The Parable of the Ten Virgins

This parable emphasizes the importance of preparedness and vigilance in awaiting the return of the bridegroom.

The Parable of the Ten Virgins

Matthew 25:1-13/ KJV

1. Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom.
2. And five of them were wise, and five were foolish.
3. They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them:
4. But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps.
5. While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept.
6. And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him.
7. Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps.
8. And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out.
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.
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.
11. Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us.
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.

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General themes for this chapter of the Bible: The Parable of the Ten Virgins; The Parable of the Talents; The Sheep and the Goats

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Night scene, a single lamp shines brightly, isolated in the darkness, symbolizing steadfast faith and preparedness. The single bright lamp in the darkness symbolizes unwavering faith and preparedness. The isolation underscores the individual responsibility for spiritual readiness.

A detail shot focusing on a collection of oil lamps, some filled to the brim, others nearly empty, symbolizing spiritual readiness. This close-up accentuates the core elements of the parable—the oil lamps, symbolizing spiritual readiness. The variation in oil levels emphasizes the theme of preparation.

A close-up of a woman's hand carefully filling an oil lamp, depicting the act of preparation and faith. This image focuses on the action of filling a lamp, directly depicting the act of preparation. The woman's careful handling suggests the importance of diligent spiritual preparation.

Macro closeup of five oil lamps, some full, some nearly empty, depicting the differing levels of preparedness. This macro shot focuses on the lamps, the central symbol of preparedness in the parable. The differing levels of oil highlight the disparity in readiness for the bridegroom's arrival.

Macro closeup of a single hand holding a flickering lamp, symbolizing the urgency and potential for failure. The flickering lamp and the hand holding it convey the fragility of faith and the potential for unpreparedness. This emphasizes the urgent need to maintain one's spiritual vigilance.

Bright morning sunlight (orange/yellow) filtering through olive trees, illuminating a path where five figures are walking, carrying lamps. The imagery of five figures approaching a dawn symbolizes the hopeful anticipation of the bridegroom's arrival. The bright sunlight represents the potential for a positive outcome for those prepared.

Bright morning sunlight (orange/yellow) on a field of wheat, with five figures in simple robes silhouetted against the rising sun, implying the dawn of a new era. The field of wheat implies abundance and the promise of reward while the rising sun mirrors the promise of new beginnings for the faithful.

Evening scene, soft twilight light casts long shadows as five figures with empty lamps hurry down a dusty road, creating a sense of desperation. The hurrying figures and the setting sun highlight the despair and regret of those unprepared. The long shadows represent the missed opportunities and darkness of unpreparedness.

Evening scene, the moon casts an ethereal glow on a group of figures, one lamp is completely extinguished, representing missed opportunity. The extinguished lamp under the moonlight underscores the finality of spiritual negligence. The ethereal glow emphasizes the spiritual realm and its consequences.

Five figures, dressed in simple tunics, anxiously await at sunrise near an open gate, their lamps casting a soft glow. This scene depicts the hopeful waiting of those who are ready. The soft glow of the lamps symbolizes their spiritual light and preparedness for the bridegroom.

Five figures, silhouetted against a bright morning sky, rush towards a distant light, symbolizing their frantic search for oil. The figures rushing towards the light visualize the desperation of those who realize their lack of preparedness. Their hurried pursuit indicates the urgency of spiritual preparation.

Night scene, five figures huddled together in the darkness, their lamps extinguished, symbolizing despair and missed chance. The darkness and extinguished lamps represent the hopelessness of spiritual unpreparedness. The huddled figures symbolize the lack of communal support when unprepared.

overlayed with the bible verse 1. Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom.

NOTE: The images reflect the following descriptions related to the theme : The Parable of the Ten Virgins

Macro closeup of five oil lamps, some full, some nearly empty, depicting the differing levels of preparedness.
Macro closeup of a single hand holding a flickering lamp, symbolizing the urgency and potential for failure.
Bright morning sunlight (orange/yellow) filtering through olive trees, illuminating a path where five figures are walking, carrying lamps.
Bright morning sunlight (orange/yellow) on a field of wheat, with five figures in simple robes silhouetted against the rising sun, implying the dawn of a new era.
Evening scene, soft twilight light casts long shadows as five figures with empty lamps hurry down a dusty road, creating a sense of desperation.
Evening scene, the moon casts an ethereal glow on a group of figures, one lamp is completely extinguished, representing missed opportunity.
Five figures, dressed in simple tunics, anxiously await at sunrise near an open gate, their lamps casting a soft glow.
Five figures, silhouetted against a bright morning sky, rush towards a distant light, symbolizing their frantic search for oil.
Night scene, five figures huddled together in the darkness, their lamps extinguished, symbolizing despair and missed chance.
Night scene, a single lamp shines brightly, isolated in the darkness, symbolizing steadfast faith and preparedness.
A detail shot focusing on a collection of oil lamps, some filled to the brim, others nearly empty, symbolizing spiritual readiness.
A close-up of a woman's hand carefully filling an oil lamp, depicting the act of preparation and faith.

A link to this resource is much appreciated to let others know about this free christian resource. The AB Church in LAusanne-Renens is happy to make the image collection available for free.

The Parable of the Ten Virgins in Art

The parable of the Ten Virgins, with its themes of preparedness and watchfulness, has inspired artistic interpretations across different eras. Here are some examples:

Paintings by various artists
Artists have depicted various scenes from the parable, such as the virgins waiting for the bridegroom, the wise virgins filling their lamps, and the foolish virgins being shut out from the wedding feast. These paintings often explore the emotional and spiritual dimensions of the parable.
Illustrations for Bible Stories
Illustrators creating visual narratives for Bible stories, especially for children, often include depictions of the Ten Virgins. These illustrations aim to make the parable accessible and engaging for a wider audience.
Stained Glass and other media
The parable has also found expression in other artistic media, such as stained glass windows in churches, mosaics, and even theatrical productions. These different forms of art offer unique interpretations of the story and its message.

Search for images of "Ten Virgins parable art" on Google: examples of Ten Virgins parable art

Related Theme

The Parable of the Sheep and the Goats

The Parable of the Talents

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