The Parable of the 10 Virgins (Matthew 25:1-13)

Theology
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Greetings from New England. It’s nice to be here.

I’m interested in your perspective… as interpretations of the 10 Virgins scatter the prophetic map.

To begin, I’d like to ask a few questions about what you have heard about the parable.

How many of you heard the 10 virgins represent “Church goers” and the oil represents the “Holy Spirit”?

If you heard this… and you are convinced of it… can you share with us what you believe Christ is telling you:

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

The key word is “all”: 100% of the virgins (Church goers) “slumbered and slept” … while the bridegroom tarried.

What did Christ mean by that?

What is the divine truth that Christ is presenting in this parable/illustration about “Church goers” slumbering into sleep?

Also, do you see a correlation between the “Fig Tree” (Matt. 24:32-34) & the “10 Virgins”?

I ask these questions to offer a catalyst for thought.

In this thread, I’d like to present the voice of the Lord God, Christ, the Prophets & Apostles on the Parable of the 10 Virgins: the symbols, as well as the figurative & literal contexts.

I welcome your comments & questions on the parable.

Peace.

sixthseal

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Sixthseal
I’d like to discuss this portion of Scripture with you, but to be candid, I’d really like a little more understanding of who I’m discussing this topic with.
First, I see your screen name is “Sixthseal”. I assume that is because you somehow identify yourself with “The great day of wrath”?

Is your screen name somehow relevant to the subject of your post?

“I looked when He opened the sixth seal, and behold,

  • there was a great earthquake; and
  • the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became like blood. And
  • the stars of heaven fell to the earth, as a fig tree drops its late figs when it is shaken by a mighty wind.
  • Then the sky receded as a scroll when it is rolled up, and
  • every mountain and island was moved out of its place.
  • And the kings of the earth, the great men, the rich men, the commanders, the mighty men, every slave and every free man, hid themselves in the caves and in the rocks of the mountains, and said to the mountains and rocks, “Fall on us and hide us from the face of Him who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb! For the great day of His wrath has come, and who is able to stand?” Revelation 6:12-17 (NKJV)

Second, I’m not sure how to understand your text when you say:

  • “In this thread, I’d like to present the voice of the Lord God, Christ, the Prophets & Apostles on the Parable of the 10 Virgins: the symbols, as well as the figurative & literal contexts.”

Are you telling the readers that you plan to speak for God on this issue and show us the correct interpretation of this simile?

Neither of these things disturb me, but I was hoping to get a better understanding of your personal perspective on the subject you put forth. I could be badly mistaken, but your posts makes me feel like I’m being baited.

Can you help me understand your perspective a little better please?

KP

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KPuff: Many thanks for your response. I very much appreciate your transparency.

First & foremost: I am born again… Christ is my Lord & Savior (Rom. 10:8-17).

Regarding this thread, this is about an exchange: I welcome comments and questions on the parable.

Simultaneously, I’m being forthcoming/transparent regarding the purpose for this thread: I will post prophecies—from The Torah to the Book of Revelation—given by the Lord God, Christ, the Prophets & Apostles—that speak with one voice on the Parable & the literal context of it. In other words, in order to view the parable, let us hear from multiple witnesses in the Bible on the subject.

As students of the Bible, I believe we have the right to know the Lens used to view the Bible. Here is the Lens given by Christ that I use.

Lens: Divine Revelation

Paul: “But I reveal to you, brothers, that the gospel* which was preached by me is not according to man. For I neither received it from man, neither was I taught it, except by a revelation of Jesus Christ.” (Gal. 1:11, 12)

“All Scripture is inspired by God [Greek: Theopneustos = God-breathed] and is profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (2 Tim. 3:16, 17)

Peter: “For no prophecy at any time was produced by the will of man, but holy men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God.” (2 Peter 1:21)

John: “I, Jesus, have sent My angel to you with this testimony for the churches.” (Rev. 22:16)

Lens: The Mystery

Within this lens—of Christ’s divine revelation—there is another lens given to us by Christ on how to view Genesis to Revelation: The Mystery.

