Matthew 25 summary meaning ai explained commentary

Matthew 25 meaning explained in AI Summary

Parables of the End Times

Jesus tells parables about the ten virgins, the talents, and the sheep and the goats, illustrating the importance of being prepared for His return.

Matthew Chapter 25 contains three parables told by Jesus, all emphasizing the importance of watchfulness and preparedness for the coming Kingdom of God:

1. The Parable of the Ten Virgins (verses 1-13):

This parable compares the Kingdom of Heaven to ten virgins awaiting a bridegroom. Five were wise and brought extra oil for their lamps, while five were foolish and did not. When the bridegroom arrived late, only the wise virgins were prepared to enter the wedding feast with him.

Key message: Be spiritually prepared for the unexpected arrival of Christ. True faith requires active readiness, not just outward appearances.

2. The Parable of the Talents (verses 14-30):

A master entrusts his servants with different amounts of talents (a unit of money) before leaving on a journey. Upon his return, he rewards the servants who invested and multiplied their talents. However, he punishes the servant who hid his talent out of fear, calling him wicked and lazy.

Key message: God entrusts us with gifts and resources. We are expected to use them wisely and productively for His Kingdom, not out of fear or laziness.

3. The Parable of the Sheep and the Goats (verses 31-46):

Jesus describes a final judgment where he separates people like a shepherd separates sheep from goats. The "sheep," representing the righteous, are welcomed into eternal life because they showed compassion and care for the "least of these" – the hungry, thirsty, sick, imprisoned, etc. The "goats," representing the unrighteous, are condemned to eternal punishment for neglecting these acts of service.

Key message: True faith is demonstrated through love and service to others, especially those in need. Our actions have eternal consequences.

Overall, Matthew 25 emphasizes the urgency of living a life of preparedness, faithfulness, and compassionate service in light of Christ's second coming and the final judgment. It challenges us to examine our own lives and prioritize what truly matters in God's Kingdom.

Matthew 25 bible study ai commentary

Matthew 25 concludes the Olivet Discourse, Jesus' final major teaching before His passion. It directly answers the disciples' question about the end of the age by providing three illustrations that clarify the nature of readiness and the basis of final judgment. The chapter stresses that true readiness for Christ's return (Parousia) is not passive waiting but active, wise preparation (the Virgins), faithful, productive stewardship (the Talents), and compassionate action toward others that reflects a genuine relationship with Christ (the Sheep and Goats).

Matthew 25 Context

This chapter is the climax of Jesus’ teaching on eschatology (end times), delivered privately to His disciples on the Mount of Olives. Culturally, the parables draw on familiar concepts: Jewish wedding ceremonies, with their unpredictable timing and joyous processions; the master-servant economic relationships common in the Roman world; and the everyday pastoral practice of separating sheep from goats for evening shelter. Thematically, the entire discourse (Matthew 24-25) is a unified call to be watchful and faithful in light of the certainty of Christ's return and the final judgment.

Matthew 25:1-13 (The Parable of the Ten Virgins)

“Then the kingdom of heaven shall be likened to ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Now five of them were wise, and five were foolish. Those who were foolish took their lamps and took no oil with them, but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. But while the bridegroom was delayed, they all slumbered and slept. And at midnight a cry was heard, ‘Behold, the bridegroom is coming; go out to meet him!’ Then all those virgins arose and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’ But the wise answered, saying, ‘No, lest there should not be enough for us and you; but go rather to those who sell, and buy for yourselves.’ And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding; and the door was shut. Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, ‘Lord, Lord, open to us!’ But he answered and said, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, I do not know you.’ Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming.”

