Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Matthew 25:12

"But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not." — Matthew 25:12 (ASV)

The bridegroom comes, the wise virgins enter, and the door is shut. The intense cries of the ill-prepared and foolish latecomers are of no avail. Because this parable concerns the consummation, the refusal to recognize or admit the foolish virgins must not be construed as calloused rejection of their lifelong desire to enter the kingdom. Far from it: it is the rejection of those who, despite appearances, never made preparation for the coming of the kingdom. The final verse reiterates the main theme of the parable mentioned: Be prepared! “Keep watch[ing]”!