Time after Pentecost · Proper 27 · Year A
Matthew 25:1-13
The Parable of the Ten Virgins
November 8, 2026
Overview & Insights
“Keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.” (Matthew 25:13)
In the latter part of chapter 24 and the first parable in chapter 25, Jesus’ teachings turn from the signs portending the temple’s imminent destruction (24:4–35) to his reappearing (his parousia at the end of the age [see 24:3]), which will occur without warning (24:36–51). The overriding discipleship theme of this section is the importance of being prepared or “watchful” (since there will be no warning signs for Jesus’ return). This theme is heard particularly in the two brief parables in 24:42–51 and the parable of the ten virgins in chapter 25. The final two parables of chapter 25 (which cap all of Jesus’ teaching in Matthew) will highlight the way to be prepared: faithful and merciful living.
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Commentary
Commentary on Matthew 25:1-13 Working Preacher
The Lutheran home commentary on this Year A Gospel by a named seminary scholar.
Matthew 25 - The Parable of the Ten Virgins Enduring Word · David Guzik
A verse-by-verse evangelical study of the wise and foolish bridesmaids and watchful readiness.
Matthew 25:1-13 Commentary Center for Excellence in Preaching
A Reformed preaching commentary that reads the parable as a call to long, prepared discipleship.
Matthew 25:1 Commentaries BibleHub
Classic commentaries gathered verse by verse on the lamps, the oil, and the shut door.
Matthew 25:1 Verse-by-Verse Commentary StudyLight
A large library of expositors stacked verse by verse for a further preaching voice.
Matthew 25 Commentary Precept Austin
An inductive study page collecting word studies and cross references on the chapter.
Background & Word Study
Matthew 25 (Matthew Henry Complete) Bible Study Tools
Matthew Henry's full exposition of the chapter for a classic devotional reading.
Matthew 25:1 Interlinear BibleHub
The Greek of the passage word by word with parsing and Strong's numbers.
Enter the Bible: Matthew Enter the Bible
Luther Seminary's book introduction to Matthew for the setting of the parables of the end.
Gospel of Matthew Overview BibleProject
An animated overview of Matthew that frames its teaching on the coming kingdom.
The Church Fathers
Questions preachers ask
What do the lamps and oil stand for?
Ten virgins wait for the bridegroom; five bring extra oil and five do not, and only the ready ones enter the feast (Matthew 25:1–13). Read in the shadow of the delayed coming, the oil is often taken as readiness that cannot be borrowed at the last minute, a life of ongoing faithfulness.
Where does this fall in the lectionary?
Proper 27 (Ordinary 32) in Year A of the Revised Common Lectionary, the Sunday whose date falls between November 6 and 12.
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