1 Corinthians 2

[W]e speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the ages for our glory. None of the rulers of this age knew it. For had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. (1 Cor. 2:7, 8)

From Genesis to the Gospel of John, God had hidden a mystery—in Scriptures given prior to the Crucifixion.

Could Christ have revealed the mystery prior to the Crucifixion? No… of course not.

After the Resurrection/Ascension, Christ could reveal the mystery—and He did. That is the Lens by which to view the Book of Acts to the Book of Revelation—while looking back at the rest of the Bible, including the Parable of the 10 Virgins.

Christ handed us the key to unlock prophecies from The Torah to the Book of Revelation: The Mystery.

*Now to Him who has power to establish you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret for long ages past, but now is revealed by the prophetic Scriptures according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all the Gentiles for the obedience of faith, to the only wise God, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever. Amen. (Rom. 16:25-27)

The Sixth Seal: The Day of the Lord

Yes, KPuff, astute indeed:

“The great day of the Lord is near, near and hastening quickly. The sound of the day of the Lord is bitter; the mighty man shall cry out there. That day is a day of wrath…” (Zeph. 1:14, 15)

I will return to this divine truth: the day of the Lord.

Peace.

sixthseal

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Sixthseal
Amen, I get it!
I appreciate your use of “the lens” of revelation, as we have recieved the very Word of God:
“God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds;… “(Hebrews 1:1-2)

I likewise appreciate your understaning of “the mystery” which has been revealed to us:
…the mystery which has been hidden from ages and from generations, but now has been revealed to His saints. To them (the saints) God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.
(Colossians 1:26-27)

Now that I understand a little better where you are coming from I can make a few observations about the parable in question.

"Then the kingdom of heaven shall be likened to ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Now five of them were wise, and five were foolish. Those who were foolish took their lamps and took no oil with them, but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps*….”* (Matthew 25:1-4)

Using “the lens of scripture” as you suggest, I notice a few things.

The first thing that I notice is something different from other parables, and that’s the future tense. Jesus, speaking of events that occur on “the day of wrath” he says “then” (on that day) the kingdom of heaven “shall be” likened… as if to say, on the day of wrath, then the kingdom of heaven will be seen to look like this. Do you also see this?

The next thing I notice is that there are 10 virgins, who the hearers of this parable know are not the bride, but the friends of the bride. These “virgins” have the responsibility of “lighting the way” for the groom as he comes to claim his bride. Half of these “untouched ones” are wise enough to be prepared for the groom, even if he is delayed in coming. Half are not.

The third thing I notice is that the unprepared ones seem to expect the prepared ones to share their prudent preparation with them, but they cannot.

Maybe we can talk about “slumbered and slept” next time?

Interesting thoughts.

