Matthew 24 45

Matthew 24:45 kjv

Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season?

Matthew 24:45 nkjv

"Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his master made ruler over his household, to give them food in due season?

Matthew 24:45 niv

"Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom the master has put in charge of the servants in his household to give them their food at the proper time?

Matthew 24:45 esv

"Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom his master has set over his household, to give them their food at the proper time?

Matthew 24:45 nlt

"A faithful, sensible servant is one to whom the master can give the responsibility of managing his other household servants and feeding them.

Matthew 24 verses

Matthew 24 45 Meaning

Matthew 24:45 poses a rhetorical question, immediately answered by the verses that follow, highlighting the characteristics of a blessed and responsible servant awaiting the master's return. This servant is described as faithful, demonstrating loyalty and trustworthiness, and wise, showing practical prudence in their duties. They are appointed by the master over the household, signifying a position of significant trust and authority. Their primary charge is to provide nourishment, metaphorically understood as spiritual guidance and truth, to the master's people, ensuring this provision is delivered at the appropriate and necessary time. The verse sets the stage for a critical assessment of spiritual leadership and every believer's stewardship.

Matthew 24 45 Context

Matthew chapter 24 is part of Jesus' Olivet Discourse, delivered to His disciples on the Mount of Olives. In response to their questions about the end of the age and His coming, Jesus describes signs leading up to His return. Beginning in verse 36, Jesus shifts from discussing signs to emphasizing the readiness required of His followers, specifically because the exact timing of His return is unknown. Verses 42-44 admonish watchfulness and preparedness. Verse 45 initiates a series of parables (the faithful and wise servant, the ten virgins, the talents) that illustrate what it means to be ready. This specific verse introduces the question that sets up the contrast between the faithful steward and the unfaithful one, illustrating the responsibility entrusted to those who await their Master. It serves as a direct challenge regarding faithful service while anticipating Christ's return.

Matthew 24 45 Word analysis

• Who then: (Greek: tis ara, τίς ἄρα) A rhetorical question designed to provoke self-examination and thoughtful consideration. It immediately directs the listener to reflect on their own position and actions in light of the Master's imminent return.
• is a faithful: (Greek: pistos, πιστὸς) Denotes reliability, trustworthiness, and loyalty. It implies someone whose character and actions consistently align with their master's will. This quality is paramount for effective stewardship.
• and wise: (Greek: phronimos, φρόνιμος) Implies practical wisdom, prudence, and shrewdness. This is not mere intellectual knowledge but the ability to apply understanding discerningly to situations, making good decisions, and managing resources effectively for the master's benefit.
• servant: (Greek: doulos, δοῦλος) A slave or bond-servant. This term signifies complete dependence and devotion to the master. Unlike a hired hand, a doulos has no independent rights but is wholly dedicated to the master's will and interests. It underscores humility and total submission to Christ's authority.
• whom his master: (Greek: ho kyrios autou, ὁ κύριος αὐτοῦ) The owner, Lord, or master. In this parable, "the Master" clearly refers to Jesus Christ Himself, emphasizing His ultimate authority and ownership over His servants and household.
• has set over: (Greek: katestēsen, κατέστησεν) Appointed, established, or placed in charge. This verb signifies a deliberate and authoritative assignment of responsibility by the master. It suggests a divine commissioning or entrustment.
• his household: (Greek: therapeias autou, θεραπείας αὐτοῦ) Literally, his service, attendants, or household staff. Metaphorically, this refers to the people of God, the community of believers—the Church. This servant is entrusted with the spiritual care of God's people.
• to give them food: (Greek: dounai autois tēn trophēn, δοῦναι αὐτοῖς τὴν τροφὴν) To provide sustenance or provision. Spiritually, this means imparting truth, sound doctrine, spiritual nourishment, guidance, and encouragement to the Lord's people, meeting their spiritual needs.
• in due season: (Greek: en kairō, ἐν καιρῷ) At the proper or opportune time, in due time, when needed. This highlights the importance of timely and appropriate provision, not merely providing, but discerning the specific needs and delivering effectively. It implies discernment and responsiveness.

Word-group analysis

• "faithful and wise servant": This phrase describes the ideal steward. "Faithful" emphasizes integrity and reliability, ensuring the servant follows the master's commands precisely. "Wise" speaks to discernment and practicality, enabling the servant to manage affairs prudently and effectively for the master's best interests, adapting to various circumstances. Both qualities are essential for divine approval.
• "master has set over his household": This signifies an authorized appointment to a position of leadership and responsibility within the spiritual family of God. It underlines that authority within the Church is not self-appointed but divinely ordained by Christ, placing immense trust in the chosen individual.
• "to give them food in due season": This specifies the core duty: providing essential spiritual nourishment (e.g., teaching God's Word, guidance) to the Church ("his household"). The phrase "in due season" underscores the necessity of discernment in ministry, delivering the right message or support at the opportune moment when it is most needed and effective. It's about meeting spiritual needs appropriately and timely.

Matthew 24 45 Bonus section

This verse implicitly challenges all believers to assess their stewardship, regardless of their formal role. Each believer is entrusted with spiritual gifts and a measure of God's grace (1 Pet 4:10). The "household" can also refer to one's own sphere of influence—family, friends, community—where they are called to live out and share the truth of Christ. The emphasis on "due season" highlights the Holy Spirit's role in guiding spiritual feeding, prompting discernment for specific needs and timing. This is not about indiscriminately sharing information, but providing applicable truth with wisdom and sensitivity, nurturing spiritual growth as Christ's stewards. The servant's readiness is proven not by awareness of future events but by their ongoing faithful and wise actions in the present.

Matthew 24 45 Commentary

Matthew 24:45 initiates a critical teaching on diligent stewardship in light of Christ's return. Jesus asks a rhetorical question to prompt self-reflection regarding spiritual readiness. The "faithful and wise servant" represents any believer, particularly those in positions of leadership or responsibility within God's Church, entrusted with the care and nourishment of His people. "Faithful" underscores the integrity and trustworthiness required of one who manages the Lord's spiritual provisions, while "wise" denotes practical discernment in how and when to administer these. The "food" represents spiritual truth, guidance, and sound doctrine, which must be delivered "in due season"—that is, at the appropriate time and according to the specific needs of the believers. This parable encourages proactive, consistent, and Spirit-led ministry, rather than passive waiting or negligent service, as true preparedness for the Master's return involves diligent and loving care for His flock. The coming judgment (vv. 48-51) highlights the severe consequences of failing in this sacred trust.