The Parable of the 10 Virgins

[revvel]

The 10 Virgins: Christ & OT Prophets, Matthew 24:27-31

I think we all can agree, the context of Matthew 25 is Matthew 24.

When Christ’s prophecy (24:27-31) is fulfilled, several Old Testament prophecies will be fulfilled as well. Thus, we have several witnesses speaking with one voice on the subject of the “elect.” Who are the “elect” (the context of the 10 Virgins)? Let Christ and the prophets speak.

Christ:

Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light…. And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other. (Matt. 24:29, 31)

Ezekiel: 

Thus says the Lord God: “Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe upon these slain [the dead] so that they live.” … He said to me, “Son of man, these bones are the whole house of Israel.” (Ezek. 37:9, 11)

Joel: 

The sun and moon darken, and the stars withdraw their radiance. The Lord roars from Zion, and sounds His voice from Jerusalem, and heaven and earth quake. But the Lord is a refuge for His people, and a stronghold for the children of Israel. (Joel 3:15, 16)

 Isaiah:

[Y]ou shall be gathered one by one, O sons of Israel. And in that day the great trumpet shall be blown, and those who were ready to perish in the land of Assyria and the outcasts in the land of Egypt shall worship the Lord in the holy mount at Jerusalem. (Isa. 27:12, 13)

“Israel mine elect” (Isa. 45:4). “Israel shall be saved by the Lord with an everlasting salvation” (Isa. 45:17).

Daniel:

Seventy weeks have been determined for your people and upon your holy city… and to make atonement for iniquity…” (Dan. 9:24)

Christ shall deliver Israel from the Antichrist, redeem Israel, and make atonement for the house of Jacob (Daniel’s people)—as Christ revealed in the revelation of the mystery. 

The “Parable of the 10 Virgins” is in the context of the following: the elect, dark moon, great trumpet, Christ’s second coming to Israel—and the Fig Tree. I’ll come back to this divine truth.

Next: 10 Virgins: “Sleeping” Metaphor, Isaiah, Christ & The Mystery 

Peace.

revvel

[revvel]

10 Virgins: “Sleeping” Metaphor, Isaiah, Christ & The Mystery

“While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept.” (Matt. 25:5)

The key word is “all”: 100% of the virgins—wise and foolish—“slumbered and slept” … while the bridegroom tarried.

So we are all on the same page: The 10 virgins are symbols; they aren’t literally going to “sleep” at night in the parable, waking up to have their breakfast.

The Parable of the 10 Virgins is just that… a parable, a fictitious story, an illustration with symbols.

What is the divine truth that Christ’s parable reveals about slumbering into sleep?

Don’t we have an honest responsibility before Christ to at least ask?

What does “sleeping” represent in the parable?

Does Christ have an answer? Yes, He does.

Does anyone know how He revealed it to us?

The answer is in Matthew & Romans.

Peace.

revvel

[revvel]

Tomorrow I’ll post the words of Isaiah, Christ, and Paul on the symbol of sleeping/eyes closed.

But until then, consider this:

If I was to say to you on this thread, WAKE UP! … how would you take it?

1.       I’m telling you to get out of bed  (literal usage)

2.      I’m telling you to get a different perspective/a new set of eyes on the subject/newfound awareness/a realization  (symbolic usage)

If you can grasp WAKE UP as a symbol, then you can grasp the symbol of slumbering into sleep/eyes closed.

When do the 10 virgins WAKE UP?

Only when Messiah personally arrives. Think about it. Until then….................. sleeping.

Who does that sound like?

When I post tomorrow, you will have the words of Isaiah, Christ, and Paul to back you up on the symbol of sleeping/eyes closed. 

Peace.

revvel

[Dennis1209]

As was mentioned, this parable is difficult to discern. Theologians and scholars are all over the place with its meaning and interpretation. I, too, continue to struggle with its meaning. I think the main point of the parable is preparedness and expectation to be ready at an unknown appointed time. Right or wrong, I’d like to break down my thoughts of the what, who, when, and why in this parable.

The wedding would begin at the bride’s house when the bridegroom arrived to observe the wedding ritual. Then, a procession would follow as the bridegroom took the bride to his house to complete the festivities. For a night wedding, “lamps,” which were actually torches, were needed for the procession.

Amazingly, the Rapture of the church mirrors the traditional Jewish wedding of the 2nd Temple period: the betrothal, earnest down payment, patient waiting and expectation of the bridegroom, the bridegroom building an addition to his father’s house for him and his bride; when finished, the father telling his son to go snatch his bride and bring her back; then the sudden appearance of the bridegroom to fetch his bride. The wedding and the wedding feast.