KP

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I don’t know if I have “the interpretation” of the parable. I will however attempt to share what my present understanding of this passage is. I believe that the scripture interprets itself and that we should look for these witnesses in other books to establish sound doctrine. The timing of the fig tree parable does seem to be relevant since in both instances he is speaking about the end. The end has been shown to us from the beginning, Adam and Eve being the first vessels, and the first virgins. In the end he will again take his vessels and virgins from the clay in resurrection. These overlapping truths are shown to us in different ways, and do speak prophetically. Like the threads in a tapestry they show us a great design, a pattern that speaks clearly to us where our own words fail, that become woven into our hearts and live there as the Logos.
Matthew 25:1-13
1 Then (in the end) shall the kingdom of heaven (the spiritual realm) be likened unto ten virgins (people from both the present day and those who are deceased that do or have professed to follow Christ), which took their lamps, (they were all enlightened) and went forth to meet the bridegroom. (They all think they are following Jesus)
2 And five of them were wise, and five were foolish. (Five were actually following Christ the other five were not).
3 They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them: (We were made to be vessels for the Holy Spirit, if we’re not following Jesus how can we possibly be filled with the Spirit of God? If we truly believe we take up our cross and follow him, and bear good fruit, the fruit of the Spirit. True repentance is followed by good fruit, unlike the religious Pharisees in Matt. 23).
4 But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. (The wise know that the world around them is filled with darkness and they take it seriously. They have been prepared by God for whatever lies ahead, they have paid the price of laying down their own lives and thereby entered into a blood covenant with Christ, they are trusting in the Spirit to guide them, they are trusting in his righteousness not their own, they didn’t pay for their sins or the gift of salvation or the baptism of the Holy Spirit, but they also did not hold back anything, knowing that Christ has purchased them with his own blood. They believe in and love God with all their heart, mind, soul, and strength and their lives show it because they love their neighbors as themselves, and pray for their enemies. The light they carry is that of a consuming fire, and whether dead or alive, asleep or awake they are alive in Christ).
5 While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. (Some are dead others having labored in prayer are by grace resting in their faith regardless of their physical state).
6 And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him. (At the darkest hour it will be obvious who has the light).
7 Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. (The wise looked to God for light and extra oil, the foolish looked to men).
8 And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out. (The foolish think they can receive or purchase God’s gift from men, or earn it by dead works).
9 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. (This seems a little sarcastic to me, as if to say; I told you it was free but, good luck, go ahead, go to the corporate churches where they sell the gospel, and see how that works out).
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. (Meanwhile the foolish were busy being religious and following men’s doctrines, or even false christs).
11 Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. (At this point the resurrection has taken place and it’s pretty obvious that the foolish were left out with the rest of the world. These virgins did not keep themselves for Christ, but by dead works and religion kept themselves from him instead, and were barren and void of any good fruit).
12 But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not.
13 Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.

6

Well reasoned. I appreciate your perspective. I hear what you are saying.

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Many thanks KPuff & AJ32 for your thoughts in this most intriguing subject.

Allow me to respond after I post the following prophecies about the literal context of the parable.

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 (Quoted by Christ in Matthew 24:15)

Seventy weeks have been determined for your people [Daniel’s people: the house of Jacob/Israel] and upon your holy city… and to make atonement for iniquity…” (Dan. 9:24)

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 to gather the sons of Israel—and the (figurative) Fig Tree (Matt. 24:32-34). I’ll come back to this divine truth.

Peace.

sixthseal

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Hello KPuff,

Thank you for your thoughts.

The first thing that I notice is something different from other parables, and that’s the future tense. Jesus, speaking of events that occur on “the day of wrath” he says “then” (on that day) the kingdom of heaven “shall be” likened… as if to say, on the day of wrath, then the kingdom of heaven will be seen to look like this. Do you also see this?

It is after the second coming to Israel to gather the sons of Israel—and the plagues of wrath/judgment (during the day of wrath) are complete—that Christ issued the Parable of the 10 Virgins. That is our literal context. Then, entering the kingdom of Heaven is likened to entering a wedding banquet.

The next thing I notice is that there are 10 virgins… Half of these “untouched ones” are wise enough to be prepared for the groom, even if he is delayed in coming. Half are not.

The question before us is: Who do the 10 virgins symbolize? The question answered by the Lord God and Christ—and I’ll get to that.

The third thing I notice is that the unprepared ones seem to expect the prepared ones to share their prudent preparation with them, but they cannot.

Yes! And when we address the symbolism of the 10 virgins, then we’ll see why the foolish were unknown/unprepared.

Peace.

sixthseal

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Hello AJ32,

Many thanks for stopping by and sharing your thoughts.

I read what you wrote with interest:

“I believe that the scripture interprets itself and that we should look for these witnesses in other books to establish sound doctrine. The timing of the fig tree parable does seem to be relevant since in both instances he is speaking about the end. The end has been shown to us from the beginning…”

Yes!

