1

Then the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins, the friends of the bride, who took their lights, and went out with the purpose of meeting the husband.

2

And five of them were foolish, and five were wise.

3

For the foolish, when they took their lights, took no oil with them.

4

But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lights.

5

Now the husband was a long time in coming, and they all went to sleep.

6

But in the middle of the night there is a cry, The husband comes! Go out to him.

7

Then all those virgins got up, and made ready their lights.

8

And the foolish said to the wise, Give us of your oil for our lights are going out.

9

But the wise made answer, saying, There may not be enough for us and you it would be better for you to go to the traders and get oil for yourselves.

10

And while they went to get oil, the master came and those who were ready went in with him to the feast: and the door was shut.

11

After that the other virgins came, saying, Lord, Lord, let us in.

12

But he made answer and said, Truly I say to you, I have no knowledge of you.

13

Keep watch, then, because you are not certain of the day or of the hour.