Matthew 25:1

Matthew 25:1-13. The Parable of the Ten Virgins

In St Matthew only.

1. Then In the Last Day the time just spoken of.

the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins The condition of the Church at the End of the World shall be like the condition of the ten virgins described in the parable.

This parable is another warning for the disciples of Christ "to watch." Like the rest of the discourse it is primarily addressed to the Apostles, and after them to the pastors of the Church, who are posted as sentinels for the coming of Christ; lastly, to all Christians. Whatever interpretation may be put on the lesser incidents they must be subordinated to the lesson of the parable vigilance, and the reason for vigilance the certainty of the event, and the uncertainty as to the time of its occurrence.

their lamps Either like the familiar Roman lamps carried in the hand or attached to staves, or else torches which were sometimes fed with oil.

to meet the bridegroom The usual Jewish custom was for the "friends of the bridegroom" to conduct the bride to her husband's home; and when the procession arrived, the bridegroom went forth to lead the bride across the threshold (Lightfoot, Hor. Hebr.ad loc., and Dr Ginsburg in Kitto's Cycl. of Bib. Lit.). The imagery of the parable, however, implies that the bridegroom himself went to fetch his bride perhaps from a great distance, while a group of maidens await his return ready to welcome him in Oriental fashion with lamps and flambeaux.