The Lord God said to us (via Isaiah):

“Remember the former things of old, for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is no one like Me, declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying,

“‘My counsel shall stand, and I will do all My good pleasure.’” (Isa. 46:9, 10)

Next: Let’s look at the witness of the Lord God & Christ regarding the symbol of the 10 Virgins, as well as the context of the 10 Virgins: the Fig Tree. The Lord God established the symbolism over 2500 years ago via the prophet Jeremiah.

Peace.

sixthseal

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Welcome to Crosswalk!

And exactly how do you propose to do that? Are you claiming to be a prophet? A spokesperson for God?

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Greetings MrE.

You ask an excellent question.

Actually, the answer is rather straightforward…

How did we already hear from the Lord God in this thread?

We hear from the Lord God (in the First Person) by quoting a prophet.

And you will hear again from the Lord God… via the prophet Jeremiah.

That’s next.

Peace.

sixthseal

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The Witness of the Lord God & Christ: The Fig Tree & Virgin Symbols

The Parable of the 10 Virgins is in the context of the Fig Tree (Matt. 24:32-34). Our witnesses are:

  • Our Lord God (via Hosea & Jeremiah)*
  • Christ

*Confirming: We will hear from the Lord God (in the First Person) by quoting the 2 prophets.

Perhaps… with this post…

The unified voice of the Father and the Son will herald a testimony so unmistakably clear you will feel inspired to put a new set of eyes on the Parable of the 10 Virgins.

Matthew 24: Christ

“Now learn this lesson from the fig tree:…” (Matt. 24:32-34)

Hosea 9: The Lord God

“Like grapes in the wilderness, I found Israel. Like the first fruit on the fig tree in its first season, I saw your fathers.” (Hos. 9:10)

Jeremiah 24: The Lord God

“The Lord showed me two baskets of figs that were set before the temple of the Lord after Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon had carried away captive Jeconiah the son of Jehoiakim, king of Judah, and the officials of Judah with the carpenters and smiths from Jerusalem and brought them to Babylon. One basket had very good figs, even like the figs that are first ripe, and the other basket had very rotten figs, which were so rotten they could not be eaten.

“Then the Lord said to me, ‘What do you see, Jeremiah?’

“And I said, ‘Figs, the good figs, very good. And the rotten, very rotten, that are so rotten they cannot be eaten.’

“Again the word of the Lord came to me, saying:

‘Thus says the Lord the God of Israel: Like these good figs, so I will acknowledge those who are carried away captive of Judah, whom I have sent out of this place into the land of the Chaldeans for their good. For I will set My eyes upon them for good, and I will bring them again to this land. And I will build them up and not pull them down. And I will plant them and not pluck them up. I will give them a heart to know Me, that I am the Lord; and they will be My people, and I will be their God, for they will return to Me with their whole heart.’

‘But as the rotten figs, which cannot be eaten, they are so rotten, says the Lord, so I will forsake Zedekiah the king of Judah and his officials, and the rest of Jerusalem who remain in this land, and those who dwell in the land of Egypt.’” (Jer. 24:1-8)

Then, in Jeremiah 31, the Lord God “sees” Israel again with another symbol—a Virgin—with a promise of hope & celebration.

Jeremiah 31: The Lord God

“The Lord has appeared to him from afar, saying:

‘Indeed, I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore with lovingkindness I have drawn you. Again I will build you and you will be built, O virgin of Israel. You will again be adorned with your tambourines and shall go forth in the dances of those who make merry.’ (Jer. 31:3, 4)

“For thus says the Lord:

‘Sing with gladness for Jacob , and shout among the chief of the nations;
publish, praise, and say, “O Lord, save Your people, the remnant of Israel.’” (Jer. 31:7)

‘Therefore they will come and sing in the height of Zion, and will be joyful over the goodness of the Lord, for wheat and for wine and for oil and for the young of the flock and of the herd; and their souls will be as a watered garden. And they will not sorrow any more at all. Then the virgin shall rejoice in the dance, both young men and old together; for I will turn their mourning into joy, and will comfort them, and make them rejoice from their sorrow.’” (Jer. 31:12, 13)

We have the irrefutable witness of the Father and the Son. The Son followed the pattern of symbols given by His Father: the Fig Tree/Figs & 10 Virgins/O Virgin—and these symbols are, of course, symbols for Israel.