In-depth-analysis

v. 1, “Then the kingdom of heaven shall be likened”: This introduces a simile describing the state of things at the time of Christ’s return. It focuses on the character of those professing to await Him.
Ten virgins: Represents the visible Church, the community of professed believers awaiting Christ. The number ten often signifies completeness in Jewish thought.
Five wise, and five foolish: The group is externally identical but internally divided. The division is not based on activity (all went out, all slept) but on preparation.
Lamps: Represent the outward profession of faith, good works, or religious association. All ten had these.
Oil: The critical, distinguishing element. It represents the inner reality of saving faith, genuine regeneration, or the indwelling Holy Spirit. It is something internal that cannot be transferred from one person to another at the last minute.
v. 5, “bridegroom was delayed”: Directly addresses the seeming delay in Christ’s Second Coming, a significant concern for the early church. It teaches that the waiting period may be longer than expected.
v. 9, “go rather... and buy”: This highlights the personal, non-transferable nature of salvation. True readiness cannot be borrowed or bought at the last moment; it must be possessed beforehand.
v. 10, “the door was shut”: Symbolizes the finality of judgment and the end of the age of grace. There are no second chances after Christ’s return.
v. 12, “I do not know you”: This is not a lack of cognitive information but a lack of relationship. It echoes Matthew 7:23, signifying a formal, eternal disowning. They were never truly His.
v. 13, “Watch therefore”: The parable's main command. To "watch" (Greek: grēgoreite) means more than just staying awake; it means to be spiritually alert and prepared.

Bible references

Matt 7:21-23: “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter... And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you...’” (Rejection despite outward claims).
Luke 12:35-37: “Let your waist be girded and your lamps burning; and you yourselves be like men who wait for their master...” (Direct parallel on being ready with lamps).
2 Pet 3:9: “The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness...” (Explains the "delay").
Rev 19:9: “...‘Blessed are those who are called to the marriage supper of the Lamb!’” (The eschatological wedding celebration).

Cross references

Amos 8:11-12 (famine of hearing God's word); Luke 13:25 (shut door); Eph 5:25-27 (Christ and the church as bride); Gal 6:4-5 (each must carry own load); Heb 3:7-15 (Today, if you hear His voice).

Polemics: This parable stands against a superficial or "cheap grace" form of Christianity. It critiques a faith that has the outward appearance of religion (the lamp) but lacks the internal substance of a regenerated heart (the oil). It teaches that true saving faith endures through the "delay" and is proven by preparation.

Matthew 25:14-30 (The Parable of the Talents)

"For the kingdom of heaven is like a man traveling to a far country, who called his own servants and delivered his goods to them. And to one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one, to each according to his own ability... (The servants with five and two talents double their money). But he who had received one went and dug in the ground, and hid his lord's money... (The master returns). His lord said to him, ‘You wicked and lazy servant... You ought to have deposited my money with the bankers...’ ... 'take the talent from him, and give it to him who has ten talents. For to everyone who has, more will be given... but from him who does not have, even what he has will be taken away. And cast the unprofitable servant into the outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’"

In-depth-analysis

A man traveling to a far country: Represents Christ’s ascension to heaven and the subsequent church age before His return.
Talents: A talanton was a significant unit of weight and money, equivalent to about 20 years' wages for a laborer. It symbolizes all that God entrusts to believers: spiritual gifts, resources, time, the Gospel message, and opportunities for service. It is not about innate human ability.
to each according to his own ability: Highlights God's sovereignty and wisdom in distributing responsibilities. The grace given is not uniform, but the expectation of faithfulness is universal and proportional.
Dug in the ground, and hid: The third servant’s sin was one of omission and fear-based inactivity. He sought only to preserve, not to produce. His view of the master as "hard" (v. 24) was a slanderous excuse for his own sloth.
Wicked and lazy servant: The two terms are linked. His wickedness is expressed through his laziness and failure to act faithfully with what was given to him.
v. 27, "deposited my money with the bankers": The master uses the servant's own logic against him. Even the most minimal, low-risk effort (earning interest) would have been better than doing nothing. This exposes the servant's excuse as empty.
v. 29, "to everyone who has, more will be given": A core principle of the kingdom. Faithful stewardship leads to increased capacity, blessing, and responsibility. Unfaithfulness leads to the loss of even what one seemed to have.
v. 30, "Outer darkness": A clear metaphor for hell, the place of judgment and eternal separation from God's presence, characterized by anguish ("weeping and gnashing of teeth").

