Matthew 25:1-23 ▼

1 "Then the Kingdom of Heaven will be likened to ten virgins, who, taking their lamps, went forth to meet the bridegroom.

2 And five of them were foolish, and five wise;

3 for the foolish, taking their lamps, did not take oil with them;

4 but the wise took oil in the vessels with their lamps.

5 Now, the bridegroom tarrying, they all became drowsy, and were sleeping;

6 but at midnight a cry has been made, 'Behold, the bridegroom! Come ye forth to meet him!'

7 "Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps.

8 And the foolish said to the wise, 'Give us of your oil, because our lamps are going out.'

9 But the wise answered, saying, 'Perhaps there will not be enough for us and you; go rather to those who sell, and buy for yourselves.'

10 And, while they were going away to buy, the bridegroom came, and the ready ones went in with him to the marriage feast; and the door was shut.

11 "And afterward come also the remaining virgins, saying, 'Lord, Lord, open to us!'

12 But he, answering, said, 'Verily I say to you, I know you not.'

13 Watch, therefore, because ye know not the day, nor the hour!

14 "For it is as when a man, going abroad, called his own servants, and delivered to them his goods:

15 and to one, indeed, he gave five talents; and to another, two; and to another, one—to each according to his own ability; and he went abroad.

16 "Straightway the one receiving the five talents, going, traded with them, and gained five others.

17 Likewise he also who received two gained other two.

18 And he who received one, going away, digged in the earth, and hid his lord's money.

19 And, after a long time, the lord of those servants comes, and makes a reckoning with them.

20 And the one who received the five talents, coming near brought other five talents, saying, 'Lord, you delivered to me five talents; behold, I gained other five talents.'

21 His lord said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will set you over many; enter into the joy of your lord.'

22 "He also, who received the two talents, coming near, said, 'You delivered to me two talents; behold, I gained other two talents.'

23 His lord said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things; I will set you over many things: enter into the joy of your lord.'