Is it possible/probable…

The (figurative) wise and foolish virgins in the parable represent Israel: the good figs & rotten figs—which originate from the (figurative) Fig Tree, Israel?

Let’s get more witnesses on the subject.

10 Virgins: “Sleeping”: Isaiah, Christ & Paul

Peace.

sixthseal

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OK. I’m with you so far…

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Thank you KPuff. Truly, I appreciate your heart-felt interest in this most important parable.

Later today I will post on the “sleeping” virgins, but until then, consider this:

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

  • I’m telling you to get out of bed (literal usage)
  • 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?

The Church?
Israel?

Peace.

sixthseal

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OK. I get the “sleeping,slumber” idea, and the “wake-up” metaphor you mention. I see the connection. Have you thought much about why Jesus might have used the number 10 for the number of virgins? Do you feel there is a similar connection to other uses of that number?
i.e The ten utterances of creation, bringing order out of chaos
The ten plagues of Egypt
Ten commandments
The Passover lamb was selected on day 10 of the 1st month (Exodus 12:3)
Ten righteous not to be found in Sodom
10 toes of Daniel 2
10 horns /kings of Revelation 13 and 17.
Ten Minas (Luke 19:11-27)
Ten talents (Matt 25:14-30)
ten days of tribulation, Revelation 2:10,

etc.

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The Parable of the 10 Virgins: “Sleeping” Metaphor, Isaiah, Christ & Paul

So we are all on the same page: The Parable of the 10 Virgins is just that… a parable, a fictitious story, an illustration with symbols.

Returning to the opening question: 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.

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 Witness of Moses

Peace.

sixthseal

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Excellent question. Let us see the Witness of Moses, and then, the context of the Gospel of Matthew before discussing “10.”

Peace.

sixthseal

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sixthseal
OK, never mind, it’s OK. It seems like you are following some sort of syllabus, or lesson plan, and your approach seems pretty inflexible. That’s fine, I’m sure that is great for some folks, but being a “forum” I thought we were having a discussion. Maybe I misunderstood. Personally, I have a difficult time staying focused (connected to) a didactic presentation when it comes out bit by bit like this, over an extended period. I’m sure I’m weird.

I do get where you are coming from, and I appreciate it. What I’ve heard from you rings true to me. Nevertheless, I think I’m going to move on, if it’s all the same to you. Thanks for your insights to this point. Clearly this subject is a passion for you; clearly you have devoted a lot of time on this subject. Good for you! I always tell guys that I disciple, “it’s The Word that does the work”, so all the time anyone spends devoted to scriptural exposure and study will always prove to be edifying. I appreciate all the things you have shared.

Resting in The Living-Loving One with you
KP

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KPuff: If I have offended you in any way, I apologize. Please know I did not ignore you… I simply asked for your patience on “10” virgins.

And yes, I am following a script. Full disclosure: I indicated as such in my opening post, indicating we will hear from the Lord God, Christ, the Prophets & Apostles. I will finish my script Sunday with the conclusion. Addressing “10” virgins will be part of the script.

I’ll be back later today with the witness of the Lord God, Christ & Moses.

Peace.

sixthseal

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Sixthseal
Thanx for the personal reply. I was not offended, in any way; no need for an apology. I just feel like I accidently walked into a classroom lecture hall only to discover that the class meets every other day for two minutes. I have no objection, carry on, but I was actually looking for the coffee shop.

respectfully
KP

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