Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom.

MATTHEW 25:1KJV
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Matthew 25:1 (KJV)

What does Matthew 25:1 mean?

Matthew 25:1 describes Jesus comparing the kingdom of heaven to ten virgins who each took a lamp and went out to meet a bridegroom. This verse introduces a parable about being prepared for the coming of someone important, using a wedding setting familiar to Jesus’ listeners.

In this verse, Jesus is speaking to His disciples during His final teachings before His arrest. The setting is a Jewish wedding, where young women (virgins) would wait for the groom’s arrival. The verse sets up a story about readiness and expectation, using everyday details from first-century Jewish life to make a spiritual point.

The Greek behind Matthew 25:1

  • βασιλεία (basileia, "kingdom"): This word means a realm or reign, not just a physical place. Here, it points to God’s rule or the way God’s purposes unfold, not just heaven as a location.
  • παραβολή (parabolē, "likened"): The Greek word used for "likened" (ὁμοιωθήσεται, homoiōthēsetai) signals that Jesus is about to tell a parable—a story meant to illustrate a deeper truth, not a literal event.
  • παρθένοι (parthenoi, "virgins"): This term refers to unmarried young women, often used in wedding customs of the time. Their role in the story highlights innocence and expectation.
  • λαμπάς (lampas, "lamps"): The word for "lamps" refers to small oil lamps, not candles or torches. These were essential for nighttime processions, emphasizing the need for preparation.

Why Matthew 25:1 matters

  • This verse clears up that Jesus is not talking about an actual wedding, but using a familiar event to teach about spiritual readiness for God’s kingdom.
  • The focus on lamps and meeting the bridegroom sets up the theme of preparation, which is central to the rest of the parable.
  • Understanding the cultural background—wedding customs and the role of the virgins—helps the reader see why Jesus chose this picture to talk about being ready for what God will do.

Where else these words appear

“meet” Greek G529 · used in 4 verses

  • Matthew 25:6 And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him.
  • Acts 28:15 And from thence, when the brethren heard of us, they came to meet us as far as Appii forum, and The three taverns: whom when Paul saw, he thanked God, and took courage.
  • 1 Thessalonians 4:17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.

“lamps” Greek G2985 · used in 9 verses

  • Matthew 25:3 They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them:
  • Matthew 25:7 Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps.
  • Acts 20:8 And there were many lights in the upper chamber, where they were gathered together.

“bridegroom” Greek G3566 · used in 12 verses

  • Matthew 9:15 And Jesus said unto them, Can the children of the bridechamber mourn, as long as the bridegroom is with them? but the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken from them, and then shall they fast.
  • Matthew 25:10 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.
  • Luke 5:35 But the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken away from them, and then shall they fast in those days.

“virgins” Greek G3933 · used in 13 verses

  • Matthew 1:23 Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.
  • Acts 21:9 And the same man had four daughters, virgins, which did prophesy.
  • 1 Corinthians 7:36 But if any man think that he behaveth himself uncomely toward his virgin, if she pass the flower of her age, and need so require, let him do what he will, he sinneth not: let them marry.