Parable of the Ten Virgins: Verse, Meaning & Lesson

The Parable of the Ten Virgins is in Matthew 25:1–13. Jesus told this parable to teach the necessity of being prepared and vigilant for the return of Christ, as those who are ready will enter the Kingdom of Heaven, while the unprepared will be left out.

This guide gives you a complete summary of the Parable of the Ten Virgins, including the verses in Scripture, the meaning, and lessons that can be applied to the Christian life.

Note: This parable is also referred to as the Parable of the Wise and Foolish Virgins.

Parable of the Ten Virginset In Scripture

Matthew 25:1–13 – Parable of the Ten Virgins

¹ “Then the Kingdom of Heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. ² Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. ³ Those who were foolish, when they took their lamps, took no oil with them, ⁴ but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. ⁵ Now while the bridegroom delayed, they all slumbered and slept. ⁶ But at midnight there was a cry, ‘Behold! The bridegroom is coming! Come out to meet him!’ ⁷ Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps.† ⁸ The foolish said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’ ⁹ But the wise answered, saying, ‘What if there isn’t enough for us and you? You go rather to those who sell, and buy for yourselves.’ ¹⁰ While they went away to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding feast, and the door was shut. ¹¹ Afterward the other virgins also came, saying, ‘Lord, Lord, open to us.’ ¹² But he answered, ‘Most certainly I tell you, I don’t know you.’ ¹³ Watch therefore, for you don’t know the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming.”

Read Matthew 25

Parable of the Ten Virgins Meaning

This parable means that believers must be prepared for the unexpected return of Christ, symbolized by the wise virgins who brought extra oil for their lamps. Jesus used this metaphor to emphasize the importance of readiness for the final judgment and the consequences of being unprepared, as the foolish virgins found themselves shut out of the Kingdom of God.

Parable of the Ten Virgins Lessons

Be Prepared

The main lesson is to be prepared for the second coming of Christ. In the parable, the wise virgins were prepared with extra oil, symbolizing the need for believers to be spiritually prepared for Christ’s return.

Stay Vigilant

It also teaches the importance of vigilance, as the bridegroom came at an unexpected hour, and only those who were ready entered the feast.

Value Spiritual Readiness

The extra oil represents spiritual richness, such as faith and good deeds, which cannot be borrowed at the last minute.

Expect Delays

The bridegroom was delayed, reminding Christians that Jesus Christ’s return may not happen when expected, and they should remain faithful regardless.

The Finality of Christ’s Return

Another important lesson to understand is that when the door was closed, the foolish virgins could not enter. This signifies the finality of the judgment at Christ’s return. This emphasizes the importance of being constantly ready for the second coming of Jesus, living a life of faith and obedience to God.

Want Your Own Copy of Jesus’ Parables Complete With Interpretations and Life Applications?

Grab Our NEW Profound Parables Book

Discover the power and purpose of Jesus’ teachings through this comprehensive study guide.

Find Out More

Summary of the Parable of the Ten Virgins

We hope you enjoyed this summary of the Parable of the Ten Virgins.

As you discovered, the Parable of the Ten Virgins appears in Matthew 25:1–13. And the primary meaning of the parable is that believers should be prepared and vigilant for the second coming of Christ, as those who are ready will enter the Kingdom of Heaven, while the unprepared will be left out. The life lessons include being prepared, staying vigilant, valuing spiritual readiness, expecting delays, and understanding the finality of Christ’s return.

Biblevise

Biblevise is an online ministry that’s focused on getting people excited about reading the Bible and connecting the Scriptures to their daily lives.