1"Then1the kingdom of heaven will be comparable to tenvirgins, whotook their 2lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom.
2
"Five of them were foolish, and five were 3prudent.
3
"For when the foolishtook their lamps, they tooknooil with them,
4
but the 4prudenttookoil in flasks along with their lamps.
5
"Now while the bridegroom was delaying, they allgotdrowsy and began to sleep.
6
"But at midnight* there was a shout, 'Behold, the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.'
7
"Thenallthosevirginsrose and trimmed their lamps.
8
"The foolishsaid to the prudent, 'Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.'
9
"But the 5prudentanswered, 'No, there will not be enough for us and you too; goinstead to the dealers and buy some for yourselves.'
10
"And while they were goingaway to make the purchase, the bridegroomcame, and those who were 6readywent in with him to 7the weddingfeast; and 8the door was shut.
11
"Later the othervirginsalsocame, saying, '9Lord, lord, open up for us.'
12
"But he answered, 'Truly I say to you, I do not know you.'
13
"10Be on the alertthen, for you do not know the daynor the hour.