Bible references

Luke 19:12-27: (The Parable of the Ten Minas). A parallel parable with a similar theme of faithful stewardship and accountability upon the master’s return.
Rom 12:6-8: “Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them...” (Emphasizes using God-given gifts).
1 Pet 4:10: “As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” (Direct command on stewardship of gifts).
Col 3:23-24: "Whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord... knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance..." (The motivation for faithful work).

Cross references

Luke 12:48 (to whom much is given); 1 Cor 4:2 (stewards must be found faithful); Gal 6:9 (don't grow weary in doing good); Eph 5:16 (making the best use of time); 2 Cor 5:10 (judgment seat of Christ).

Polemics: This parable is a sharp critique of a passive, fruitless faith. It refutes the idea that being saved means one can simply "hold on" until the end without actively engaging in the work of the kingdom. True faith is productive and takes wise risks for the Master's glory.

Matthew 25:31-46 (The Sheep and the Goats)

“When the Son of Man comes in His glory... He will sit on the throne of His glory. All the nations will be gathered before Him, and He will separate them one from another, as a shepherd divides his sheep from the goats... Then the King will say to those on His right hand, ‘Come, you blessed... inherit the kingdom... for I was hungry and you gave Me food...’ Then the righteous will answer Him... ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry...?’ And the King will answer... ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.’ Then He will also say to those on the left hand, ‘Depart from Me, you cursed, into the everlasting fire... for I was hungry and you gave Me no food...’ And these will go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.”

In-depth-analysis

This section is not a parable but a direct description of the final judgment.
v. 31, "Son of Man comes in His glory": Jesus explicitly claims the title and role of the divine judge from Daniel's vision.
All the nations (panta ta ethnē): Refers to all peoples of the earth who will face universal judgment.
Separates... sheep from... goats: Shepherds often separated these animals. The action is decisive and based on an existing, intrinsic nature revealed by actions. The right hand signifies favor and blessing; the left, rejection.
v. 34, "Inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world": Salvation is presented as a gracious inheritance, not something earned. It highlights divine sovereignty and election.
I was hungry... thirsty... a stranger... naked... sick... in prison: The criterion of judgment is compassionate action toward the needy. These actions are not the cause of salvation but the evidence of a regenerate heart.
The least of these My brethren: A pivotal phrase. While it can apply broadly to all in need, the most direct contextual meaning (see Matt 10:40-42) refers to fellow Christians, particularly traveling missionaries and persecuted believers. How one treats Christ's representatives is a direct reflection of their relationship to Christ Himself.
The surprise of both groups: Both the righteous ("When did we see you?") and the cursed ("When did we see you?") are surprised. This shows that their actions flowed from their fundamental character (love vs. selfishness), not from a calculated effort to earn rewards or avoid punishment.
Radical Identification: The core of this passage is Christ’s profound identification with His people. "You did it to Me." Ministry to the suffering church is ministry to Christ.
v. 46, "Everlasting punishment... eternal life": Jesus draws a final, parallel, and permanent distinction between the two destinies. The Greek words for "everlasting" (aiōnion) and "eternal" (aiōnion) are the same, indicating both fates are of the same unending duration.

Bible references

Dan 7:13-14: "...one like a Son of Man, coming with the clouds of heaven... And He was given dominion, glory, and a kingdom..." (OT basis for Jesus' role as eschatological King-Judge).
Ezek 34:17: “...I will judge between one sheep and another, and between rams and goats.” (OT precedent for separating the flock).
James 2:15-17: “If a brother or sister is naked... and one of you says to them, ‘Depart in peace,’ but you do not give them the things which are needed... faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.” (Classic text linking faith and works).
Matt 10:42: “And whoever gives one of these little ones only a cup of cold water in the name of a disciple... he shall by no means lose his reward.” (Strongest internal support for "brethren" meaning fellow disciples).

Cross references

Prov 19:17 (he who is kind to the poor lends to the LORD); Isa 58:7 (share food with hungry); Gal 5:6 (faith working through love); 1 John 3:17 (whoever sees his brother in need...); Rev 20:11-13 (the great white throne judgment).

Polemics: This passage refutes any notion of a disembodied, non-practical faith. It directly opposes a belief system that claims love for God while demonstrating indifference toward the needs of God’s people. It asserts that orthopraxy (right action) is the necessary evidence of orthodoxy (right belief). The judgment reveals what was true all along: the sheep act like sheep, and the goats act like goats.

