Matthew 25:1-13

GOD’S WORD Translation

A Story about Ten Bridesmaids

25 “When the end comes, the kingdom of heaven will be like ten bridesmaids. They took their oil lamps and went to meet the groom. ² Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. ³ The foolish bridesmaids took their lamps, but they didn’t take any extra oil. ⁴ The wise bridesmaids, however, took along extra oil for their lamps. ⁵ Since the groom was late, all the bridesmaids became drowsy and fell asleep.

⁶ “At midnight someone shouted, ‘The groom is here! Come to meet him!’ ⁷ Then all the bridesmaids woke up and got their lamps ready.

⁸ “The foolish ones said to the wise ones, ‘Give us some of your oil. Our lamps are going out.’

⁹ “But the wise bridesmaids replied, ‘We can’t do that. There won’t be enough for both of us. Go! Find someone to sell you some oil.’

¹⁰ “While they were buying oil, the groom arrived. The bridesmaids who were ready went with him into the wedding hall, and the door was shut.

¹¹ “Later the other bridesmaids arrived and said, ‘Sir, sir, open the door for us!’

¹² “But he answered them, ‘I don’t even know who you are!’

¹³ “So stay awake, because you don’t know the day or the hour.