^{1 Ref} `Then shall the reign of the heavens be likened to ten virgins, who, having taken their lamps, went forth to meet the bridegroom;

^{2 Ref} and five of them were prudent, and five foolish;

^{3 Ref} they who were foolish having taken their lamps, did not take with themselves oil;

^{4 Ref} and the prudent took oil in their vessels, with their lamps.

^{5 Ref} `And the bridegroom tarrying, they all nodded and were sleeping,

^{6 Ref} and in the middle of the night a cry was made, Lo, the bridegroom doth come; go ye forth to meet him.

^{7 Ref} `Then rose all those virgins, and trimmed their lamps,

^{8 Ref} and the foolish said to the prudent, Give us of your oil, because our lamps are going out;

^{9 Ref} and the prudent answered, saying -- Lest there may not be sufficient for us and you, go ye rather unto those selling, and buy for yourselves.

^{10 Ref} `And while they are going away to buy, the bridegroom came, and those ready went in with him to the marriage-feasts, and the door was shut;

^{11 Ref} and afterwards come also do the rest of the virgins, saying, Sir, sir, open to us;

^{12 Ref} and he answering said, Verily I say to you, I have not known you.

^{13 Ref} `Watch therefore, for ye have not known the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man doth come.

^{14 Ref} `For -- as a man going abroad did call his own servants, and did deliver to them his substance,