Matthew 24 46

Matthew 24:46 kjv

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

Matthew 24:46 nkjv

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

Matthew 24:46 niv

It will be good for that servant whose master finds him doing so when he returns.

Matthew 24:46 esv

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

Matthew 24:46 nlt

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

Matthew 24 verses

Matthew 24 46 Meaning

Matthew 24:46 proclaims the blessedness of a servant who, when their master returns, is found faithfully carrying out their assigned duties. This verse emphasizes diligent service, readiness, and a vigilant disposition for Christ's promised second coming. The blessing is not for a passive waiting but for active, ongoing obedience and stewardship in the time between the Master's departure and return.

Matthew 24 46 Context

Matthew 24:46 is part of Jesus' Olivet Discourse (Matthew 24-25), a significant eschatological teaching given to His disciples on the Mount of Olives. The preceding verses (Mt 24:45-51) contain the Parable of the Faithful and Wise Servant. In this parable, Jesus warns against complacency and idleness, stressing the importance of active stewardship in the absence of the Master (Jesus Christ) and the uncertainty of His return. This verse specifically concludes the first part of the parable, highlighting the reward for faithful readiness. The immediate context leads into the contrasting negative outcome for the unfaithful servant.

Matthew 24 46 Word analysis

• Blessed (μακάριος - makarios): This Greek term signifies a state of true happiness, prosperity, or fortune, often indicating the recipient of divine favor. It's a happiness that is not dependent on circumstances, but is an intrinsic spiritual state. It implies one who is favored by God and enjoys a divine privilege, hinting at future commendation and reward.
• Is that servant (ὁ δοῦλος ἐκεῖνος - ho doulos ekeinos):
  • Servant (δοῦλος - doulos): Not merely an employee, but a "slave" or "bondservant." This term denotes complete ownership and subservience to the master, with no independent rights. It underscores the absolute claim God has on believers and their lives of dedicated service to Him.
• Whom his master (ὃν ἐλθὼν ὁ κύριος αὐτοῦ - hon elthōn ho kyrios autou):
  • Master (κύριος - kyrios): Lord; denotes absolute authority, power, and ownership. In the context of the parable and broader Christian theology, this refers to Jesus Christ.
  • When he comes (ἐλθὼν - elthōn): This is an aorist participle, literally "having come." It signifies the act of arrival itself, specifically Christ's Second Coming, which is central to the Olivet Discourse.
• Will find so doing (εὑρήσει οὕτως ποιοῦντα - heurēsei houtōs poiounta):
  • Will find (εὑρήσει - heurēsei): Future indicative; emphasizes the certainty of the master's discovery.
  • So doing (οὕτως ποιοῦντα - houtōs poiounta): "Thus doing" or "doing in this manner." The "so" refers directly to the responsibilities mentioned in the preceding verse (Mt 24:45) - giving food to the household in due season. This indicates not merely having done good in the past, but being continually engaged in the assigned tasks at the very moment of the Master's unexpected return. It emphasizes sustained, faithful stewardship and vigilance.

Words-group analysis:

• "Blessed is that servant whom his master...": This phrase immediately introduces the theme of divine commendation and privilege awaiting the faithful. The emphasis on "that servant" points to a specific characteristic or action that garners the blessing, drawing a direct link between behavior and reward.
• "...when he comes, will find so doing.": This segment powerfully links the timing of the Master's return with the servant's ongoing activity. It highlights the unexpected nature of the return and the necessity of persistent readiness. It's not about what one will start doing, but what one is already diligently doing at the decisive moment. The continuous nature of "doing" (present participle poioynta) signifies consistent, active obedience to assigned duties, embodying a lifestyle of stewardship rather than sporadic effort.

Matthew 24 46 Bonus section

The concept of being "blessed" (makarios) in the New Testament is often tied to ethical action, trials, or specific conditions (e.g., the Beatitudes in Mt 5). Here, it links blessedness directly to faithful stewardship upon the Master's return, suggesting an ultimate and eschatological reward for sustained obedience. This is not simply about doing right things but doing the assigned things faithfully. The emphasis is on perseverance to the end in practical ministry, contrasting sharply with those who become lazy, worldly, or abusive in their master's perceived prolonged absence. This verse functions as a motivator for ongoing Christian living and active engagement in God's will for His people until the ultimate fulfillment of His promise.

Matthew 24 46 Commentary

Matthew 24:46 stands as a profound exhortation for all who claim to follow Christ. It transcends a mere warning and extends an active promise of blessing for consistent fidelity. The core message is not simply about being found "good," but specifically "so doing" – actively engaged in the work entrusted by the Master. This work, as per Mt 24:45, involves responsibly feeding (spiritually and practically nurturing) God's household at the appointed time, signifying active Christian service and discipleship. The blessedness (makarios) spoken of is a divinely-imparted happiness that accompanies true spiritual well-being and foretells future glory. It teaches that our posture should be one of continuous, purposeful action for God's kingdom, rather than passive waiting or presumptuous idleness, understanding that every believer is a steward accountable for their assigned responsibilities and gifts until the Master’s return. The parable urges believers to live daily in anticipation of Christ’s return by faithfully managing their duties and spiritual responsibilities.

Examples for practical usage:

• A Sunday School teacher consistently prepares lessons and cares for children, rather than only doing so when a supervisor checks.
• A Christian worker maintains integrity and excellence in their secular job, viewing it as service "as for the Lord."
• Believers faithfully share the gospel or engage in acts of mercy as ongoing ministries, not just for special events.