✨ 📖 Matthew 25:1–13 (Parable of the Ten Virgins)

1 “Then the kingdom of heaven shall be likened to ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom.
2 Now five of them were wise, and five were foolish.
3 Those who were foolish took their lamps and took no oil with them,
4 but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps.
5 But while the bridegroom was delayed, they all slumbered and slept.
6 And at midnight a cry was heard: ‘Behold, the bridegroom is coming; go out to meet him!’
7 Then all those virgins arose and trimmed their lamps.
8 And the foolish said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’
9 But the wise answered, saying, ‘No, lest there should not be enough for us and you; but go rather to those who sell, and buy for yourselves.’
10 And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding; and the door was shut.
11 Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, ‘Lord, Lord, open to us!’
12 But he answered and said, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, I do not know you.’
13 Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming."

🔍 Hebrew Context and Symbolism
Virgins (betulot): In Hebrew thought, "virgins" can symbolize those who are spiritually pure or set apart. All ten are part of the community waiting for the bridegroom—a picture of Yeshua (Jesus).

Lamps (נֵרוֹת - nerot): Symbolic of one's inner light, often connected with Torah, wisdom, and readiness. Psalm 119:105 says, "Your word is a lamp to my feet..."

Oil (שֶׁמֶן - shemen): A powerful symbol. Oil represents:

The Holy Spirit or divine presence

Anointing, which empowers service or mission

Wisdom and preparedness

In Jewish practice, oil was essential for the Menorah in the Temple

Bridegroom (חָתָן - chatan): A direct symbol of God or the Messiah, especially in wedding customs of ancient Israel. Yeshua often portrayed Himself this way (see also John 3:29).

🕯️ The Main Message
This parable is not just about being "saved" or "unsaved"—all ten are virgins, all were waiting, all had lamps, and all fell asleep. The difference?

Preparation.
The wise had oil in reserve—they were ready even when the wait was long. The foolish did not prepare for the delay.

🗝️ Key Takeaways
The bridegroom delays – We must remain faithful even when things don’t happen in our timing.

Not everyone who waits is ready – Mere association with the community isn't enough.

Oil must be personal – It can't be borrowed at the last minute. This reflects personal devotion, obedience, and spiritual maturity.

The door closes – A time comes when it’s too late to prepare.

“I do not know you” – Echoes Matthew 7:23. This is about relationship, not just activity or knowledge.