What is the significance of the virgins having oil lamps to welcome the bridegroom in biblical times?

Answer 1

In Matthew chapter 24, Jesus' apostles asked him what would be a sign of his presence and the end of the world system as we know it. In reply he gave many signs including the presence of a "faithful and discreet slave" that he would appoint over his belongings or worshippers (verse 45). It was shortly after he said this that he gave the illustration of the virgins and the bridegroom in the beginning of chapter 25. (Verses 1-13) Some of the virgins were discreet and brought enough oil in their lamps to wait for the bridegroom who is represented by Jesus himself. (Luke 5:34,35) Others were not discreet and thus had no oil left in their lamps by the time the bridegroom appears.

Jesus earlier told his followers they are to be a light for the world. (Matthew 5:14-16) That light is most likely represented by the oil burning in the lamps. The virgins, who were not discreet, let their light go out before the bridegroom arrived. Perhaps they figured it would not take as long as it did for the bridegroom to appear, so they incorrectly assumed they would have enough oil. While the ones that brought extra oil, because they didn't know how long it was going to be, proved to be the truly discreet ones and ended up entering the marriage celebration with the bridegroom.

It is primarily a lesion for the ones Christ appoints over all of his belongings to keep on the watch and show that they are not only faithful, but also discreet. It has a wider lesson for those who are actually part of Christ's belongings to also prepare and be diligent concerning exercising faith during the time when they are awaiting his arrival.

Reference: The Watchtower 03/15/2015 Edition