• Matthew 25:1
    The Kingdom Interlinear Translation of the Greek Scriptures

    • 25 Τότε Then ὁμοιωθήσεται will be likened ἡ the βασιλεία kingdom τῶν of the οὐρανῶν heavens δέκα to ten παρθένοις, virgins, αἵτινες who λαβοῦσαι having taken τὰς the λαμπάδας lamps ἑαυτῶν of themselves ἐξῆλθον went out εἰς into ὑπάντησιν meeting τοῦ of the νυμφίου. bridegroom.

  • Matthew Study Notes—Chapter 25
    New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures (Study Edition)

    • 25:1

      ten virgins . . . to meet the bridegroom: In Bible times, an important feature of the marriage ceremony was the solemn procession to bring the bride from her father’s home to the home of her bridegroom or the bridegroom’s father. The bridegroom, wearing his best clothing and escorted by his friends, would leave his house in the evening for the home of the bride’s parents. From there, accompanied by musicians and singers and usually by people carrying lamps, the couple made their way toward the bridegroom’s home. The people along the route would take great interest in the procession. (Isa 62:5; Jer 7:34; 16:9) Young women carrying lamps were apparently among those joining the procession. As there was no particular haste, the procession might be delayed, so that some waiting along the way would get drowsy and fall asleep. The long waiting period might require refilling with oil the lamps carried in the procession. Singing and exultation would be heard quite a distance away. Then, after the bridegroom and his entourage entered the house and closed the door, it was too late for tardy guests to enter.​—Mt 25:5-12; see study note on Mt 1:20.