The Parable of the Ten Virgins: Some Questions & Things to Consider

Matthew 25:1-13 (KJV):  

1 Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom.

2 And five of them were wise, and five were foolish.

3 They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them:

4 But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps.

5 While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept.

6 And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him.

7 Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps.

8 And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out.

9 But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves.

10 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.

11 Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us.

12 But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not.

13 Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.

Matthew 25:1-13 (TPT):  

1 “When my coming draws near, heaven’s kingdom realm can be compared to ten maidens who took their oil lamps and went outside to meet the bridegroom and his bride.

2 Five of them were foolish and ill-prepared, for they took no extra oil for their lamps.

3 Five of them were wise, for they took flasks of olive oil with their lamps.

4 When the bridegroom didn’t come when they expected, they all grew drowsy and fell asleep.

5 Then suddenly, in the middle of the night, they were awakened by the shout ‘Get up! The bridegroom is here! Come out and have an encounter with him!’

6 So all the girls got up and trimmed their lamps.

7 But the foolish ones were running out of oil, so they said to the five wise ones, ‘Share your oil with us, because our lamps are going out!’

8 ‘We can’t,’ they replied. ‘We don’t have enough for all of us. You’ll have to go and buy some for yourselves!’

9 While the five girls were out buying oil, the bridegroom appeared.

10 Those who were ready and waiting were escorted inside with him and the wedding party to enjoy the feast. And then the door was locked.

11 Later, the five foolish girls came running up to the door and pleaded, ‘Lord, Lord, let us come in!’

12 But he called back, ‘Go away! Do I know you? I can assure you, I don’t even know you!’

13 That is the reason you should always stay awake and be alert, because you don’t know the day or the hour when the Bridegroom will appear.”

Manners & Customs of The Bible:

In the Parable of the Ten Virgins (Matthew 25:1-13), James M. Freeman’s Manners and Customs of the Bible illuminates the ancient Jewish wedding customs that give the story its vivid urgency. On such occasions, the bridegroom, accompanied by his friends, would journey to the bride’s home at night to escort her and her attendants in a joyful procession back to his house for the feast, with the ten virgins likely serving as the bride’s companions who joined the parade at a designated spot, their torches or lamps—often rags soaked in olive oil atop staffs or in brass vessels—providing brilliant illumination amid the secretive, celebratory darkness.

The wise virgins carried extra oil in vessels to sustain the flames, essential for these nocturnal events where light was lavishly displayed, while the foolish did not, risking darkness during the wait. Once the party arrived and entered the bridegroom’s home, the door was firmly shut by the master of the house, barring any latecomers, no matter their pleas, a strict custom at formal banquets that underscores the parable’s call to unwavering readiness.

That closing line in either version carries such weight. “Watch therefore.” Jesus is gently but firmly urging us, “Stay alert, friends. Don’t let your guard down.” Imagine it: Ten young women, all eagerly awaiting the celebration, yet only five enter the feast. It’s a sobering reminder. This isn’t meant to weigh us down with shame; rather, it’s an encouragement to prepare thoughtfully for what lies ahead.

I’ve immediately got some questions here, and along with this being said, realize, I may not find the answers at this moment or have a resolution of this parable today, but I LOVE considering these things and how it aligns with other scripture.

So, some questions:

1. Who are the virgins?

2. What is a virgin in this context?

3. Why is this a 50%-50% equation?

4. There are are two groups of virgins – the wise and the foolish…not a question per se, but an observation.

5. Verse 3 says the foolish took their lamps, but didn’t take any oil…again not a question, but an observation.

6. The bridegroom is doing his thing.

7. The foolish virgins in verse 8 NOW say, give us your oil, our lamps are gone out (WAIT, it said above they didn’t bring any oil!).

8. The foolish want access to the the marriage, but the bridegroom says, NOPE, I don’t know you.

9. Who is this parable speaking of? Israel or the Church? It can’t be both.

Some parallels too! I love the idea of the parallel of the Bridegroom going to prepare a home for his Bride. This is what Jesus says he is doing as well!

John 14:1-4

“Don’t worry or surrender to your fear.  For you’ve believed in God, now trust and believe in me also.  2My Father’s house has many dwelling places.  If it were otherwise, I would tell you plainly, because I go to prepare a place for you. 3And when everything is ready, I will come back and take you to myself so that you will be where I am. 4 And you already know the way to the place where I’m going.”

In my understanding, Jesus is talking to Israel. Israel is the Bride. Not the Church or the Body. The Bride and the Church are two separate groups of believers.

If this parable has you reflecting deeply (or even a bit unsettled) that’s ok, but Jesus’ heart in the end is to show that we want to be ready! 

Being ready in my mind means looking to the things of God, living life, loving others as I would want to be loved, and pointing others to Jesus, so that they, too can be invited to the marriage. To be born again. To live life with our eyes wide open, no longer being deceived.

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