Matthew Chapter 25 Analysis

Thematic Progression: The chapter progresses from internal readiness (oil) to external faithfulness (talents) to the ultimate evidence of that faith in compassionate action (sheep and goats). The three sections are not separate lessons but a composite picture of a true disciple.
Certainty and Uncertainty: A key tension in the Olivet Discourse is the absolute certainty of Christ's return contrasted with the total uncertainty of its timing. This tension fuels the urgency to be prepared at all times.
Works as Evidence, Not Cause: Matthew 25 strongly upholds the New Testament theme that works are the fruit and evidence of salvation, not the root or cause. The righteous are surprised by their reward because their actions flow naturally from a changed heart, while the cursed are judged for the lack of such evidence, revealing their unchanged hearts.
Finality of Judgment: All three sections end with a decisive, irreversible separation: the shut door, the casting into outer darkness, and the separation into eternal life or everlasting punishment. There is no middle ground or second chance.
Identity of "Servants" and "Brethren": In the context of the discourse being given to the disciples, the "servants" with talents and the "least of these My brethren" are best understood as referring to members of the Christian community. The parables describe the inner life and accountability within the visible church.

Matthew 25 Summary

Matthew 25 completes the Olivet Discourse by illustrating what it means to be ready for Christ's return. Through the parables of the Ten Virgins and the Talents, and the description of the final judgment of the Sheep and Goats, Jesus teaches that genuine readiness involves a true inner life with God (the oil), active and faithful stewardship of His entrusted resources (the talents), and compassionate works of love that demonstrate a real relationship with Him, which are the irrefutable evidence of saving faith.

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Matthew chapter 25 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.
¹⁴ For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods.
¹⁵ And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey.
¹⁶ Then he that had received the five talents went and traded with the same, and made them other five talents.
¹⁷ And likewise he that had received two, he also gained other two.
¹⁸ But he that had received one went and digged in the earth, and hid his lord's money.
¹⁹ After a long time the lord of those servants cometh, and reckoneth with them.
²⁰ And so he that had received five talents came and brought other five talents, saying, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me five talents: behold, I have gained beside them five talents more.
²¹ His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.
²² He also that had received two talents came and said, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me two talents: behold, I have gained two other talents beside them.
²³ His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.
²⁴ Then he which had received the one talent came and said, Lord, I knew thee that thou art an hard man, reaping where thou hast not sown, and gathering where thou hast not strawed:
²⁵ And I was afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the earth: lo, there thou hast that is thine.
²⁶ His lord answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strawed:
²⁷ Thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine own with usury.
²⁸ Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him which hath ten talents.
²⁹ For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath.
³⁰ And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
³¹ When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory:
³² And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats:
³³ And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left.
³⁴ Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:
³⁵ For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in:
³⁶ Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.
³⁷ Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink?
³⁸ When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee?
³⁹ Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee?
⁴⁰ And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.
⁴¹ Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:
⁴² For I was an hungred, and ye gave me no meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink:
⁴³ I was a stranger, and ye took me not in: naked, and ye clothed me not: sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not.
⁴⁴ Then shall they also answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto thee?
⁴⁵ Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me.
⁴⁶ And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.

