4 And the wise, together with their lamps, took the oil in their vessels.

5 And when the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered, and fell asleep.

6 But at midnight there was a cry, Behold, the bridegroom is coming, come out to meet him.

7 Then all the virgins arose, and straightened their lamps.

8 And the foolish said to the wise, Give us your oil, for our lamps are going out.

9 And the wise answered, "In order that there may not be a shortage both among us and among you, it is better to go to those who sell and buy for yourselves."

10 And when they had gone to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding feast, and the doors were shut;

11 after that the rest of the virgins also come, and say, "Lord! God! open to us.

12 And he answered and said unto them, Verily I say unto you, I know you not.

13 Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming.

14 For he shall act as a man who went into a strange land, and called his servants, and entrusted them with his possessions.

15 And to one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. and immediately departed.

16 And he that hath received five talents went and put them to work, and hath acquired the other five talents;

17 In the same way he who received two talents gained the other two;

18 And he who had received one talent went and buried it in the ground, and hid his master's money.

19 And after a long time, the lord of those servants cometh and demands an account of them.

20 And he that hath received five talents shall come near, and shall bring forth the other five talents, and saith, Lord! Five talents thou hast given me; behold, the other five talents I have gained with them.

21 And his lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant! in a few things you have been faithful, I will set you over many; enter into the joy of your master.

22 And he that had received the two talents also came near, and said, Lord! Two talents thou hast given me; behold, the other two talents I have acquired with them.

23 And his lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant! in a few things you have been faithful, I will set you over many; enter into the joy of your master.

24 And he who had received one talent also came near, and said, 'Lord! I knew thee that thou wast a cruel man, reaping where thou hast not sown, and gathering where thou hast not scattered;