1Then the kingdom of the heavens will be likened to ten virgins who, having taken their lamps, went out to meet the bridegroom.2Five of them were foolish and five were thoughtful.3For the foolish, having taken their lamps, did not take olive oil with them.4The thoughtful, however, took olive oil in jars along with their lamps.5While the bridegroom delayed, they all became drowsy and fell asleep.6At midnight a shout arose: Look! The bridegroom! Go out to meet him.7Then all those virgins got up and trimmed their lamps.8The foolish said to the thoughtful, Give us some of your olive oil, because our lamps are going out.9The thoughtful replied, There may not be enough for us and for you; go instead to the sellers and buy some for yourselves.10While they went to buy, the bridegroom arrived, the ready ones entered with him into the wedding, and the door was closed.11Later the other virgins arrived and said, Lord, lord, open to us.12He answered, Truly I say to you, I do not know you.13Watch therefore, because you do not know the day or the hour.