Matthew chapter 25 nkjv

¹ "Then the kingdom of heaven shall be likened to ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom.
² Now five of them were wise, and five were foolish.
³ Those who were foolish took their lamps and took no oil with them,
⁴ but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps.
⁵ But while the bridegroom was delayed, they all slumbered and slept.
⁶ "And at midnight a cry was heard: 'Behold, the bridegroom is coming; go out to meet him!'
⁷ Then all those virgins arose and trimmed their lamps.
⁸ And the foolish said to the wise, 'Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.'
⁹ But the wise answered, saying, 'No, lest there should not be enough for us and you; but go rather to those who sell, and buy for yourselves.'
¹⁰ And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding; and the door was shut.
¹¹ "Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, 'Lord, Lord, open to us!'
¹² But he answered and said, 'Assuredly, I say to you, I do not know you.'
¹³ "Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming.
¹⁴ "For the kingdom of heaven is like a man traveling to a far country, who called his own servants and delivered his goods to them.
¹⁵ And to one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one, to each according to his own ability; and immediately he went on a journey.
¹⁶ Then he who had received the five talents went and traded with them, and made another five talents.
¹⁷ And likewise he who had received two gained two more also.
¹⁸ But he who had received one went and dug in the ground, and hid his lord's money.
¹⁹ After a long time the lord of those servants came and settled accounts with them.
²⁰ "So he who had received five talents came and brought five other talents, saying, 'Lord, you delivered to me five talents; look, I have gained five more talents besides them.'
²¹ His lord said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.'
²² He also who had received two talents came and said, 'Lord, you delivered to me two talents; look, I have gained two more talents besides them.'
²³ His lord said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.'
²⁴ "Then he who had received the one talent came and said, 'Lord, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you have not sown, and gathering where you have not scattered seed.
²⁵ And I was afraid, and went and hid your talent in the ground. Look, there you have what is yours.'
²⁶ "But his lord answered and said to him, 'You wicked and lazy servant, you knew that I reap where I have not sown, and gather where I have not scattered seed.
²⁷ So you ought to have deposited my money with the bankers, and at my coming I would have received back my own with interest.
²⁸ Therefore take the talent from him, and give it to him who has ten talents.
²⁹ 'For to everyone who has, more will be given, and he will have abundance; but from him who does not have, even what he has will be taken away.
³⁰ And cast the unprofitable servant into the outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.'
³¹ "When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the holy angels with Him, then He will sit on the throne of His glory.
³² All the nations will be gathered before Him, and He will separate them one from another, as a shepherd divides his sheep from the goats.
³³ And He will set the sheep on His right hand, but the goats on the left.
³⁴ Then the King will say to those on His right hand, 'Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:
³⁵ for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in;
³⁶ I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.'
³⁷ "Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, 'Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You drink?
³⁸ When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe You?
³⁹ Or when did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?'
⁴⁰ And the King will answer and say to them, 'Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.'
⁴¹ "Then He will also say to those on the left hand, 'Depart from Me, you cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels:
⁴² for I was hungry and you gave Me no food; I was thirsty and you gave Me no drink;
⁴³ I was a stranger and you did not take Me in, naked and you did not clothe Me, sick and in prison and you did not visit Me.'
⁴⁴ "Then they also will answer Him, saying, 'Lord, when did we see You hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to You?'
⁴⁵ Then He will answer them, saying, 'Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to Me.'
⁴⁶ And these will go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous into eternal life."

Matthew chapter 25 niv

¹ "At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom.
² Five of them were foolish and five were wise.
³ The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take any oil with them.
⁴ The wise ones, however, took oil in jars along with their lamps.
⁵ The bridegroom was a long time in coming, and they all became drowsy and fell asleep.
⁶ "At midnight the cry rang out: 'Here's the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!'
⁷ "Then all the virgins woke up and trimmed their lamps.
⁸ The foolish ones said to the wise, 'Give us some of your oil; our lamps are going out.'
⁹ "?'No,' they replied, 'there may not be enough for both us and you. Instead, go to those who sell oil and buy some for yourselves.'
¹⁰ "But while they were on their way to buy the oil, the bridegroom arrived. The virgins who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet. And the door was shut.
¹¹ "Later the others also came. 'Lord, Lord,' they said, 'open the door for us!'
¹² "But he replied, 'Truly I tell you, I don't know you.'
¹³ "Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.
¹⁴ "Again, it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted his wealth to them.
¹⁵ To one he gave five bags of gold, to another two bags, and to another one bag, each according to his ability. Then he went on his journey.
¹⁶ The man who had received five bags of gold went at once and put his money to work and gained five bags more.
¹⁷ So also, the one with two bags of gold gained two more.
¹⁸ But the man who had received one bag went off, dug a hole in the ground and hid his master's money.
¹⁹ "After a long time the master of those servants returned and settled accounts with them.
²⁰ The man who had received five bags of gold brought the other five. 'Master,' he said, 'you entrusted me with five bags of gold. See, I have gained five more.'
²¹ "His master replied, 'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!'
²² "The man with two bags of gold also came. 'Master,' he said, 'you entrusted me with two bags of gold; see, I have gained two more.'
²³ "His master replied, 'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!'
²⁴ "Then the man who had received one bag of gold came. 'Master,' he said, 'I knew that you are a hard man, harvesting where you have not sown and gathering where you have not scattered seed.
²⁵ So I was afraid and went out and hid your gold in the ground. See, here is what belongs to you.'
²⁶ "His master replied, 'You wicked, lazy servant! So you knew that I harvest where I have not sown and gather where I have not scattered seed?
²⁷ Well then, you should have put my money on deposit with the bankers, so that when I returned I would have received it back with interest.
²⁸ "?'So take the bag of gold from him and give it to the one who has ten bags.
²⁹ For whoever has will be given more, and they will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what they have will be taken from them.
³⁰ And throw that worthless servant outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.'
³¹ "When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his glorious throne.
³² All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats.
³³ He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left.
³⁴ "Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world.
³⁵ For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in,
³⁶ I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.'
³⁷ "Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink?
³⁸ When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you?
³⁹ When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?'
⁴⁰ "The King will reply, 'Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.'
⁴¹ "Then he will say to those on his left, 'Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.
⁴² For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink,
⁴³ I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.'
⁴⁴ "They also will answer, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?'
⁴⁵ "He will reply, 'Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.'
⁴⁶ "Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life."

