Luke 12 36

Luke 12:36 kjv

And ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their lord, when he will return from the wedding; that when he cometh and knocketh, they may open unto him immediately.

Luke 12:36 nkjv

and you yourselves be like men who wait for their master, when he will return from the wedding, that when he comes and knocks they may open to him immediately.

Luke 12:36 niv

like servants waiting for their master to return from a wedding banquet, so that when he comes and knocks they can immediately open the door for him.

Luke 12:36 esv

and be like men who are waiting for their master to come home from the wedding feast, so that they may open the door to him at once when he comes and knocks.

Luke 12:36 nlt

as though you were waiting for your master to return from the wedding feast. Then you will be ready to open the door and let him in the moment he arrives and knocks.

Luke 12 verses

Luke 12 36 Meaning

Luke 12:36 teaches believers to live in constant spiritual readiness, like attentive servants awaiting their master's return from a wedding feast. The master's unexpected arrival signifies Christ's second coming, demanding immediate recognition and response from His faithful followers. It underscores the importance of a watchful and prepared heart, always ready to welcome the Lord without delay.

Luke 12 36 Context

Luke chapter 12, prior to verse 36, extensively addresses topics crucial for discipleship: the rejection of hypocrisy and fear, and the grave danger of covetousness, as exemplified by the parable of the rich fool (Lk 12:1-21). Following this, Jesus transitions into teaching His disciples not to worry about material needs but to seek God's Kingdom, trusting in His provision (Lk 12:22-34). Verses 35-48 form a cohesive unit focusing on vigilance and readiness for the Lord's unexpected return. This particular parable of the watchful servants underscores the practical outworking of placing God's Kingdom first—namely, living in a constant state of preparedness for the Master's arrival. Historically and culturally, masters frequently attended lengthy wedding feasts, often lasting days. Their return home, particularly at night, would be unannounced and unexpected. Diligent servants were expected to be awake, alert, and ready to open the door instantly upon their master's arrival, signifying their faithfulness and attentiveness to their duties. Any delay or unreadiness indicated negligence or preoccupation, which would lead to unfavorable consequences. This common scenario provides a clear and relatable illustration for Jesus' audience.

Luke 12 36 Word analysis

• and be like men who are waiting (καὶ ὑμεῖς ὅμοιοι ἀνθρώποις προσδεχομένοις, kai humeis homoioi anthrōpois prosdechomenois): The Greek word prosdechomai (προσδέχομαι), translated "waiting," implies an active, eager, and often patient expectation, not merely passive waiting. It denotes looking forward to someone or something with anticipation and readiness. The emphasis is on the internal disposition of the servant.
• for their master (τὸν κύριον αὐτῶν, ton kyrion autōn): Kyrios (κύριος) means "master," "lord," or "owner." In this context, it establishes the master's authority and the servants' absolute obligation. Applied to Christ, it signifies His divine lordship and the ultimate authority He holds over believers.
• to return from the wedding feast (ἐπανελθεῖν ἐκ τῶν γάμων, epanelthein ek tōn gamōn): Epanelthein (ἐπανελθεῖν) means "to come back," "return after an absence." The "wedding feast" (gamōn, plural from gamos, γάμος) points to a customary long and joyous celebration in ancient Jewish culture, which could last several days. This detail highlights the unpredictable duration of the master's absence and therefore, the unknown timing of his return, reinforcing the need for continuous watchfulness. Symbolically, the "wedding feast" is often a metaphor for the Messianic banquet or the Kingdom of God (Mt 22:2-14, Rev 19:7-9).
• so that when he comes and knocks (ἵνα ἐλθόντος καὶ κρούσαντος, hina elthontos kai krousantos): Elthontos (ἐλθόντος) is the aorist participle of "to come," indicating a definite arrival. Krousantos (κρούσαντος) is the aorist participle of "to knock." The suddenness of the arrival, indicated by the action of knocking without prior warning, tests the immediate attentiveness and preparedness of the servants.
• they may immediately open the door for him (εὐθέως ἀνοίξωσιν αὐτῷ, eutheōs anoixōsin autō): Eutheōs (εὐθέως) signifies "immediately," "at once," or "without delay." This adverb emphasizes the required swiftness and responsiveness. The act of "opening" (anoixōsin, ἀνοίξωσιν) symbolizes a welcoming heart and an active state of spiritual readiness. Any hesitation would imply neglect or being caught off guard.

• "like men who are waiting for their master to return": This phrase paints a vivid picture of anticipation. It implies that the disciples should adopt the attitude of faithful household staff whose primary responsibility is to be ready for the master, regardless of when he appears. This readiness is not just passive expectation, but an active posture of being prepared.
• "from the wedding feast": This specific context emphasizes the celebratory nature of the master's activity and, more importantly, the indeterminate length of his absence. A wedding feast was not a scheduled event with a fixed return time, thus requiring constant readiness from the servants. This foreshadows the unknown time of Christ's return.
• "when he comes and knocks, they may immediately open the door": This highlights the pivotal moment of arrival and the required prompt, unhesitating response. The "knocking" signifies the tangible sign of His presence, demanding a ready welcome. "Immediately" is critical—it means no time for gathering oneself, changing clothes, or getting ready; preparation must be ongoing.

Luke 12 36 Bonus section

This verse implies an ongoing posture of inner attentiveness and spiritual availability. The master returning from a "wedding feast" hints at the future eschatological celebration of Christ with His church, further investing the parable with profound prophetic significance. The "knocking" echoes an intimate, personal encounter with the Lord, as seen in Revelation 3:20, where Christ knocks at the door of the heart. The urgency captured by "immediately" teaches that spiritual preparation cannot be a last-minute endeavor but must be a continuous, deeply ingrained habit. This teaching guards against both presumption (thinking there is ample time) and complacency (assuming the Master is far off), promoting active, faithful stewardship until the very moment of His glorious appearing.

Luke 12 36 Commentary

Luke 12:36 forms a powerful call to spiritual vigilance within Jesus' broader discourse on eschatological readiness. It contrasts the anxieties of the world and the dangers of earthly preoccupation with the true disposition of a disciple: one who lives in active anticipation of the Lord's return. The imagery of servants awaiting their master’s unpredictable arrival from a lengthy celebration vividly conveys the certainty of Christ's second coming, combined with the absolute uncertainty of its timing. The emphasis is on immediate response upon His arrival, signifying that true faithfulness means constant preparedness, with hearts and lives aligned to welcome Him at any moment. This requires a detachment from worldly cares (addressed earlier in Luke 12) and a complete devotion to serving the Master until He appears. The blessedness pronounced in the following verses (Lk 12:37) for such watchful servants underscores the divine reward for such readiness. This parable is not just about awaiting an event, but living a life that constantly honors the expectation of Christ's personal return. For instance, in our daily lives, this means cultivating prayerfulness, being diligent in our spiritual responsibilities, and ensuring our hearts are free from anything that would cause delay or distraction when the Lord calls. It challenges believers to ask: if Christ were to return right now, would my door be "immediately open"?