The door can be considered a wall of separation, inside is the kingdom of heaven, outside is outer darkness. There seems to be another distinction also;

Matthew 25:12 (KJV) But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not.

Matthew 7:23 (KJV) And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

Are there any implications between “I know you not” and “I never knew you?”

I see the Ten Virgins as attendants (managers, stewardes) and guests to the bride of Christ (Israel). What are the implications inside the door, and who is inside?  I believe the marriage of the Lamb is about to occur, shortly followed by the wedding feast. The Ten Virgins (or bridesmaids) will be attendees and guests at the wedding and celebration. Could the oil be representative of the garment required for admission?

Matthew 22:11 (KJV) And when the king came in to see the guests, he saw there a man which had not on a wedding garment: [What is the appropriate wedding garment?]

Psalm 45:13 (KJV) The king's daughter is all glorious within: her clothing is of wrought gold. 14 She shall be brought unto the king in raiment of needlework: the virgins her companions that follow her shall be brought unto thee. 15 With gladness and rejoicing shall they be brought: they shall enter into the king's palace.

The topic and when is stated in 25:1, the kingdom of heaven (or millennial reign of Christ). John the Baptist came exclusively preaching the kingdom of heaven to the Jew’s, not the Gentiles as I regard it.  The children of the kingdom were to be the Jews. Later by the grace of God, the Gentiles were grafted in.

Matthew 8:12 (KJV) But the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

Also of importance:

Daniel 9:24 (KJV) Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city, to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most Holy.

Note the five critical words in this parable: 1. Wise. 2. Foolish. 3. Lamp. 4. Light. 5. Oil. Many agree that this parable talks about the house of Israel (ten tribes), not the Christians or the church. Verses 11 and 12 indicate there will be no second chances.

I know many believe this parable represents Christians and the church, and I would not debate against it. However, I have changed my view on this parable several times with each successive study. Our 50₵ word is exegesis.

A brief commentary on the oil: Oil is symbolic of the Spirit of God. In that day I think there will be phonies as there were at His first coming. Jesus called them hypocrites. They will have lamps but no oil.

Notice that both the wise and the foolish virgins slept. The difference in them was that some had the Holy Spirit (represented by the oil) and some did not—because they were not genuine believers.

Our Lord concludes this parable with a warning—Notice that it is “the day nor the hour” rather than the century or the year, as it is from our perspective. The attitude for His own during this future period is to watch. That is the important thing for them to do.¹

¹ McGee, J. Vernon. 1991. Thru the Bible Commentary: The Gospels (Matthew 14-28). Electronic ed. Vol. 35. Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

Revelation 3:18 (KJV) I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest se

[Vine Abider]

2 hours ago, Dennis1209 said:

Notice that both the wise and the foolish virgins slept. The difference in them was that some had the Holy Spirit (represented by the oil) and some did not—because they were not genuine believers.

I would contend they were all genuine believers:

1. They were all waiting on the Bridegroom

2. They all heard the speaking to go meet the Bridegroom

3. They all went out to meet Him

4. They all had at least some oil ("our lamps are going out")

5. Therefore their lamps were all burning at some point and this indicates spiritual rebirth

These attributes say to me they were all believers, but some were not properly prepared and were therefore disciplined. The hard word comes in verse 12 when the Lord replies to the foolish ones and says, "Truly I tell you, I don't know you."  In our pursuit of Christ, we can have either relationship or religion.  If we are just following an outward religion, we will never get to know the Lord Himself, and He will not know us - we will therefore not be prepared.

[missmuffet]

On 2/16/2025 at 2:49 AM, enoob57 said:

This is a difficult parable to say the least...
noting from GotQuestions to establish foundational aspects of!

In examining the Parable of the Ten Virgins (Matthew 25:1–13), it's important to recognize that interpretations of this parable vary widely.
However, the aspects that are clear:

The bridegroom represents Jesus Christ, and the parable illustrates His return. In the Old Testament (Isaiah 54:4–6; 62:4-5; Hosea 2:19), God is depicted as the "husband" of Israel, while in the New Testament (John 3:27–30; Matthew 9:15; Mark 2:19–20), Christ is portrayed as the bridegroom of the Church.

The Church itself is described as the bride of Christ (Ephesians 5:25–32).

Immediately we are moved into the eschatological aspects of Jesus' return... and the body of Christ is all over in this point...
We know the virgins are not the Church=Bride of... so identifying them would be perhaps the historical aspect of Jewish culture at that time?

As the doctrine of eternal security is well established not by works but by essence the problem is multiplied here by not having and thus not permitted to continue past the door!
Matthew 25:12 (KJV)

[12] But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not.

We know this statement is seen elsewhere by Jesus 
Matthew 7:21 (KJV)

[21] Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.

[22] Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?

[23] And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

As these were rejected by works reliant ...