Matthew chapter 25 esv

¹ "Then the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom.
² Five of them were foolish, and five were wise.
³ For when the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them,
⁴ but the wise took flasks of oil with their lamps.
⁵ As the bridegroom was delayed, they all became drowsy and slept.
⁶ But at midnight there was a cry, 'Here is the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.'
⁷ Then all those virgins rose and trimmed their lamps.
⁸ And the foolish said to the wise, 'Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.'
⁹ But the wise answered, saying, 'Since there will not be enough for us and for you, go rather to the dealers and buy for yourselves.'
¹⁰ And while they were going to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast, and the door was shut.
¹¹ Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, 'Lord, lord, open to us.'
¹² But he answered, 'Truly, I say to you, I do not know you.'
¹³ Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour.
¹⁴ "For it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted to them his property.
¹⁵ To one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. Then he went away.
¹⁶ He who had received the five talents went at once and traded with them, and he made five talents more.
¹⁷ So also he who had the two talents made two talents more.
¹⁸ But he who had received the one talent went and dug in the ground and hid his master's money.
¹⁹ Now after a long time the master of those servants came and settled accounts with them.
²⁰ And he who had received the five talents came forward, bringing five talents more, saying, 'Master, you delivered to me five talents; here, I have made five talents more.'
²¹ His master said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.'
²² And he also who had the two talents came forward, saying, 'Master, you delivered to me two talents; here, I have made two talents more.'
²³ His master said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.'
²⁴ He also who had received the one talent came forward, saying, 'Master, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you scattered no seed,
²⁵ so I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground. Here, you have what is yours.'
²⁶ But his master answered him, 'You wicked and slothful servant! You knew that I reap where I have not sown and gather where I scattered no seed?
²⁷ Then you ought to have invested my money with the bankers, and at my coming I should have received what was my own with interest.
²⁸ So take the talent from him and give it to him who has the ten talents.
²⁹ For to everyone who has will more be given, and he will have an abundance. But from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away.
³⁰ And cast the worthless servant into the outer darkness. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.'
³¹ "When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on his glorious throne.
³² Before him will be gathered all the nations, and he will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats.
³³ And he will place the sheep on his right, but the goats on the left.
³⁴ Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.
³⁵ For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me,
³⁶ I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.'
³⁷ Then the righteous will answer him, saying, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink?
³⁸ And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you?
³⁹ And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?'
⁴⁰ And the King will answer them, 'Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.'
⁴¹ "Then he will say to those on his left, 'Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.
⁴² For I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me no drink,
⁴³ I was a stranger and you did not welcome me, naked and you did not clothe me, sick and in prison and you did not visit me.'
⁴⁴ Then they also will answer, saying, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to you?'
⁴⁵ Then he will answer them, saying, 'Truly, I say to you, as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me.'
⁴⁶ And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life."

