Luke 12 43

Luke 12:43 kjv

Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing.

Luke 12:43 nkjv

Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing when he comes.

Luke 12:43 niv

It will be good for that servant whom the master finds doing so when he returns.

Luke 12:43 esv

Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing when he comes.

Luke 12:43 nlt

If the master returns and finds that the servant has done a good job, there will be a reward.

Luke 12 verses

Luke 12 43 Meaning

Luke 12:43 proclaims a divine favor and spiritual well-being upon the servant (representing any believer, especially those in spiritual leadership or stewardship) whom his Master (the Lord Jesus Christ) finds actively and diligently carrying out assigned duties upon His sudden return. It underscores the profound blessedness awarded for faithful, vigilant, and productive service in anticipation of the Lord's coming.

Luke 12 43 Context

Luke 12:43 is part of Jesus' comprehensive teaching on preparedness for His Second Coming, especially directed at His disciples and, by extension, those entrusted with stewardship. It directly follows Peter's question in verse 41 regarding whether the preceding parable (of the watchful servants and the master's unexpected return) was for them or for everyone. In response, Jesus expands upon the role of a faithful and wise manager or steward (verse 42), defining what it means to be such a servant and outlining the blessing associated with being found performing these duties when the Master returns. The broader chapter context includes warnings against greed (verses 13-34), exhortations to store up heavenly treasures, and parables emphasizing watchfulness and readiness (verses 35-40) before moving into this specific teaching about the faithful and unfaithful steward, highlighting the accountability associated with responsibility.

Luke 12 43 Word analysis

• Blessed (μακάριος - makarios): This Greek term denotes a state of profound spiritual happiness, well-being, and divine favor that is independent of outward circumstances. It is a blessing from God, indicating one is approved and prospered by Him, distinct from mere earthly joy.
• is that servant (ὁ δοῦλος ἐκεῖνος - ho doulos ekeinos):
  • Servant (δοῦλος - doulos): Refers to a slave or bondservant. In the New Testament, it often denotes someone in absolute submission and complete dedication to their master. Here, it refers to disciples of Christ who are completely devoted to His will, often specifically applied to those in positions of entrusted responsibility or spiritual leadership within His household.
• whom his master (ὅν ὁ κύριος αὐτοῦ - hon ho kurios autou):
  • Master (κύριος - kyrios): Refers to the Lord. In this context, it unequivocally points to Jesus Christ as the absolute Lord and sovereign owner of His people, whose authority demands diligent obedience and loyal service.
• will find (εὑρήσει - heurēsei): This is a future active verb, indicating the master will actively discover or ascertain the state of the servant. It implies a moment of evaluation or assessment upon His return.
• so doing (οὕτως ποιούντα / ποιήσαντα - houtōs poiounta / poiēsanta): This crucial phrase refers directly back to the actions described in Luke 12:42: "a faithful and wise manager, whom his master will set over his household, to give them their portion of food at the proper time." It means actively and continuously performing these duties – managing responsibilities, diligently serving, providing spiritual sustenance, and distributing resources according to the Master's will. It denotes a state of active, not passive, engagement in one's responsibilities.
• when he comes (ἐλθόντος - elthontos): This refers to the master's arrival or return. In the spiritual application, it refers to the Lord Jesus Christ's Second Coming, or a particular time of His visitation or judgment. The timing is implied to be unexpected, thus necessitating constant vigilance and readiness.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "Blessed is that servant": This phrase establishes the foundational promise of divine commendation and ultimate spiritual fulfillment. It is a profound declaration of God's favor upon those who are faithful to Him, contrasting sharply with worldly measures of success or happiness.
• "whom his master will find so doing": This forms the essential condition for receiving the blessedness. The emphasis is on active engagement ("so doing"), signifying that a servant is not merely waiting passively, but is diligently performing their assigned tasks, managing responsibilities, and serving the household as instructed, up to the very moment of the Master's arrival. This highlights that faithfulness is demonstrated through action.
• "when he comes": This clarifies the specific timing for the evaluation and bestowal of blessing. It underlines the eschatological reality of Christ's return, an event that calls for constant vigilance and readiness because its timing is unknown. It also imbues the present-day service with eternal significance and accountability.

Luke 12 43 Bonus section

• The parable this verse is a part of primarily addresses disciples (Luke 12:41) and highlights the greater responsibility and stricter accountability for those entrusted with spiritual authority and stewardship in God's Kingdom (e.g., teaching, leading, caring for others).
• The nature of "so doing" is crucial: it’s not generic good works, but specifically the assigned duty of "giving them their portion of food at the proper time" (Lk 12:42), signifying feeding and nurturing God's people with spiritual truth and sustenance.
• The "coming" has multiple layers of fulfillment: the master’s general assessment in daily life, an individual's death, and the ultimate Second Coming of Christ for all humanity. The principle applies universally: live as though the Master could appear at any moment.

Luke 12 43 Commentary

Luke 12:43 is a powerful declaration by Jesus, offering a singular blessedness to those who maintain active faithfulness in their service. This verse is not about merely "being good" but about "being found doing good." It defines genuine discipleship as diligent, ongoing, and purposeful service in anticipation of Christ's return. The "servant" represents anyone entrusted with responsibility, from leaders providing spiritual nourishment to all believers managing the gifts and resources God has given them. The master's unexpected "coming" emphasizes the urgency for continuous vigilance and dedicated effort. True spiritual prosperity and divine approval await those who, in humility and obedience, tirelessly perform their King's work until His glorious return. This teaching serves as a timeless call for practical, active stewardship of one's life in the context of eternal hope.