Matthew 24:36-25:30

No One Knows That Day and Hour

36 "But concerning that day and hour g no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, h nor the Son, 1 i but the Father only. 37 j For as were the days of Noah, k so will be the coming of the Son of Man. 38 j For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, l marrying and giving in marriage, until m the day when Noah entered the ark, 39 and they were unaware until the flood came and swept them all away, k so will be the coming of the Son of Man. 40 Then two men will be in the field; one will be taken and one left. 41 n Two women will be grinding o at the mill; one will be taken and one left. 42 Therefore, p stay awake, for you do not know on what day q your Lord is coming. 43 r But know this, that if the master of the house had known in what part of the night s the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and would not have let his house be broken into. 44 Therefore you also must be t ready, for u the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.

45 "Who then is v the faithful and w wise servant, 2 whom his master has set over his household, to give them their food at the proper time? 46 x Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing when he comes. 47 Truly, I say to you, y he will set him over all his possessions. 48 But if that wicked servant says to himself, 'My master z is delayed,' 49 and begins to beat his fellow servants 3 and eats and drinks with a drunkards, 50 the master of that servant will come b on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he does not know 51 and will cut him in pieces and put him with the hypocrites. In that place c there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

Matthew 25

The Parable of the Ten Virgins

1 "Then the kingdom of heaven will be like d ten virgins who took their lamps 4 and went to meet e the bridegroom. 5 2 Five of them were foolish, and five were w wise. 3 For when the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them, 4 but the wise took flasks of oil with their lamps. 5 As the bridegroom f was delayed, they all became drowsy and slept. 6 But g at midnight there was a cry, 'Here is the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.' 7 Then all those virgins rose and h 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, 'Since there will not be enough for us and for you, go rather to the dealers and buy for yourselves.' 10 And while they were going to buy, the bridegroom came, and i those who were ready went in with him to j the marriage feast, and k the door was shut. 11 Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, l 'Lord, lord, open to us.' 12 l But he answered, 'Truly, I say to you, m I do not know you.' 13 n Watch therefore, for you o know neither the day nor the hour.

The Parable of the Talents

14 p "For q it will be like a man r going on a journey, who called his servants 6 and entrusted to them his property. 15 To one he gave five s talents, 7 to another two, to another one, t to each according to his ability. Then he r went away. 16 He who had received the five talents went at once and traded with them, and he made five talents more. 17 So also he who had the two talents made two talents more. 18 But he who had received the one talent went and u dug in the ground and hid his master's money. 19 Now v after a long time the master of those servants came and w settled accounts with them. 20 And he who had received the five talents came forward, bringing five talents more, saying, 'Master, you delivered to me five talents; here I have made five talents more.' 21 His master said to him, 'Well done, good and x faithful servant. 8 y You have been faithful over a little; z I will set you over much. Enter into a the joy of your master.' 22 And he also who had the two talents came forward, saying, 'Master, you delivered to me two talents; here I have made two talents more.' 23 His master said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.' 24 He also who had received the one talent came forward, saying, 'Master, I knew you to be b a hard man, reaping c where you did not sow, and gathering where you scattered no seed, 25 so I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground. Here d you have what is yours.' 26 But his master answered him, 'You e wicked and e slothful servant! You knew that I reap where I have not sown and gather where I scattered no seed? 27 Then you ought to have invested my money with the bankers, and at my coming I should have received what was my own with interest. 28 So take the talent from him and give it to him who has the ten talents. 29 f For to everyone who has will more be given, and he will have an abundance. But from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away. 30 And g cast h the worthless servant into the outer darkness. In that place g there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.'

