King James Bible
"Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom."
Jesus begins a parable comparing God's kingdom to a wedding scenario involving ten young women. The number ten likely represents completeness in Jewish thought, while virgins indicates unmarried attendants who would participate in wedding festivities—a familiar cultural image to His audience. These oil lamps were essential for nighttime wedding processions in ancient Jewish culture. The detail emphasizes preparedness, as lamps required both initial lighting and sufficient oil reserves for extended celebrations that could begin at any hour. The virgins actively position themselves to welcome the groom upon his arrival from the bride's home. This reflects the Jewish wedding custom where the groom's arrival time was deliberately uncertain, creating anticipation and requiring the wedding party to maintain constant readiness.