1 "THEN the kingdom of heaven will be like ten maidens who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom.
2 Five of them were foolish and five were wise;
3 for the foolish ones took their lamps, but took with them no oil;
4 while the wise took oil in their flasks with their lamps.
5 As the bridegroom was late in coining, all grew drowsy and slept.
6 At midnight a cry was raised, 'Here is the bridegroom. Come out to meet him!'
7 Then all those maidens arose and trimmed their lamps.
8 But the foolish said to the wise, 'Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.'
9 But the wise answered, 'There may not be enough for us and you. Go rather to the dealers and buy for yourselves.'
10 While they were going to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding, and the door was shut.
11 Afterwards came the rest of the maidens, saying, 'Master, Master, open for us.'
12 But he answered, 'I tell you truly I do not know you.'
13 Watch, therefore, for you do not know the day nor the hour.