So, the oil not works and not essence leaving only The Scripture which works in OT and NT... what I have thus far.

Psalms 119:105 (KJV)

[105] NUN. Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.

Luke 1:78 (KJV)

[78] Through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the dayspring from on high hath visited us,

[79] To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.

 

 

 

I only partially agree. To me the 10 virgins represent all born again Christians who are prepared for Christ's return

in the rapture of the Church. Those who do not have the oil are all the unbelievers. The virgins also represent

the nation of Israel. There is a debate among the Church and some think that the virgins represent the second

coming of Jesus Christ. Time will tell with that.

[revvel]

Thank you missmuffet, Vine Abider & Dennis1209 for your input.

Stick around… Let’s view the parable from within, and from the Gospel of Matthew, the Gospel of Luke, from Paul, from John, from the Old Testament prophets, and Christ’s revelation of the Mystery… Let’s get multiple witnesses on this subject.

First: What do “sleeping” virgins symbolize? “While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept” (Matt. 25:5). 100% of the virgins—wise and foolish—slept.

10 Virgins: “Sleeping” Metaphor, Isaiah, Christ & The Mystery

Per Isaiah & Christ & Paul: “Sleeping” means “Eyes Closed,” Symbolically/Spiritually.   

Isaiah 29

“Be delayed and wait, blind yourselves and be blind. They are drunk, but not with wine.
They stagger, but not with strong drink. For the Lord has poured out on you the spirit of deep sleep and has closed your eyes.” (Isa. 29:9, 10)

Isaiah 6

He said, “Go, and tell this people: ‘Keep on hearing, but do not understand; keep on seeing, but do not perceive.’ Make the heart of this people dull, and their ears heavy, and shut their eyes; lest they see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and turn and be healed.” (Isa. 6:9, 10)

Matthew 13: Christ Quoted Isaiah 6

“Therefore I speak to them in parables:

‘Because they look, but do not see. And they listen, but they do not hear, neither do they understand.’ In them is fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah which says:

‘By hearing, you will hear and shall not understand, and seeing, you will see and shall not perceive; for this people’s heart has grown dull. Their ears have become hard of hearing, and they have closed their eyes, lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears and understand with their hearts, and turn, and I should heal them.’” (Matt. 13:13-15)

Romans 11: Paul, The Mystery for Israel & the House of Jacob

Christ returned to the “eyes” metaphor, when He revealed to Paul the mystery for Israel & the house of Jacob.

For I, brethren, would not have you be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits: that blindness in part has happened to [has come over*] Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles be come in. And so all Israel shall be saved, as it is written: “There shall come out of Zion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob. For this is My covenant unto them when I shall take away their sins.” (Rom. 11:25-27)

*“Happened” in Hebrew means “to come over”; in Greek: “to come into existence.”

Next: The Parable of the 10 Virgins: Witnesses

Peace.

revvel

Edited February 20 by revvel

[Dennis1209]

5 hours ago, Vine Abider said:

I would contend they were all genuine believers:

1. They were all waiting on the Bridegroom

2. They all heard the speaking to go meet the Bridegroom

3. They all went out to meet Him

4. They all had at least some oil ("our lamps are going out")

5. Therefore their lamps were all burning at some point and this indicates spiritual rebirth

These attributes say to me they were all believers, but some were not properly prepared and were therefore disciplined. The hard word comes in verse 12 when the Lord replies to the foolish ones and says, "Truly I tell you, I don't know you."  In our pursuit of Christ, we can have either relationship or religion.  If we are just following an outward religion, we will never get to know the Lord Himself, and He will not know us - we will therefore not be prepared.

As I alluded to, I have no strong convictions about this parable; I’ve changed my view several times over the years. Matthew 25 does not indicate precisely what the oil represents; it could represent the Holy Spirit, anointing, or something else.

Correct, Christianity is not a religion; it is a personal relationship with Jesus. Genuine believers are endowed with the earnest downpayment of the indwelling Holy Spirit. Anyone can claim they are a Christian, but when the Bridegroom tells them I know you not, or I never knew you, if you believe in once saved, always saved, five virgins were imposters, IMO.

Matthew 25:9 (KJV) 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.

The above verse cannot possibly refer to the Holy Spirit. Again, I suspect this parable applies to God’s chosen people, the Jews, messianic vs. orthodox. The orthodox follow the Law instead of faith and are locked out of the promise of the kingdom of heaven.

It is obvious that the five foolish were unprepared to enter the kingdom of heaven and were shut out. In past lengthy conversations between you and AdHoc, we discussed that all ten were saved, but as punishment for immaturity, they are not permitted to participate in the kingdom and are punished with stripes, if I remember correctly.

