Matthew 25:1

An Understandable Version (2005 edition)

“Then the kingdom of heaven will be similar to ten bridesmaids who took their lamps and went out to meet the [bride and] groom. [Note: The picture here is that of a newly married couple returning from a festive reception to the groom’s home where they continued celebrating and were welcomed by a late evening wedding party]

Cross References

Matthew 13:24

[Then] Jesus told them another parable, saying, “The kingdom of heaven is similar to a person who sowed seed in his field,

Matthew 13:31

Jesus told them another parable, saying, “The kingdom of heaven is similar to a seed from the mustard tree which a man took and planted in his field.

Matthew 13:38

and the field [represents] the world. The good seed [represents] the children who belong to the kingdom, and the weeds [represent] the children who belong to the evil one [i.e., the devil].

Matthew 13:47

“Again, the kingdom of heaven is similar to a drag­net [for fishing] that was cast into the lake and gathered all kinds [of fish].

Matthew 20:1

“For the kingdom of heaven is similar to a farmer who went out early one morning to hire laborers for his vineyard.

Matthew 22:2

“The kingdom of heaven is similar to a certain king who held a wedding reception for his son.

Matthew 25:7

Then all the bridesmaids woke up and trimmed their lamps [i.e., removed the burnt wicks and replenished their lamps with oil].

Matthew 3:2

“You must repent [i.e., change your hearts and lives], for the kingdom of heaven will soon be here.”

Matthew 5:16

In that same way, you should allow your light [i.e., influence] to shine in front of people, so that they will see your good deeds and [be led to] honor your Father in heaven.

Matthew 9:15

Jesus said to them, “Can the groomsmen act sadly while the groom is still with them? But the time will come when the groom will be taken away from them, and then they will fast.

John 18:3

So, Judas took a detachment of [Roman] soldiers and some [Temple] guards sent from the leading priests and Pharisees, and carrying lanterns, torches and weapons, they went to the orchard.

John 3:29

The one who has the bride is the groom; but the best man, who stands up with him and listens to him [take his vows], is very happy when he hears him speak. So, [now] my joy is complete [i.e. over hearing about Jesus’ ministry].

Acts 20:8

Now there were many lamps in the upstairs room where we were meeting.

1 Corinthians 11:2

Now I commend you for remembering me in everything and for remaining loyal to the [inspired] traditions which I have handed on to you.

2 Corinthians 11:2

For I am jealous for you with a godly jealousy, because I promised you in marriage to one husband, that I might present you to Christ as a pure virgin.

2 Timothy 4:8

So, now there is a crown of righteousness reserved for me, which the Lord, who is a just Judge, will award me on that day [i.e., the Judgment Day], and not to me only, but also to everyone who has loved [the prospect of] His appearing.

Titus 2:13

while looking forward to the blessed hope [i.e., the hope that produces blessings] and the coming splendor of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ.

Revelation 14:4

These people are the ones who did not practice sexual immorality with women, for they were virgins [Note: This probably has reference to people who avoided idolatry]. These are people who followed the Lamb wherever He went. They were purchased from among mankind to be the first fruits [devoted] to God and to the Lamb.

Revelation 19:7

We should rejoice and be extremely glad, and we should give honor to Him. For the time has come for the Lamb’s marriage, and His bride has prepared herself [for the wedding].

Revelation 21:2

And I [also] saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.

Revelation 21:9

Then one of the seven angels who held the seven bowls full of the seven last plagues [i.e., judgments, See 15:1], came and spoke to me, saying, “Come here, [and] I will show you the bride, the Lamb’s wife.”

Revelation 4:5

And lightning flashes and [loud] sounds of rolling thunder came out of God’s throne. And there were seven lighted torches burning in front of the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God [i.e., the Holy Spirit. See 1:4].

Revelation 8:10

[When] the third angel sounded its trumpet [I saw] a huge star, like a flaming torch, falling from heaven. It fell on one third of the rivers and on the springs of water.