The following is a brief interpretation of the Parable of the Wise and Foolish (Unwise) Virgins found in Matthew 25:1-10:

25:1 “…like 10 virgins, which took their lamps and went forth to meet the bridegroom”

  • These are pure, holy people – not lovers of sin
  • Lamps represent the Word of God – the virgins are illuminated by its light
  • They are anxious to see the bridegroom – definitely holy people
  • All were chosen, representing the true followers of Christ

25:2,3 “… five of them were wise, five were foolish;” “They that were foolish took their lamps and took no oil with them.”

  • They were foolish, not evil, not knowing how long until the bridegroom would appear
  • Lamps represent the word of God given to Jesus’ followers to light their way through the long age of the gospel (Psalm 119:105,
    2 Peter 1:19)
  • Lamps in the hands of the ten virgins show they are equipped with the ability to see the way because they have God’s word in their hands (1 Timothy 4:6)
  • Oil represents God’s spirit as each enlightened follower is given this spirit to help them discern their way – the wise virgins have absorbed it into their hearts (1 John 2:20-21). Prophetically, oil represents God’s spirit that is an enlightenment working along with His word, providing direction and victory in our experiences.
  • Flasks or vessels represent the experiences of the true follower that expand the staying power of God’s spirit in their lives. Throughout the Christian age, a common theme of faithfulness has been perseverance in trial. The vessel is the collection of those experiences (2 Corinthians 4:7-10).

25:6 “Behold, the bridegroom! Come ye forth to meet him.”

25:7 “Then ALL those virgins arose and trimmed their lamps.”

  • Righteous, holy, excited people
  • Trimming their lamps represents searching the Scriptures for truth

25:8 “And the foolish said unto the wise, ‘Give us of your oil; for our lamps are going out.’”

  • Oil cannot be transferred one to another – the cost of this oil is self-denial, trials for righteousness’ sake, putting aside earthly hopes, hearts yearning and waiting for the bridegroom. This “oil” comes from God, given when we are mature enough to handle it. We can learn from another’s growth into maturity, but we can’t just wish for it. Each of us must be responsible. We need sacrifice, study and our own experiences to be a wise virgin.

25:10 “And while they (the foolish virgins) went away to buy oil…the door was shut”

  • The time was up.  Jesus says to this class, “I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot…So because you are lukewarm…I will spit you out of my mouth. Because you say, ‘I am rich…and have need of nothing,’ and you do not know that you are wretched…I advise you to buy from me gold refined by fire so that you may become rich, and white garments so that you may clothe yourself…and eye salve…so that you may see” Revelation 3:15-18.
  • The door was shut, meaning the invitation to be Christ’s bride was over. They say, “The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved,” Jeremiah 8:20. 
  • The foolish virgins were still called and chosen; they had some oil (God’s spirit). They will still have heavenly life, but not as part of the bride.
  • They are still virgins. They will experience hard trials to develop. Song of Solomon 5:6,7, “I opened to my beloved, but my beloved had turned away and had gone! …I searched for him but I did not find him; I called him but he did not answer me. The watchmen who make the rounds in the city found me, they struck me and wounded me; the guardsmen of the walls took away my shawl from me.”

Prophetically, the door will be shut before Israel is converted. Romans 11:25, 26, “blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles (the true church completed) be come in. And so all Israel shall be saved.” Otherwise, we cannot determine in advance the time of the door closing. We simply know we must love God with all of our beings and apply ourselves to zealously serve Him.

Additional Resource:  
Christian Questions Podcast 
Episode #1143: What Does Jesus Expect From Us? 
Uncovering the age-lasting meaning of The Wise and Foolish Virgins 
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CQ Rewind Show Notes