1 "Then will the kingdom of heaven be likened to ten maidens who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom and the bride.
2 "And five of them were foolish, and five were wise.
3 "The foolish took their lamps, but took no oil with them;
4 "but the wise took oil in their flasks with their lamps.
5 "Now because the bridegroom tarried, they all fell to nodding and went on sleeping.
6 "But at midnight there arose a cry, "Behold, the bridegroom! Go out to meet him!
7 "Then all those maidens rose 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 "Not so, answered the wise, for there may not be enough for you and for us. Go to the shops, rather, and buy some for yourselves.
10 "And while they were going away to buy, the bridegroom came; and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding-feast. And the door was shut.
11 "Afterwards the other maidens came and cried, "Lord, Lord, open unto us!
12 "In solemn truth I tell you, he replied, I know you not.
13 "Be watchful then, for you know neither the day nor the hour.