King James Bible
"They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them:"
Jesus identifies certain bridesmaids as 'foolish' (Greek: mōros), contrasting them with the wise ones mentioned elsewhere in the parable. This designation frames their subsequent actions as lacking foresight and prudence, essential qualities for those awaiting an uncertain arrival time. The lamps were essential equipment for a wedding procession that could occur at night, representing outward readiness and participation in the celebration. Having lamps showed they understood the basic requirements of their role as attendants. The critical failure lay not in lacking lamps but in bringing no reserve oil for refueling, revealing superficial rather than thorough preparation. In the parable's context, this shortage symbolizes spiritual unpreparedness for Christ's return, where external appearance cannot compensate for internal deficiency.