/matthew/9-15.htm">Friends</a> <a href="/matthew/24-36.htm">Heaven</a> <a href="/matthew/24-36.htm">Heavens</a> <a href="/matthew/19-10.htm">Husband</a> <a href="/matthew/24-14.htm">Kingdom</a> <a href="/zephaniah/1-12.htm">Lamps</a> <a href="/zechariah/9-17.htm">Maidens</a> <a href="/matthew/22-9.htm">Meet</a> <a href="/matthew/22-15.htm">Meeting</a> <a href="/matthew/15-9.htm">Purpose</a> <a href="/matthew/20-24.htm">Ten</a> <a href="/matthew/24-48.htm">Time</a> <a href="/nahum/2-4.htm">Torches</a> <a href="/zechariah/9-17.htm">Virgins</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/john/3-29.htm">Bride</a> <a href="/matthew/25-5.htm">Bridegroom</a> <a href="/matthew/25-7.htm">Bridesmaids</a> <a href="/psalms/89-6.htm">Comparable</a> <a href="/romans/8-18.htm">Compared</a> <a href="/matthew/25-6.htm">Forth</a> <a href="/matthew/26-40.htm">Found</a> <a href="/mark/2-19.htm">Friends</a> <a href="/matthew/25-14.htm">Heaven</a> <a href="/mark/1-10.htm">Heavens</a> <a href="/matthew/25-5.htm">Husband</a> <a href="/matthew/25-14.htm">Kingdom</a> <a href="/matthew/25-3.htm">Lamps</a> <a href="/matthew/25-7.htm">Maidens</a> <a href="/matthew/25-6.htm">Meet</a> <a href="/mark/15-1.htm">Meeting</a> <a href="/matthew/26-8.htm">Purpose</a> <a href="/matthew/25-28.htm">Ten</a> <a href="/matthew/25-5.htm">Time</a> <a href="/matthew/25-3.htm">Torches</a> <a href="/matthew/25-7.htm">Virgins</a><div class="vheading2">Matthew 25</div>1. <a href="/matthew/25-1.htm">The parable of the ten virgins,</a> 14. <a href="/matthew/25-14.htm">and of the talents.</a> 31. <a href="/matthew/25-31.htm">Also the description of the last judgment.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/matthew/25.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/matthew/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/matthew/25.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>At that time This phrase refers to the eschatological context, indicating a future event related to the end times. It connects to the broader discourse in <a href="/matthew/24.htm">Matthew 24</a>, where Jesus discusses signs of the end of the age and His second coming. The phrase sets the stage for a parable that illustrates readiness for the return of Christ.the kingdom of heaven will be like The kingdom of heaven is a central theme in Jesus' teachings, representing God's sovereign rule and the spiritual realm where His will is fulfilled. This parable is one of many that Jesus uses to describe aspects of the kingdom, emphasizing the need for preparedness and vigilance.ten virgins The virgins symbolize purity and readiness, often representing believers or members of the church. The number ten may signify completeness or a community, as it is a number often used in Jewish tradition to denote a quorum or a complete set.who took their lamps Lamps are symbolic of light and guidance, often representing the Word of God or the Holy Spirit. In the cultural context, lamps were essential for night-time travel and gatherings, highlighting the necessity of being prepared with spiritual illumination.and went out to meet the bridegroom The bridegroom is a typology of Jesus Christ, who is often depicted as the bridegroom in the New Testament (e.g., <a href="/john/3-29.htm">John 3:29</a>, <a href="/revelation/19-7.htm">Revelation 19:7</a>). The act of going out to meet Him signifies the anticipation and active waiting for Christ's return. In Jewish wedding customs, the bridegroom's arrival was a significant event, often occurring at night, requiring the bridal party to be ready and vigilant.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/t/the_kingdom_of_heaven.htm">The Kingdom of Heaven</a> Represents God's sovereign rule and the spiritual realm where His will is fulfilled. In this parable, it symbolizes the spiritual readiness required for entry into eternal life. 2. <a href="/topical/t/ten_virgins.htm">Ten Virgins</a> Symbolic of believers or members of the church. The number ten often signifies completeness in biblical terms, representing the whole community of faith. 3. <a href="/topical/l/lamps.htm">Lamps</a> Represent the preparedness and spiritual vigilance of the believers. In the context of the parable, they are essential for meeting the bridegroom. 4. <a href="/topical/t/the_bridegroom.htm">The Bridegroom</a> Represents Jesus Christ, who is often depicted as the bridegroom in the New Testament, coming to claim His bride, the Church. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_event_of_meeting_the_bridegroom.htm">The Event of Meeting the Bridegroom</a> Symbolizes the Second Coming of Christ and the final judgment, where believers must be prepared to meet their Savior.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/s/spiritual_readiness.htm">Spiritual Readiness</a> Believers must maintain a state of spiritual vigilance and preparedness, as the timing of Christ's return is unknown. <a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_wisdom.htm">The Importance of Wisdom</a> The parable distinguishes between wise and foolish virgins, teaching that wisdom involves foresight and preparation in our spiritual lives. <a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_the_holy_spirit.htm">The Role of the Holy Spirit</a> The oil in the lamps can be seen as a symbol of the Holy Spirit, emphasizing the need for a continual filling and reliance on the Spirit for spiritual readiness. <a href="/topical/c/community_and_accountability.htm">Community and Accountability</a> The collective journey of the virgins suggests the importance of community and mutual encouragement in maintaining spiritual readiness. <a href="/topical/u/urgency_of_the_gospel.htm">Urgency of the Gospel</a> The parable underscores the urgency of responding to the Gospel message and living in anticipation of Christ's return.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_matthew_25.