The verse Matthew 25:12 in the King James Version of the Bible reads, "But he answered and said, Verily, I say unto you, I know you not." This verse is part of a parable told by Jesus about the kingdom of heaven and the necessity of being prepared for His return.

The parable of the ten virgins, found in Matthew 25:1-13, is one of the most well-known stories told by Jesus. In the parable, Jesus describes ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Five of the virgins were wise and took enough oil for their lamps, while the other five were foolish and did not bring extra oil. When the bridegroom was delayed, all ten virgins fell asleep. At midnight, a cry rang out that the bridegroom was coming, and all the virgins woke up and trimmed their lamps. The foolish ones asked the wise ones for some of their oil, but the wise ones refused, saying there may not be enough for both of them. While the foolish ones went to buy more oil, the bridegroom arrived, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet. When the foolish virgins returned, they found the door shut and were not let in. This is when the bridegroom tells them, "But he answered and said, Verily, I say unto you, I know you not."

The parable of the ten virgins is a powerful reminder of the importance of being spiritually prepared for Jesus' return. The lamps in the parable represent the faith and readiness of the believers, while the oil symbolizes the Holy Spirit and spiritual vitality. The wise virgins were prepared for the bridegroom's arrival because they had extra oil, symbolizing their faith and relationship with God. In contrast, the foolish virgins were unprepared and were shut out from the wedding banquet, representing those who are not spiritually ready for Christ's return.

The verse Matthew 25:12, "But he answered and said, Verily, I say unto you, I know you not," serves as a warning to all believers to be spiritually vigilant and ready for Christ's return. It emphasizes the importance of living a life of faithfulness, obedience, and readiness for the coming of the bridegroom, who is Jesus.

This parable also speaks to the theme of judgment and accountability. The parable of the ten virgins teaches that there will be a time of reckoning when Jesus returns. Those who are spiritually prepared and faithful will be welcomed into the kingdom of heaven, while those who are unprepared and lacking in faith will be shut out. It serves as a reminder for believers to live their lives in a manner pleasing to God, always ready for the time of judgment.

Furthermore, the parable of the ten virgins and the verse Matthew 25:12 also speaks to the theme of spiritual discernment. The wise virgins were discerning in their preparation, while the foolish virgins were not. This highlights the importance of being spiritually discerning and ensuring that one's faith and relationship with God are well-nurtured and kept vibrant.

In the context of the entire Gospel of Matthew, this parable is part of a series of teachings by Jesus about the end times and the coming of the Son of Man. Jesus urges His followers to be watchful and ready because no one knows the day or the hour of His return. This sense of urgency and readiness permeates the entire Gospel, and the parable of the ten virgins is a powerful illustration of this concept.

In conclusion, the verse Matthew 25:12 is a powerful reminder of the need for spiritual readiness and vigilance in anticipation of Christ's return. It emphasizes the themes of judgment, accountability, and spiritual discernment. The parable of the ten virgins and this verse serve as a call to all believers to live faithfully and be prepared for the coming of the bridegroom. It is a timeless message that continues to resonate with Christians today, urging them to live their lives with readiness and faithfulness.