Matthew 25

The Parable of the Ten Virgins

1 "Then the kingdom of heaven shall be likened to ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet a the bridegroom. 2 b "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, c they all slumbered and slept. 6 "And at midnight d a cry was heard: 'Behold, the bridegroom 1 is coming; go out to meet him!' 7 "Then all those virgins arose and e 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 f the door was shut. 11 "Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, g 'Lord, Lord, open to us!' 12 "But he answered and said, 'Assuredly, I say to you, h I do not know you.' 13 i "Watch therefore, for you j know neither the day nor the hour 2 in which the Son of Man is coming.

The Parable of the Talents

14 k "For the kingdom of heaven is l 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, m 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 n faithful over a few things, o I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into p 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, q 'Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into r 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 s 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 t '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 u into the outer darkness. v There will be weeping and w gnashing of teeth.'

The Final Judgment

31 x "When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the 3 holy angels with Him, then He will sit on the throne of His glory. 32 y "All the nations will be gathered before Him, and z He will separate them one from another, as a shepherd divides his sheep from the goats. 33 "And He will set the a 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, b inherit the kingdom c prepared for you from the foundation of the world: 35 d 'for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; e I was a stranger and you took Me in; 36 'I was f naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; g 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, h 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, i 'Depart from Me, you cursed, j into the everlasting fire prepared for k 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 4 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, l inasmuch as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to Me.' 46 "And m these will go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous into eternal life."