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Matthew 25</a> <a href="/q/why_is_the_ten_virgins_parable_unclear.htm">Why does the parable of the ten virgins (Matthew 25:1–13) assume a wedding custom that seems unfamiliar or historically unsubstantiated? </a> <a href="/q/ready_for_the_unexpected_arrival.htm">Are you prepared for the unexpected arrival?</a> <a href="/q/what_if_the_end_comes_like_a_thief.htm">What if the end comes unexpectedly like a thief?</a> <a href="/q/what_is_the_bridal_paradigm.htm">What defines the concept of the Bridal Paradigm?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/matthew/25.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>XXV.(1) Then shall the kingdom of heaven . . .--The three parables of this chapter appear here as in closest sequence to the great discourse of Matthew 24, and are as its natural conclusion. On the other hand, no trace of such parables being then spoken appears either in St. Mark or St. Luke, and their absence is at least a phenomenon that calls for explanation. That which seems most probable is that the strictly apocalyptic part of the discourse was, as the destruction of Jerusalem drew near, frequently impressed by oral teaching on the minds of disciples, and then reproduced in writing, with the diversities of detail incidental to such a process, as a document complete in itself, while it was reserved for St. Matthew--here as elsewhere, eager in collecting parables--to add the teaching that actually followed it. The parables have a common aim, as impressing on the disciples the necessity at once of watchfulness and of activity in good, but each has, it will be seen, a very distinct scope of its own.Be likened unto ten virgins.--On the general meaning of the symbolism of the Wedding Feast enough has been said in the Notes on <a href="/matthew/22-2.htm" title="The kingdom of heaven is like to a certain king, which made a marriage for his son,">Matthew 22:2</a>. Here, as there, we have to remember, that while the bride is the Church in her collective unity, the contrasted characters of the members of the Church are represented here by the virgins, as there by the guests who were invited; and for this reason, probably, the bride herself is not introduced as part of the imagery of the parable. As far as the frame-work of the figure is concerned, the stage in the marriage rites which is brought before us is the return of the bridegroom, after the espousals have been completed in the house of the bride's father, to his own abode, bringing the bride with him. Jewish custom required the bridesmaids to wait at the bridegroom's house, to receive him and the bride, and as this was commonly after sunset, they were provided with lamps or torches.Which took their lamps.--Better, torches, as the word is rendered in <a href="/john/18-3.htm" title="Judas then, having received a band of men and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees, comes thither with lanterns and torches and weapons.">John 18:3</a>. These were of tow, steeped in oil and fastened to the end of sticks.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/matthew/25.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verses 1-13. - Parable of the ten virgins. (Peculiar to St. Matthew.) This parable, as a continuation of the teaching of the last chapter, sets forth the necessity of having and retaining grace unto the end, in order to be able to welcome the advent of Christ. The duty of watchfulness and preparation for the great day is, of course, implied and set forth (ver. 13); but the point is that the oil of God's grace alone enables the soul to meet the bridegroom joyfully, without dismay. The usual marriage customs of the Jews are well known. On the appointed day, the bridegroom, accompanied by his friends, proceeded to the bride's house, and thence escorted her, with her attendant maidens and friends, to his own or his parents' home. In the parable, however, the proceedings are somewhat different. Here the bridegroom is not in the town, but somewhere at a distance, so that, though the day is settled, the exact hour of his arrival is uncertain. He will come in the course of the night, and the virgins who are to meet him have assembled in the house where the wedding is to take place. They wait for the smnmons to go forth and meet the bridegroom and conduct him to the bridal place; and when the signal is given that he is approaching, they set forth on the road, each bearing her lamp (Edersheim). Verse 1. - Then. The time refers to the hour of the Lord's advent (<a href="/matthew/24-50.htm">Matthew 24:50, 51</a>), and the parousia of the Son of man (<a href="/matthew/24-36.htm">Matthew 24:36</a>, etc.). Shall the kingdom of heaven be likened. At the time named something analogous to the coming story shall happen in the Church, in the gospel dispensation. Ten virgins. Ten is the number of perfection; such a number of persons was required to form a synagogue, and to be present at any office, ceremony, or formal benediction. Talmudic authorities affirm that the lamps used in bridal processions were usually ten. The "virgins" here are the friends of the bride, who are arranged to sally forth to meet the bridegroom as soon as his approach is signalled. "The Church, in her aggregate and ideal unity, is the bride; the members of the Church, as individually called, are guests; in their separation from the world, and expectation of the Lord's coming, they are his virgins" (Lange). The bride herself is not named in the parable, as she is not needed for illustration, and the virgins occupy her place. These virgins represent believers divided into two sections; evidently they are all supposed to hold the true faith, and to be pure and undefiled followers of the Lord (<a href="/2_corinthians/11-2.htm">2 Corinthians 11:2</a>; <a href="/revelation/14-4.htm">Revelation 14:4</a>), to