Considering scripture and what we are told about the Bema Seat of Christ, I find that hard to accept. Our faith is the reason we are at the Bema Seat as opposed to the Great White throne. We will fully account for our lives, what we did, and why. Our “works” will be judged by fire, whether for the glory and benefit of ourselves or the kingdom of God. Some will suffer a great loss of crowns and rewards because they squandered the opportunities presented for the kingdom.

On your point #5, do we see any parallels between this parable and the book of Hebrews?

Hebrews 6:4 (KJV) For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost,
5 And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come,
6 If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame.

But anyway, most theologians and scholars also struggle with the meaning of this parable. I do not have any unique insight, only how I interpret it with continued study.

[Dennis1209]

1 hour ago, revvel said:

Thank you missmuffet, Vine Abider & Dennis1209 for your input.

Stick around… Let’s view the parable from within, and from the Gospel of Matthew, the Gospel of Luke, from Paul, from John, from the Old Testament prophets, and Christ’s revelation of the Mystery… Let’s get multiple witnesses on this subject.

First: What do “sleeping” virgins symbolize? “While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept” (Matt. 25:5). 100% of the virgins—wise and foolish—slept.

10 Virgins: “Sleeping” Metaphor, Isaiah, Christ & The Mystery

Per Isaiah & Christ & Paul: “Sleeping” means “Eyes Closed,” Symbolically/Spiritually.   

Isaiah 29

“Be delayed and wait, blind yourselves and be blind. They are drunk, but not with wine.
They stagger, but not with strong drink. For the Lord has poured out on you the spirit of deep sleep and has closed your eyes.” (Isa. 29:9, 10)

Isaiah 6

He said, “Go, and tell this people: ‘Keep on hearing, but do not understand; keep on seeing, but do not perceive.’ Make the heart of this people dull, and their ears heavy, and shut their eyes; lest they see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and turn and be healed.” (Isa. 6:9, 10)

Matthew 13: Christ Quoted Isaiah 6

“Therefore I speak to them in parables:

‘Because they look, but do not see. And they listen, but they do not hear, neither do they understand.’ In them is fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah which says:

‘By hearing, you will hear and shall not understand, and seeing, you will see and shall not perceive; for this people’s heart has grown dull. Their ears have become hard of hearing, and they have closed their eyes, lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears and understand with their hearts, and turn, and I should heal them.’” (Matt. 13:13-15)

Romans 11: Paul, The Mystery for Israel & the House of Jacob

Christ returned to the “eyes” metaphor, when He revealed to Paul the mystery for Israel & the house of Jacob.

For I, brethren, would not have you be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits: that blindness in part has happened to [has come over*] Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles be come in. And so all Israel shall be saved, as it is written: “There shall come out of Zion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob. For this is My covenant unto them when I shall take away their sins.” (Rom. 11:25-27)

*“Happened” in Hebrew means “to come over”; in Greek: “to come into existence.”

Next: The Parable of the 10 Virgins: Witnesses

Peace.

revvel

Well said and a good thread. This is a major point of the parable of the Ten Virgins I am trying to convey. Was Christianity around in Isaiah’s day, to whom was he writing and talking to? Israel. I see the same in Matthew 25. 

Thus far, your scriptural citations mostly describe prophecy directly related to Israel, not Christianity. In your conclusion, please tell us who the wise and foolish virgins represent.

[AdHoc]

On 2/18/2025 at 2:56 AM, revvel said:

AdHoc: Thank you for your comprehensive response. I read it with interest.

Based on your post, you are born again, as am I.

We are all looking back 2000 years, seeking to understand a fictious story, and how it relates to the literal prophecies: the second coming to the Holy Land (Matt. 24:27-31) & Messiah’s judgment (Matt. 25:31-46)… and of course, the kingdom of Heaven—which is the subject of the parable of the 10 virgins.

This is what I am focusing on… what you raised:

“They ALL fell asleep due to the Groom's DELAY.”

I put this question out to everyone here regarding this illustration to jump start a discussion and honestly address this question of “sleeping.”

This is the question: Being “asleep” is representative of what?

Even if you believe the 10 virgins refer to “Church goers,” and you believe you are a “wise virgin,” according to the parable… you are sleeping.

But what if the parable has been completely misinterpreted, and Christ Himself handed us the key—the mystery—to understand what the “10 virgins represent” and what “their sleep represents”?

What if—by the authority of Christ—we can finally declare who exactly is sleeping and why, and understand how Luke 21, the OT prophets (Daniel, Isaiah, Ezekiel & Joel), the apostle Paul, and Christ (Matt. 23, 24, 25) speak with one voice on this?

Let’s dive into this. I’ll be back tomorrow.

Peace.

revvel

Take your time. God bless.