  1. Cross References
    Ephesians 5:29
    For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as the Lord does the church.
    Ephesians 5:30
    For we are members of His body, of His flesh and of His bones.
    Revelation 19:7
    "Let us be glad and rejoice and give Him glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His wife has made herself ready."
    Revelation 21:2
    Then I, John, saw the holy city, 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 had the seven bowls filled with the seven last plagues came to me and talked with me, saying, "Come, I will show you the bride, the Lamb's wife.
  2. Cross References
    Matthew 13:47
    Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a dragnet that was cast into the sea and gathered some of every kind.
    Matthew 22:10
    So those servants went out into the highways and gathered together all whom they found, both bad and good. And the wedding hall was filled with guests.
  3. Cross References
    1 Thessalonians 5:6
    Therefore let us not sleep, as others do, but let us watch and be sober.
  4. Cross References
    Matthew 24:31
    And He will send His angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they will gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.
    1 Thessalonians 4:16
    For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first.
  5. Cross References
    Luke 12:35
    Let your waist be girded and your lamps burning.
  6. Cross References
    Matthew 7:21
    Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven.
    Luke 13:25
    "When once the Master of the house has risen up and shut the door, and you begin to stand outside and knock at the door, saying, 'Lord, Lord, open for us,' and He will answer and say to you, 'I do not know you, where you are from,'
  7. Cross References
    Matthew 7:21 - 23
    Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven.
    Luke 13:25 - 30
    "When once the Master of the house has risen up and shut the door, and you begin to stand outside and knock at the door, saying, 'Lord, Lord, open for us,' and He will answer and say to you, 'I do not know you, where you are from,'
  8. Cross References
    Psalms 5:5
    The boastful shall not stand in Your sight; You hate all workers of iniquity.
    Habakkuk 1:13
    You are of purer eyes than to behold evil, And cannot look on wickedness. Why do You look on those who deal treacherously, And hold Your tongue when the wicked devours A person more righteous than he?
    John 9:31
    Now we know that God does not hear sinners; but if anyone is a worshiper of God and does His will, He hears him.
  9. Cross References
    Mark 13:35
    Watch therefore, for you do not know when the master of the house is coming - in the evening, at midnight, at the crowing of the rooster, or in the morning -
    Luke 21:36
    "Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man."
    1 Thessalonians 5:6
    Therefore let us not sleep, as others do, but let us watch and be sober.
  10. Cross References
    Matthew 24:36
    But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only.
    Matthew 24:42
    Watch therefore, for you do not know what hour your Lord is coming.
  11. Cross References
    Luke 19:12 - 27
    Therefore He said: "A certain nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom and to return.
  12. Cross References
    Matthew 21:33
    Hear another parable: There was a certain landowner who planted a vineyard and set a hedge around it, dug a winepress in it and built a tower. And he leased it to vinedressers and went into a far country.
  13. Cross References
    Romans 12:6
    Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith.
    1 Corinthians 12:7
    But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all:
    1 Corinthians 12:11
    But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills.
    1 Corinthians 12:29
    Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Are all workers of miracles?
    Ephesians 4:11
    And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers.
  14. Cross References
    Luke 16:10
    He who is faithful in what is least is faithful also in much; and he who is unjust in what is least is unjust also in much.
    1 Corinthians 4:2
    Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful.
    2 Timothy 4:7
    I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
    2 Timothy 4:8
    Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.
  15. Cross References
    Matthew 24:47
    Assuredly, I say to you that he will make him r...
    Matthew 25:34
    Then the King will say to those on His right ha...
    Matthew 25:46
    "And these will go away into everlasting punish...
    Luke 12:44
    Truly, I say to you that he will make him ruler...
    Luke 22:29
    And I bestow upon you a kingdom, just as My Fat...
    Luke 22:30
    "that you may eat and drink at My table in My k...
    Revelation 3:21
    To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with M...
    Revelation 21:7
    He who overcomes shall inherit all things, and ...
  16. Cross References
    2 Timothy 2:12
    If we endure, We shall also reign with Him. If we deny Him, He also will deny us.
    Hebrews 12:2
    Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
    1 Peter 1:8
    Whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory.
  17. Cross References
    Matthew 24:45
    Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his master made ruler over his household, to give them food in due season?
    Matthew 24:47
    Assuredly, I say to you that he will make him ruler over all his goods.
    Matthew 25:21
    "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.'
  18. Cross References
    Psalms 16:11
    You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
    John 15:10
    If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father's commandments and abide in His love.
    John 15:11
    These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full.
  19. Cross References
    Matthew 18:32
    Then his master, after he had called him, said to him, 'You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you begged me.
    Luke 19:22
    And he said to him, 'Out of your own mouth I will judge you, you wicked servant. You knew that I was an austere man, collecting what I did not deposit and reaping what I did not sow.
  20. Cross References
    Matthew 13:12
    For whoever has, to him more will be given, and he will have abundance; but whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him.
    Mark 4:25
    "For whoever has, to him more will be given; but whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him."
    Luke 8:18
    "Therefore take heed how you hear. For whoever has, to him more will be given; and whoever does not have, even what he seems to have will be taken from him."
    John 15:2
    Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit.
  21. Cross References
    Matthew 8:12
    "But the sons of the kingdom will be cast out into outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth."
    Matthew 22:13
    "Then the king said to the servants, 'Bind him hand and foot, take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.'
    Luke 13:28
    There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when you see Abraham and Isaac and Jacob and all the prophets in the kingdom of God, and yourselves thrust out.
  22. Cross References
    Matthew 7:23
    "And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!'
    Matthew 8:12
    "But the sons of the kingdom will be cast out into outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth."