  1. Cross References
    Matthew 25:13
    Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour.
    1 Thessalonians 5:1 - 2
    Now concerning the times and the seasons, brothers, you have no need to have anything written to you.
  2. Cross References
    Philippians 2:6 - 7
    Who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped.
  3. Cross References
    Zechariah 14:7
    And there shall be a unique day, which is known to the Lord, neither day nor night, but at evening time there shall be light.
    Acts 1:7
    He said to them, "It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority.
  4. Cross References
    Luke 17:26 - 27
    Just as it was in the days of Noah, so will it be in the days of the Son of Man.
  5. Cross References
    Matthew 24:27
    For as the lightning comes from the east and shines as far as the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.
  6. Cross References
    Matthew 24:37
    For as were the days of Noah, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.
  7. Cross References
    Matthew 22:30
    For in the resurrection they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like angels in heaven.
  8. Cross References
    Genesis 7:7 - 16
    And Noah and his sons and his wife and his sons' wives with him went into the ark to escape the waters of the flood.
  9. Cross References
    Matthew 24:37
    For as were the days of Noah, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.
  10. Cross References
    Luke 17:35
    There will be two women grinding together. One will be taken and the other left.
  11. Cross References
    Exodus 11:5
    And every firstborn in the land of Egypt shall die, from the firstborn of Pharaoh who sits on his throne, even to the firstborn of the slave girl who is behind the handmill, and all the firstborn of the cattle.
    Isaiah 47:2
    Take the millstones and grind flour, put off your veil, strip off your robe, uncover your legs, pass through the rivers.
  12. Cross References
    Mark 14:34 - 38
    And he said to them, "My soul is very sorrowful, even to death. Remain here and watch.
    Luke 12:37
    Blessed are those servants whom the master finds awake when he comes. Truly, I say to you, he will dress himself for service and have them recline at table, and he will come and serve them.
    Luke 21:36
    But stay awake at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are going to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man.
    Acts 20:31
    Therefore be alert, remembering that for three years I did not cease night or day to admonish everyone with tears.
    1 Thessalonians 5:6
    So then let us not sleep, as others do, but let us keep awake and be sober.
  13. Cross References
    John 13:13
    You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am.
  14. Cross References
    Matthew 24:43 - 51
    But know this, that if the master of the house had known in what part of the night the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and would not have let his house be broken into.
    Luke 12:39 - 46
    But know this, that if the master of the house had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have left his house to be broken into.
  15. Cross References
    1 Thessalonians 5:2
    For you yourselves are fully aware that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night.
    2 Peter 3:10
    But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed.
    Revelation 3:3
    Remember, then, what you received and heard. Keep it, and repent. If you will not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what hour I will come against you.
  16. Cross References
    Matthew 25:10
    And while they were going to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast, and the door was shut.
  17. Cross References
    Matthew 24:27
    For as the lightning comes from the east and shines as far as the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.
  18. Cross References
    Matthew 25:21
    His master said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.
    1 Corinthians 4:2
    Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found trustworthy.
    Hebrews 3:5
    Now Moses was faithful in all God's house as a servant, to testify to the things that were to be spoken later.
  19. Cross References
    Matthew 7:24
    Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock.
    Matthew 10:16
    Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.
    Matthew 25:2
    Five of them were foolish, and five were wise.
  20. Cross References
    John 13:17
    If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them.
    Revelation 16:15
    ("Behold, I am coming like a thief! Blessed is the one who stays awake, keeping his garments on, that he may not go about naked and be seen exposed!")
  21. Cross References
    Matthew 25:21
    His master said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.
    Matthew 25:23
    His master said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.
  22. Cross References
    Matthew 25:5
    As the bridegroom was delayed, they all became drowsy and slept.
  23. Cross References
    1 Thessalonians 5:7
    For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, are drunk at night.
  24. Cross References
    2 Peter 3:12
    Waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be set on fire and dissolved, and the heavenly bodies will melt as they burn!
    Matthew 25:13
    Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour.
  25. Cross References
    Matthew 8:12
    While the sons of the kingdom will be thrown into the outer darkness. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
  26. Cross References
    Luke 19:13
    Calling ten of his servants, he gave them ten minas, and said to them, 'Engage in business until I come.
  27. Cross References
    Matthew 9:15
    And Jesus said to them, "Can the wedding guests mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them? The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast.
    John 3:29
    The one who has the bride is the bridegroom. The friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly at the bridegroom's voice. Therefore this joy of mine is now complete.
    Revelation 19:7
    Let us rejoice and exult and give him the glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and his Bride has made herself ready.
    Revelation 21:2
    And I 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 came one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls full of the seven last plagues and spoke to me, saying, "Come, I will show you the Bride, the wife of the Lamb.
  28. Cross References
    Matthew 24:45
    Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom his master has set over his household, to give them their food at the proper time?
  29. Cross References
    Matthew 24:48
    But if that wicked servant says to himself, 'My master is delayed.
    Matthew 25:19
    Now after a long time the master of those servants came and settled accounts with them.
    Hebrews 10:37
    For, "Yet a little while, and the coming one will come and will not delay.
    2 Peter 3:4
