King James Bible
"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."
The unprepared virgins' absence at the critical moment reveals the parable's central tragedy—their last-minute attempt to secure oil coincides with the bridegroom's arrival. This timing emphasizes that spiritual preparedness cannot be obtained hurriedly when the decisive moment arrives. The prepared virgins enter the wedding feast, representing believers who enter God's kingdom because of their readiness. In Jewish wedding customs, joining the bridegroom's procession and entering the banquet hall signified full participation in the celebration and honor. The closed door marks a point of no return, echoing Noah's ark and other biblical moments of final judgment. This stark conclusion underscores the parable's warning: when Christ returns, the opportunity for preparation ends permanently.