His Holiness Pope Shenouda III explained the parable of the ten virgins (Matthew 25), showing that it speaks about spiritual readiness for the coming of Christ. The virgins represent believers consecrated to God, the lamps represent faith, and the oil represents the Holy Spirit working within the person. The wise virgins symbolize souls filled with the Spirit, while the foolish ones represent those who only have an outward appearance of faith without true inner life.
The Meaning of the Number Five
His Holiness explained that the number five symbolizes humanity, as man has five senses and five fingers on each hand and foot. Thus, the ten virgins represent all people — five wise (the righteous) and five foolish (the unrighteous). Foolishness here means being far from God, not mere ignorance.
Outer Similarity, Inner Difference
All had lamps and awaited the bridegroom, but the wise took oil in their vessels — meaning they were filled with the Holy Spirit — while the foolish relied only on appearances. This is like artificial flowers that look beautiful but lack life.
Oil as a Symbol of the Holy Spirit
In Scripture, oil symbolizes the Holy Spirit, as in the anointing of kings, priests, and prophets. The believer receives the Spirit in baptism and chrismation, yet must live by the Spirit and continually be filled. The foolish virgins represent those who quenched the Spirit and lived in spiritual lukewarmness, without true fellowship with God.
The Bridegroom’s Coming at Midnight
The bridegroom represents Christ, and His coming at midnight symbolizes His sudden second coming amid the world’s darkness. The Pope urged constant spiritual vigilance, for no one knows when the Lord will come. Those whose lamps are burning rejoice at His arrival, while the unprepared are filled with fear.
Outward Faith Is Not Enough
A lamp without oil is like faith without love, service without Spirit, or worship without depth. Outward religiosity cannot save without true inner transformation. The righteousness of others cannot be transferred — as David’s righteousness did not save Absalom, nor Abraham’s righteousness save Lot.
The Closing of the Door
When the bridegroom came, the ready ones entered, and the door was shut, symbolizing the end of opportunity after death. God opens the door of repentance in life — as for David, Augustine, and Moses the Black — but once closed, it will not reopen. Therefore, readiness must be daily and sincere.
Spiritual Lesson
The parable calls for continual vigilance, fullness of the Holy Spirit, and walking in the true light of Christ. We must be prepared every day through faith working in love, for “the end of a matter is better than its beginning.”
For better translation support, please contact the center.
Meditations on the Parable of the Virgins
The Parable of the Wise and Foolish Virgins
His Holiness Pope Shenouda III explained the parable of the ten virgins (Matthew 25), showing that it speaks about spiritual readiness for the coming of Christ. The virgins represent believers consecrated to God, the lamps represent faith, and the oil represents the Holy Spirit working within the person. The wise virgins symbolize souls filled with the Spirit, while the foolish ones represent those who only have an outward appearance of faith without true inner life.
The Meaning of the Number Five
His Holiness explained that the number five symbolizes humanity, as man has five senses and five fingers on each hand and foot. Thus, the ten virgins represent all people — five wise (the righteous) and five foolish (the unrighteous). Foolishness here means being far from God, not mere ignorance.
Outer Similarity, Inner Difference
All had lamps and awaited the bridegroom, but the wise took oil in their vessels — meaning they were filled with the Holy Spirit — while the foolish relied only on appearances. This is like artificial flowers that look beautiful but lack life.
Oil as a Symbol of the Holy Spirit
In Scripture, oil symbolizes the Holy Spirit, as in the anointing of kings, priests, and prophets. The believer receives the Spirit in baptism and chrismation, yet must live by the Spirit and continually be filled. The foolish virgins represent those who quenched the Spirit and lived in spiritual lukewarmness, without true fellowship with God.
The Bridegroom’s Coming at Midnight
The bridegroom represents Christ, and His coming at midnight symbolizes His sudden second coming amid the world’s darkness. The Pope urged constant spiritual vigilance, for no one knows when the Lord will come. Those whose lamps are burning rejoice at His arrival, while the unprepared are filled with fear.
Outward Faith Is Not Enough
A lamp without oil is like faith without love, service without Spirit, or worship without depth. Outward religiosity cannot save without true inner transformation. The righteousness of others cannot be transferred — as David’s righteousness did not save Absalom, nor Abraham’s righteousness save Lot.
The Closing of the Door
When the bridegroom came, the ready ones entered, and the door was shut, symbolizing the end of opportunity after death. God opens the door of repentance in life — as for David, Augustine, and Moses the Black — but once closed, it will not reopen. Therefore, readiness must be daily and sincere.
Spiritual Lesson
The parable calls for continual vigilance, fullness of the Holy Spirit, and walking in the true light of Christ. We must be prepared every day through faith working in love, for “the end of a matter is better than its beginning.”
For better translation support, please contact the center.