be waiting for his coming, and to love his appearing; but some fail for lack of grace or of perseverance, as is shown further on. Their lamps (τὰς λαμπάδας αὐτῶν, better ἑαυτῶν, their own lamps). They all made separate and personal, independent preparation for the meeting. These lamps (for they were not torches) were, as Dr. Edersheim notes, hollow cups or saucers, with a round receptacle for the wick, which was fed with pitch or oil. They were on these occasions fastened to a long wooden pole, and borne aloft in the procession. Went forth. This does not refer to the final going forth to meet the bridegroom on the road (ver. 6), as it is absurd to suppose that they all fell asleep by the wayside, with their lamps in their hands (ver. 5), and, as a fact, only five went out at last; but it doubtless intimates that they left their own homes to unite in duly celebrating the wedding. To meet the bridegroom. An evident interpolation adds, "and the bride," which the authorized Vulgate unhappily confirms, reading, exierunt obviam sponso et sponsae. In this case the scene refers to the bridegroom's return in company with his bride. But this is a misconception, as no mention is made of the bride anywhere in the genuine text. The bridegroom comes to fetch home the bride; and these maidens, her friends, assembled in her house to be ready to escort him thither (cf. 1 Macc. 9:37). The wedding seems to take place at the bride'e house, as <a href="/judges/14-10.htm">Judges 14:10</a>. <a href="/commentaries/matthew/25-1.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>At that time Τότε (Tote) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_5119.htm">Strong's 5119: </a> Then, at that time. From ho and hote; the when, i.e. At the time that. the ἡ (hē) Article - Nominative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. kingdom βασιλεία (basileia) Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_932.htm">Strong's 932: </a> From basileus; properly, royalty, i.e. rule, or a realm. of τῶν (tōn) Article - Genitive Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. heaven οὐρανῶν (ouranōn) Noun - Genitive Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3772.htm">Strong's 3772: </a> Perhaps from the same as oros; the sky; by extension, heaven; by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the Gospel. will be like ὁμοιωθήσεται (homoiōthēsetai) Verb - Future Indicative Passive - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3666.htm">Strong's 3666: </a> To make like, liken; I compare. From homoios; to assimilate, i.e. Compare; passively, to become similar. ten δέκα (deka) Adjective - Dative Feminine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1176.htm">Strong's 1176: </a> Ten. A primary number; ten. virgins παρθένοις (parthenois) Noun - Dative Feminine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3933.htm">Strong's 3933: </a> Of unknown origin; a maiden; by implication, an unmarried daughter. who αἵτινες (haitines) Personal / Relative Pronoun - Nominative Feminine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3748.htm">Strong's 3748: </a> Whosoever, whichsoever, whatsoever. took λαβοῦσαι (labousai) Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Feminine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_2983.htm">Strong's 2983: </a> (a) I receive, get, (b) I take, lay hold of. their ἑαυτῶν (heautōn) Reflexive Pronoun - Genitive Feminine 3rd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1438.htm">Strong's 1438: </a> Himself, herself, itself. lamps λαμπάδας (lampadas) Noun - Accusative Feminine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_2985.htm">Strong's 2985: </a> A torch, lamp, lantern. From lampo; a 'lamp' or flambeau. [and] went out ἐξῆλθον (exēlthon) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1831.htm">Strong's 1831: </a> To go out, come out. From ek and erchomai; to issue. to εἰς (eis) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1519.htm">Strong's 1519: </a> A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases. meet ὑπάντησιν (hypantēsin) Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5222.htm">Strong's 5222: </a> A meeting. From hupantao; an encounter or concurrence. the τοῦ (tou) Article - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. bridegroom. νυμφίου (nymphiou) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3566.htm">Strong's 3566: </a> A bridegroom. From numphe; a bride-groom. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/matthew/25-1.htm">Matthew 25:1 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/matthew/25-1.htm">Matthew 25:1 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/matthew/25-1.htm">Matthew 25:1 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/matthew/25-1.htm">Matthew 25:1 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/matthew/25-1.htm">Matthew 25:1 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/matthew/25-1.htm">Matthew 25:1 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/matthew/25-1.htm">Matthew 25:1 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/matthew/25-1.htm">Matthew 25:1 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/matthew/25-1.htm">Matthew 25:1 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/matthew/25-1.htm">Matthew 25:1 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/matthew/25-1.htm">NT Gospels: Matthew 25:1 Then the Kingdom of Heaven will be (Matt. Mat Mt) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/matthew/24-51.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Matthew 24:51"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Matthew 24:51" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/matthew/25-2.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Matthew 25:2"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Matthew 25:2" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>