Matthew 25
The ten bridesmaids
Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. And five of them were wise, and five were foolish. They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them: But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him. Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out. But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves. And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut. Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not. Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.
Jesus compares the kingdom to ten young women waiting with lamps to meet a bridegroom. Five take extra oil and five do not. When the bridegroom is delayed until midnight, the foolish ones' lamps are going out; while they go to buy oil he arrives, and the door is shut. The lesson: keep watch, for no one knows the day or the hour.
What does this mean?
'Virgins' (KJV and WEB) here means unmarried young women, bridesmaids. The lamps may have been torches of oil-soaked rags or small clay oil lamps; either needed a supply of oil.
Historical context
Wedding customs of the time are only partly known, but the bridegroom seems to have fetched the bride and led a procession, often at night, to the wedding feast, with attendants carrying lights.
Why does it matter?
Only Matthew tells this parable. The oil has been interpreted as good works, faith, the Spirit or simply readiness; the text does not say. The shut door and 'I know you not' echo 7:23.
Editorial notes, not scripture.