Luke 12 40

Luke 12:40 kjv

Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not.

Luke 12:40 nkjv

Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect."

Luke 12:40 niv

You also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him."

Luke 12:40 esv

You also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect."

Luke 12:40 nlt

You also must be ready all the time, for the Son of Man will come when least expected."

Luke 12 verses

Luke 12 40 Meaning

Luke 12:40 is a profound call to vigilance and preparedness, a direct exhortation from Jesus to His disciples concerning His return. It conveys the crucial truth that just as a master or a homeowner must be ready for an unexpected arrival, so too must believers constantly be prepared for the return of the Son of Man. This readiness is not based on knowing the precise timing, but rather on the certainty of the event and its surprising nature. The verse encapsulates a central theme of eschatology: Christ's return is definite, consequential, and will occur at an unannounced hour, necessitating a continuous state of spiritual readiness, faithfulness, and righteous living among His followers.

Luke 12 40 Context

Luke chapter 12 serves as a pivotal collection of Jesus' teachings concerning true discipleship, material possessions, and readiness for His future return. The chapter begins with warnings against hypocrisy and fear (v.1-12), urging an honest life before God and unwavering testimony. It then pivots to issues of covetousness through the Parable of the Rich Fool (v.13-21), emphasizing the folly of earthly accumulation without spiritual readiness.

Following this, Jesus instructs His disciples not to worry about material needs but to seek God's Kingdom (v.22-34), teaching reliance on divine provision and encouraging them to lay up treasures in heaven. This section flows directly into a call for readiness (v.35-48) for the Master's return.

Luke 12:40 is the conclusion of two preceding illustrations: the parable of the watchful servants (v.35-38), who remain alert for their master's return from a wedding feast, and the illustration of a homeowner guarding against a thief (v.39). In both scenarios, the emphasis is on the unknown timing of the master's or intruder's arrival, which necessitates continuous vigilance. Verse 40 synthesizes these points, directly applying them to the disciples concerning the coming of the "Son of Man," setting the stage for the subsequent parable of the faithful and wise manager (v.41-48) that further explores accountability and faithfulness in the period of waiting. The historical context reflects a Jewish culture familiar with apocalyptic expectations, yet Jesus' teaching deliberately counters any precise calculations or complacency regarding His return.

Luke 12 40 Word Analysis

• You also: The Greek pronoun is hymeis, emphasizing the personal and collective responsibility of "you" - the disciples, and by extension, all believers. "Also" (kai) links this instruction directly to the preceding illustrations of the prepared servant and the vigilant homeowner, indicating that what applies to them applies equally to Jesus' followers. It signifies a universal imperative, not just for a select few.
• must be ready: The Greek is hetoimoi ginesthe (ἕτοιμοι γίνεσθε). Hetoimoi means "prepared, ready, fit, arranged." Ginesthe is the imperative form of ginomai, meaning "to become, to be, to happen." This isn't a suggestion but a command to adopt and maintain a state of preparedness. It implies a continuous, active state of spiritual readiness, not a one-time event or a passive waiting. This readiness encompasses faithfulness in duty, purity of heart, vigilance against sin, and readiness to meet the Lord.
• for: The Greek is hoti (ὅτι), which functions here as "because" or "for this reason," introducing the cause or justification for the preceding command. The certainty of Christ's return is the foundational motivation for continuous readiness.
• the Son of Man: The Greek is ho huios tou anthrōpou (ὁ υἱὸς τοῦ ἀνθρώπου). This is Jesus' most frequent self-designation, found over 80 times in the Gospels. It is an enigmatic title with rich theological depth. Rooted in Dan 7:13-14, it connects Jesus to a divine, authoritative figure coming "with the clouds of heaven" to receive eternal dominion and glory. It underscores His dual nature: His true humanity (son of man) and His messianic, divine, and eschatological authority as the coming judge and king. It ensures that His return is a cosmic, divinely ordained event with ultimate authority and finality.
• is coming: The Greek is erchetai (ἔρχεται). This is in the present tense, emphasizing the certainty and ongoing dynamic reality of His arrival. It's not merely a future event but an impending, assured reality that dictates present living. It signifies His dynamic entry into human history and its culmination.
• at an hour: The Greek is hōra (ὥρᾳ), referring to a specific, limited period of time. It implies a sudden, decisive moment rather than a protracted process.
• you do not expect: The Greek is ou dokeite (οὐ δοκεῖτε). Ou means "not," and dokeite comes from dokeō, meaning "to think, suppose, believe, imagine." Thus, "you do not think" or "you do not suppose." This phrase directly addresses and dismisses human attempts to predict or foresee the precise time of His return. It underscores the element of surprise and uncertainty regarding the timing, which, paradoxically, makes constant vigilance essential. It serves as a direct counter-polemic against any inclination towards calendrical prophecy or complacency based on perceived delays.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "You also must be ready": This phrase functions as a direct, imperative call to personal and corporate preparedness for every follower of Christ. It shifts the focus from abstract theological discussions to practical, daily spiritual living. It means living actively, with diligence in one's responsibilities, and maintaining spiritual integrity, rather than merely waiting idly or being caught unprepared. This readiness involves repentance, faith, obedience, and good works that reflect one's anticipation of His return.
• "for the Son of Man is coming": This clause provides the ultimate motivation and certainty for the call to readiness. The "Son of Man" denotes Christ in His authority, sovereignty, and role as the appointed judge and King, ensuring the weightiness and certainty of His return. His "coming" (present tense) emphasizes that this event is not a distant possibility but a definite, ever-impending reality that impacts the present. The assurance of His return serves as a strong encouragement to perseverance and faithfulness.
• "at an hour you do not expect": This specific detail regarding the timing eliminates any possibility of human prediction and reinforces the absolute necessity of perpetual vigilance. It precludes both presumption (thinking there is plenty of time) and anxiety (attempting to pinpoint a date). This divine secrecy serves a spiritual purpose: to cultivate a constant state of expectant living, holiness, and faithful service, knowing that any moment could be the decisive one. It contrasts sharply with those who would live carelessly due to perceived delay or become overly engrossed in worldly affairs, oblivious to their eternal destiny.