    They will say, "Where is the promise of his coming? For ever since the fathers fell asleep, all things are continuing as they were from the beginning of creation.
    2 Peter 3:9
    The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.
  30. Cross References
    Mark 13:35
    Therefore stay awake - for you do not know when the master of the house will come, in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or in the morning -
  31. Cross References
    Luke 12:35
    Stay dressed for action and keep your lamps burning.
  32. Cross References
    Matthew 24:44
    Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.
  33. Cross References
    Matthew 22:2
    The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who gave a wedding feast for his son.
  34. Cross References
    Matthew 25:10 - 12
    And while they were going to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast, and the door was shut.
    Luke 13:25 - 27
    When once the master of the house has risen and shut the door, and you begin to stand outside and to knock at the door, saying, 'Lord, open to us,' then he will answer you, 'I do not know where you come from.
  35. Cross References
    Matthew 7:22 - 23
    On that day many will say to me, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?
  36. Cross References
    Matthew 25:11
    Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, 'Lord, lord, open to us.
  37. Cross References
    Matthew 10:33
    But whoever denies me before men, I also will deny before my Father who is in heaven.
    2 Timothy 2:19
    But God's firm foundation stands, bearing this seal: "The Lord knows those who are his," and, "Let everyone who names the name of the Lord depart from iniquity.
  38. Cross References
    Matthew 24:42
    Therefore, stay awake, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming.
  39. Cross References
    Matthew 24:50
    The master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he does not know
  40. Cross References
    Matthew 25:14 - 30
    For it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted to them his property.
    Luke 19:12 - 27
    He said therefore, "A nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom and then return.
  41. Cross References
    Mark 13:34
    It is like a man going on a journey, when he leaves home and puts his servants in charge, each with his work, and commands the doorkeeper to stay awake.
  42. Cross References
    Matthew 21:33
    Hear another parable. There was a master of a house who planted a vineyard and put a fence around it and dug a winepress in it and built a tower and leased it to tenants, and went into another country.
  43. Cross References
    Matthew 18:24
    When he began to settle, one was brought to him who owed him ten thousand talents.
  44. Cross References
    Romans 12:6
    Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith.
    1 Corinthians 12:11
    All these are empowered by one and the same Spirit, who apportions to each one individually as he wills.
    Ephesians 4:7
    But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ's gift.
    1 Peter 4:10
    As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace:
  45. Cross References
    Matthew 25:14
    For it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted to them his property.
  46. Cross References
    Matthew 13:44
    The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.
  47. Cross References
    Matthew 25:5
    As the bridegroom was delayed, they all became drowsy and slept.
  48. Cross References
    Matthew 18:23
    Therefore the kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who wished to settle accounts with his servants.
    Romans 14:12
    So then each of us will give an account of himself to God.
    Luke 16:2
    And he called him and said to him, 'What is this that I hear about you? Turn in the account of your management, for you can no longer be manager.
  49. Cross References
    Matthew 25:23
    His master said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.
    Matthew 24:45
    Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom his master has set over his household, to give them their food at the proper time?
  50. Cross References
    Luke 16:10
    One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much, and one who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much.
    1 Corinthians 4:2
    Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found trustworthy.
    1 Timothy 3:13
    For those who serve well as deacons gain a good standing for themselves and also great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.
  51. Cross References
    Matthew 24:47
    Truly, I say to you, he will set him over all his possessions.
  52. Cross References
    Hebrews 12:2
    Looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.
    John 15:11
    These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.
  53. Cross References
    1 Samuel 25:3
    Now the name of the man was Nabal, and the name of his wife Abigail. The woman was discerning and beautiful, but the man was harsh and badly behaved; he was a Calebite.
  54. Cross References
    2 Corinthians 8:12
    For if the readiness is there, it is acceptable according to what a person has, not according to what he does not have.
  55. Cross References
    Matthew 20:14
    Take what belongs to you and go. I choose to give to this last worker as I give to you.
  56. Cross References
    Matthew 18:32
    Then his master summoned him and said to him, 'You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you pleaded with me.
    Proverbs 20:4
    The sluggard does not plow in the autumn; he will seek at harvest and have nothing.
    Romans 12:11
    Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord.
  57. Cross References
    Matthew 18:32
    Then his master summoned him and said to him, 'You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you pleaded with me.
    Proverbs 20:4
    The sluggard does not plow in the autumn; he will seek at harvest and have nothing.
    Romans 12:11
    Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord.
  58. Cross References
    Luke 12:48
    But the one who did not know, and did what deserved a beating, will receive a light beating. Everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required, and from him to whom they entrusted much, they will demand the more.
    Matthew 13:12
    For to the one who has, more will be given, and he will have an abundance, but from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away.
  59. Cross References
    Matthew 8:12
    While the sons of the kingdom will be thrown into the outer darkness. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
  60. Cross References
    Matthew 8:12
    While the sons of the kingdom will be thrown into the outer darkness. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
  61. Cross References
    Luke 17:10
    So you also, when you have done all that you were commanded, say, 'We are unworthy servants; we have only done what was our duty.'
English Standard Version (ESV) The Holy Bible, English Standard Version Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers.