The Parable about the Ten Bridesmaids

25 “At that time, the kingdom from^[a] heaven will be comparable to ten bridesmaids^[b] who took their oil lamps and went out to meet the groom.^{[c] 2} Now five of them were foolish, and five were wise, ³ because when the foolish ones took their lamps, they didn’t take any oil with them. ⁴ But the wise ones took flasks of oil with their lamps. ⁵ Since the groom was late, all of them became sleepy and lay down. ⁶ But at midnight there came a shout: ‘The groom is here! Come out to meet him!’ ⁷ Then all the bridesmaids^[d] woke up and got their lamps ready.

⁸ “But the foolish ones told the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, because our lamps are going out!’

⁹ “But the wise ones replied, ‘No! There will never be enough for us and for you. You’d better go to the dealers and buy some for yourselves.’

¹⁰ “While they were away buying it, the groom arrived. Those who were ready went with him into the wedding banquet, and the door was closed. ¹¹ Later, the other bridesmaids^[e] arrived and said, ‘Lord, lord, open up for us!’

¹² “But he replied, ‘I tell all of you^[f] with certainty, I don’t know you!’ ¹³ So keep on watching, because you don’t know the day or the hour.”^[g]