    Matthew 24:51
    And will cut him in two and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites. There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
  23. Cross References
    Psalms 112:10
    The wicked will see it and be grieved; He will gnash his teeth and melt away; The desire of the wicked shall perish.
  24. Cross References
    Zechariah 14:5
    Then you shall flee through My mountain valley,...
    Matthew 16:27
    For the Son of Man will come in the glory of Hi...
    Mark 8:38
    "For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words in t...
    Acts 1:11
    Who also said, "Men of Galilee, why do you stan...
    1 Thessalonians 4:16
    For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven w...
    2 Thessalonians 1:7
    And to give you who are troubled rest with us w...
    Revelation 1:7
    Behold, He is coming with clouds, and every eye...
  25. Cross References
    Romans 14:10
    But why do you judge your brother? Or why do you show contempt for your brother? For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.
    2 Corinthians 5:10
    For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.
    Revelation 20:12
    And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God, and books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books.
  26. Cross References
    Ezekiel 20:38
    I will purge the rebels from among you, and those who transgress against Me; I will bring them out of the country where they dwell, but they shall not enter the land of Israel. Then you will know that I am the LORD.
  27. Cross References
    Psalms 79:13
    So we, Your people and sheep of Your pasture, Will give You thanks forever; We will show forth Your praise to all generations.
    Psalms 100:3
    Know that the LORD, He is God; It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; We are His people and the sheep of His pasture.
    John 10:11
    I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep.
    John 10:27
    My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.
    John 10:28
    And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand.
  28. Cross References
    Romans 8:17
    And if children, then heirs - heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.
    1 Peter 1:4
    To an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you.
    1 Peter 1:9
    Receiving the end of your faith - the salvation of your souls.
    Revelation 21:7
    He who overcomes shall inherit all things, and I will be his God and he shall be My son.
  29. Cross References
    Matthew 20:23
    So He said to them, "You will indeed drink My cup, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with; but to sit on My right hand and on My left is not Mine to give, but it is for those for whom it is prepared by My Father.
    Mark 10:40
    "but to sit on My right hand and on My left is not Mine to give, but it is for those for whom it is prepared."
    1 Corinthians 2:9
    But as it is written: "Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man The things which God has prepared for those who love Him.
    Hebrews 11:16
    But now they desire a better, that is, a heavenly country. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them.
  30. Cross References
    Isaiah 58:7
    Is it not to share your bread with the hungry, ...
    Ezekiel 18:7
    If he has not oppressed anyone, But has restore...
    Ezekiel 18:16
    Has not oppressed anyone, Nor withheld a pledge...
    James 1:27
    Pure and undefiled religion before God and the ...
    James 2:15
    If a brother or sister is naked and destitute o...
    James 2:16
    And one of you says to them, "Depart in peace, ...
  31. Cross References
    Job 31:32
    ( But no sojourner had to lodge in the street, For I have opened my doors to the traveler).
    Hebrews 13:2
    Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels.
  32. Cross References
    Isaiah 58:7
    Is it not to share your bread with the hungry, And that you bring to your house the poor who are cast out; When you see the naked, that you cover him, And not hide yourself from your own flesh?
    Ezekiel 18:7
    If he has not oppressed anyone, But has restored to the debtor his pledge; Has robbed no one by violence, But has given his bread to the hungry And covered the naked with clothing.
    Ezekiel 18:16
    Has not oppressed anyone, Nor withheld a pledge, Nor robbed by violence, But has given his bread to the hungry And covered the naked with clothing.
    James 2:15
    If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food.
    James 2:16
    And one of you says to them, "Depart in peace, be warmed and filled," but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit?
  33. Cross References
    2 Timothy 1:16
    The Lord grant mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, for he often refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain.
  34. Cross References
    Proverbs 14:31
    He who oppresses the poor reproaches his Maker, But he who honors Him has mercy on the needy.
    Matthew 10:42
    "And whoever gives one of these little ones only a cup of cold water in the name of a disciple, assuredly, I say to you, he shall by no means lose his reward."
    Mark 9:41
    For whoever gives you a cup of water to drink in My name, because you belong to Christ, assuredly, I say to you, he will by no means lose his reward.
    Hebrews 6:10
    For God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love which you have shown toward His name, in that you have ministered to the saints, and do minister.
  35. Cross References
    Psalms 6:8
    Depart from me, all you workers of iniquity; For the LORD has heard the voice of my weeping.
    Matthew 7:23
    "And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!'
    Luke 13:27
    "But He will say, 'I tell you I do not know you, where you are from. Depart from Me, all you workers of iniquity.'
  36. Cross References
    Matthew 13:40
    Therefore as the tares are gathered and burned in the fire, so it will be at the end of this age.
    Matthew 13:42
    And will cast them into the furnace of fire. There will be wailing and gnashing of teeth.
  37. Cross References
    2 Peter 2:4
    For if God did not spare the angels who sinned, but cast them down to hell and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved for judgment.
  38. Cross References
    Proverbs 14:31
    He who oppresses the poor reproaches his Maker, But he who honors Him has mercy on the needy.
    Zechariah 2:8
    For thus says the LORD of hosts: "He sent Me after glory, to the nations which plunder you; for he who touches you touches the apple of His eye.
    Acts 9:5
    And he said, "Who are You, Lord?" Then the Lord said, "I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. It is hard for you to kick against the goads.
  39. Cross References
    Daniel 12:2
    And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, Some to everlasting life, Some to shame and everlasting contempt.
    John 5:29
    And come forth - those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation.
    Acts 24:15
    I have hope in God, which they themselves also accept, that there will be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and the unjust.
    Romans 2:7
    Eternal life to those who by patient continuance in doing good seek for glory, honor, and immortality.
New King James Version (NKJV) Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.
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