Luke 12 40 Bonus section

The broader theological implication of Luke 12:40, read in concert with other passages like Matthew 25 (Parable of the Ten Virgins, Parable of the Talents), underscores that spiritual readiness is multifaceted. It is not simply a state of belief, but includes active service (diligence with talents/minas), ethical integrity (no defiled garments from Rev 16:15), spiritual alertness (lamps burning from Luke 12:35, Matt 25:1-13), and expectant hope.

This "unexpected hour" aspect is also key to avoiding what some scholars refer to as "delayed parousia syndrome," where early believers might have grown discouraged by perceived delays. Jesus' consistent teaching on the unannounced timing directly addressed this potential for weariness, pivoting the focus from a predicted timetable to a consistent lifestyle of preparedness and faithfulness. The ultimate point is less about "when" and profoundly about "how" one lives while waiting. It prompts believers to assess their spiritual condition regularly, asking: Am I living in a way that reflects genuine expectation of Christ's immediate return? Is my life honorable to the Son of Man who is coming?

Luke 12 40 Commentary

Luke 12:40 distills the essence of Jesus' teaching on eschatological readiness, providing a foundational principle for Christian living in light of His guaranteed, yet unannounced, return. It directly applies the preceding parables, particularly that of the watchful servants and the thief in the night, asserting that believers must perpetually maintain a state of preparedness for the Second Coming of Christ. This "readiness" (Greek: hetoimoi) implies an active state of spiritual vigilance, characterized by faithful stewardship, ethical purity, and diligence in one's calling, rather than a passive or occasional act.

The compelling reason for this unceasing watchfulness is the identity of the One who is coming: "the Son of Man." This Christological title signifies Jesus' divine authority, His fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies, and His ultimate role as judge and king. His return is not merely a human event but a cosmic culmination of divine purpose. The crucial element of "at an hour you do not expect" reinforces the unpredictable timing of this monumental event. This deliberate concealment of the precise hour is a divine design to prevent complacency or fanaticism based on human calculations. Instead, it fosters a dynamic, ongoing walk of faith, ensuring that every day is lived in hopeful anticipation and faithful obedience.

The verse warns against living in spiritual slumber or being preoccupied solely with temporal concerns, much like the rich fool from earlier in the chapter. True wisdom lies in understanding the eternal significance of Christ's return and structuring one's life accordingly. Readiness is not about fear, but about a joyful, confident anticipation, flowing from a sincere love for God and His Kingdom. This impacts daily decisions, from how one uses resources to how one interacts with others and perseveres in faith.

• Practical Usage:
  • Prioritize spiritual over material: Just as the rich fool learned, true preparedness involves focusing on one's relationship with God rather than hoarding earthly wealth.
  • Live faithfully in your daily calling: Every task, no matter how mundane, becomes an act of stewardship performed for the Master who could return at any moment.
  • Cultivate holiness and vigilance: Regular prayer, study of Scripture, and community with fellow believers keep one's "lamps burning" and heart pure.
  • Share the Gospel urgently: Understanding the Son of Man's return encourages a compassionate desire for others to be ready as well.