Matthew 25 13

Matthew 25:13 kjv

Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.

Matthew 25:13 nkjv

"Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming.

Matthew 25:13 niv

"Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.

Matthew 25:13 esv

Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour.

Matthew 25:13 nlt

"So you, too, must keep watch! For you do not know the day or hour of my return.

Matthew 25 verses

Matthew 25 13 Meaning

Matt 25:13 emphasizes the absolute necessity of constant spiritual alertness and readiness for the second coming of Jesus Christ, because the exact time of His arrival is unknown to humanity. It serves as a direct command to believers to live in perpetual preparedness, applying the lessons from the Parable of the Ten Virgins which precedes it.

Matthew 25 13 Context

Matt 25:13 is the concluding verse of the Parable of the Ten Virgins (Mt 25:1-12), and part of Jesus' longer Olivet Discourse (Mt 24-25). This discourse provides extensive teaching on the end times, the destruction of Jerusalem, and the Lord's second coming. Following the illustration of five wise virgins prepared with oil and five foolish ones unprepared for the bridegroom's delay, verse 13 gives the direct, urgent application: constant vigilance is paramount because the timing of the Son of Man's return is absolutely unpredictable. It sets the stage for the subsequent Parable of the Talents, emphasizing responsible stewardship during this period of waiting.

Matthew 25 13 Word analysis

• Watch (Γρηγορεῖτε, Grēgoreite): This is a present active imperative verb, meaning "keep on watching" or "be continually watchful." It denotes spiritual alertness, vigilance, and wakefulness, in contrast to spiritual slumber or indifference. It signifies active preparedness, not passive waiting. It is derived from the Greek word grēgoreō, meaning "to be watchful, awake."
• therefore (οὖν, oun): This conjunction logically connects the command to watch with the preceding parable. It signifies a conclusion or inference drawn from the illustration of the virgins, emphasizing that the parable's lesson demands vigilance.
• for ye know (οὐ γὰρ οἴδατε, ou gar oidate): Literally, "for not you know." "Know" (οἴδατε, oidate) refers to absolute knowledge, full understanding. The negation "not" (οὐ) strongly emphasizes humanity's ignorance regarding the precise timing of Christ's return.
• neither the day nor the hour (οὐδὲ τὴν ἡμέραν οὐδὲ τὴν ὥραν, oude tēn hēmeran oude tēn hōran): This idiomatic expression denotes complete uncertainty concerning a specific time. "Day" (ἡμέραν, hēmeran) indicates a period, while "hour" (ὥραν, hōran) signifies a precise moment within that period. This phrase highlights that the exact timing is beyond human knowledge or prediction, rendering any attempt futile and distracting.
• wherein (ἐν ᾗ, en hē): A relative pronoun referring to the unspecified "day nor the hour."
• the Son of man (ὁ Υἱὸς τοῦ ἀνθρώπου, ho Huios tou anthrōpou): Jesus' frequent self-designation, deeply rooted in Dan 7:13-14. It highlights His humanity, yet importantly, in this context, His divine authority as the coming King and Judge who will usher in the kingdom of God and execute judgment.
• cometh (ἔρχεται, erchetai): Present indicative verb. While often translated "cometh" in older versions, in this eschatological context, it strongly implies a definite future event: "is coming" or "will certainly come." It speaks to the assured reality of His return.

• "Watch therefore": This phrase functions as a direct, urgent, and continuous command. It implies that true readiness is an ongoing state of spiritual attentiveness, fueled by the conviction of the Lord's assured but unannounced return. This contrasts sharply with passive waiting or spiritual sleep.
• "ye know neither the day nor the hour": This statement serves as the divine reason for the command to watch. Because the timing is kept a divine secret (cf. Mt 24:36), consistent vigilance is the only appropriate human response. It is a protective measure against presumption or complacency.
• "wherein the Son of man cometh": This identifies the specific event for which watching is required: the second coming (Parousia) of Jesus Christ. It underscores the profound significance and ultimate certainty of this event for all humanity, particularly for believers.

Matthew 25 13 Bonus section

The command "Watch" (Grēgoreite) extends beyond passive observation; it denotes an active, diligent state of mind and spirit, requiring sobriety and preparedness for action. This watchfulness is deeply interconnected with prayer, as seen in parallel passages (Mk 13:33, Lk 21:36, 1 Pet 4:7). The Olivet Discourse, in which this verse resides, positions the church between the "already" of Christ's first coming and the "not yet" of His second coming, calling believers to live as stewards in expectation of their master's return and final accountability. The phrase "Son of Man cometh" emphasizes that Jesus, who taught this, is the very one who will return as sovereign King and righteous Judge.

Matthew 25 13 Commentary

Matt 25:13 provides the potent summary and direct application of the preceding parable. It is not merely an advisory but a firm command for active vigilance (spiritual "watchfulness") and continuous readiness, because the timing of Jesus' return (the "Son of Man cometh") is shrouded in divine mystery ("ye know neither the day nor the hour"). The emphasis is on faithful stewardship and diligent living, ensuring one's "oil" (spiritual readiness, good works, faith, obedience) is continually supplied, so that when the Master arrives, one is found prepared and not caught unawares, like the foolish virgins. This calls for living in light of eternity, prioritizing Christ and His kingdom daily. Practically, this involves regular prayer, consistent study of His Word, obedience to His commands, faithful service, and living a life free from worldly entanglements that could hinder spiritual readiness.