1 THEN shall be likened the kingdom of heaven unto ten virgins, who took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom and the bride.

2 But five of them were wise, and five foolish.

3 And those foolish (ones) took their lamps, but did not take with them the oil:

4 but those were wise who took oil in vessels with their lamps.

5 But while the bridegroom withheld, they all dozed and slept.

6 And in the dividing of the night there was the cry, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go forth to his meeting.

7 Then all the virgins arose, and prepared their lamps.

8 But those foolish ones said to the wise, Give to us from your oil; for, behold, our lamps are gone out.

9 But the wise ones answered them, saying, Lest it should not suffice for us and for you; but go to those who sell, and buy for you.

10 And while they were gone to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were prepared entered with him into the house of festivity, and the gate was shut.

11 At last came also those other virgins, saying, Our Lord, our Lord, open to us!

12 But he answered and said to them, Assuredly I tell you, I know you not.

13 Be wakeful therefore, for you know not that day nor the hour.