Parable of the Ten Virgins

25 “Then the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. ^{[a] 2} Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. ³ For when the foolish ones took their lamps, they took no oil with them. ⁴ But the wise ones took oil in jars along with their lamps.

⁵ “Now while the bridegroom was taking a long time, they all got drowsy and started falling asleep. ⁶ But in the middle of the night there was a shout, ‘Look, the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!’ ⁷ Then all those virgins got up and trimmed their lamps. ⁸ Now the foolish ones said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, since our lamps are going out.’ ⁹ But the wise ones replied, ‘No, there won’t be enough for us and for you. Instead, go to those who sell, and buy some for yourselves.’

¹⁰ “But while they were going off to buy, the bridegroom came. And those who were ready went in with him to the wedding feast, and the door was shut. ¹¹ Now later, the other virgins came, saying, ‘Sir, Sir, open up for us!’

¹² “But he replied, ‘Amen, I tell you, I do not know you.’ ¹³ Therefore stay alert, for you know neither the day nor the hour.”