Matthew chapter 25 nlt

¹ "Then the Kingdom of Heaven will be like ten bridesmaids who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom.
² Five of them were foolish, and five were wise.
³ The five who were foolish didn't take enough olive oil for their lamps,
⁴ but the other five were wise enough to take along extra oil.
⁵ When the bridegroom was delayed, they all became drowsy and fell asleep.
⁶ "At midnight they were roused by the shout, 'Look, the bridegroom is coming! Come out and meet him!'
⁷ "All the bridesmaids got up and prepared their lamps.
⁸ Then the five foolish ones asked the others, 'Please give us some of your oil because our lamps are going out.'
⁹ "But the others replied, 'We don't have enough for all of us. Go to a shop and buy some for yourselves.'
¹⁰ "But while they were gone to buy oil, the bridegroom came. Then those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast, and the door was locked.
¹¹ Later, when the other five bridesmaids returned, they stood outside, calling, 'Lord! Lord! Open the door for us!'
¹² "But he called back, 'Believe me, I don't know you!'
¹³ "So you, too, must keep watch! For you do not know the day or hour of my return.
¹⁴ "Again, the Kingdom of Heaven can be illustrated by the story of a man going on a long trip. He called together his servants and entrusted his money to them while he was gone.
¹⁵ He gave five bags of silver to one, two bags of silver to another, and one bag of silver to the last ? dividing it in proportion to their abilities. He then left on his trip.
¹⁶ "The servant who received the five bags of silver began to invest the money and earned five more.
¹⁷ The servant with two bags of silver also went to work and earned two more.
¹⁸ But the servant who received the one bag of silver dug a hole in the ground and hid the master's money.
¹⁹ "After a long time their master returned from his trip and called them to give an account of how they had used his money.
²⁰ The servant to whom he had entrusted the five bags of silver came forward with five more and said, 'Master, you gave me five bags of silver to invest, and I have earned five more.'
²¹ "The master was full of praise. 'Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let's celebrate together! '
²² "The servant who had received the two bags of silver came forward and said, 'Master, you gave me two bags of silver to invest, and I have earned two more.'
²³ "The master said, 'Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let's celebrate together!'
²⁴ "Then the servant with the one bag of silver came and said, 'Master, I knew you were a harsh man, harvesting crops you didn't plant and gathering crops you didn't cultivate.
²⁵ I was afraid I would lose your money, so I hid it in the earth. Look, here is your money back.'
²⁶ "But the master replied, 'You wicked and lazy servant! If you knew I harvested crops I didn't plant and gathered crops I didn't cultivate,
²⁷ why didn't you deposit my money in the bank? At least I could have gotten some interest on it.'
²⁸ "Then he ordered, 'Take the money from this servant, and give it to the one with the ten bags of silver.
²⁹ To those who use well what they are given, even more will be given, and they will have an abundance. But from those who do nothing, even what little they have will be taken away.
³⁰ Now throw this useless servant into outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.'
³¹ "But when the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit upon his glorious throne.
³² All the nations will be gathered in his presence, and he will separate the people as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats.
³³ He will place the sheep at his right hand and the goats at his left.
³⁴ "Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the creation of the world.
³⁵ For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home.
³⁶ I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me.'
³⁷ "Then these righteous ones will reply, 'Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink?
³⁸ Or a stranger and show you hospitality? Or naked and give you clothing?
³⁹ When did we ever see you sick or in prison and visit you?'
⁴⁰ "And the King will say, 'I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!'
⁴¹ "Then the King will turn to those on the left and say, 'Away with you, you cursed ones, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his demons.
⁴² For I was hungry, and you didn't feed me. I was thirsty, and you didn't give me a drink.
⁴³ I was a stranger, and you didn't invite me into your home. I was naked, and you didn't give me clothing. I was sick and in prison, and you didn't visit me.'
⁴⁴ "Then they will reply, 'Lord, when did we ever see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and not help you?'
⁴⁵ "And he will answer, 'I tell you the truth, when you refused to help the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were refusing to help me.'
⁴⁶ "And they will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous will go into eternal life."