The Parable of the Ten Virgins Meaning & Key Bible Verses

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Lord’s Library editors assembled this short resource which offers a Parable of the Ten Virgins meaning and summary, with key Scriptures.

This parable likens the Kingdom of Heaven to ten virgins who went to meet the bridegroom, taking their lamps with them. The wise ones brought oil for their lamps, while the foolish ones did not. When the bridegroom arrived, the wise ones were ready to go out to meet him. The foolish ones were not because they didn’t have enough oil for their lamps.

When the foolish virgins returned and pleaded to be let in, the bridegroom replied that he did not know them and refused them entry. The parable concludes with Jesus’ admonition to “watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.”

Jesus is teaching through this parable that we must be prepared for His return. The wise virgins are the ones who had been prepared in every way for His coming. The foolish ones were the ones who were not. We must be ready for His return or we will not be ready to go out and meet Him, getting left behind instead.

The Gospel

Parable of the Ten Virgins Meaning


The Parable of the Ten Virgins meaning can be found in Matthew 25:1-13:

Matthew 25:1-13

“Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. nd five of them were wise, and five were foolish. They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them: But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him. Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out. 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. 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. Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not. Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.”


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Timothy Andrew

Tim is the Founder of Lord's Library. He believes the Bible commands us to minister "as of the ability which God giveth" (1 Peter 4:11). Tim aspires to be as The Lord's mouth by "taking forth the precious from the vile" (Jeremiah 15:19) and witnessing The Gospel of Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 15: 1-4) to the whole world.

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