Matthew 24:42

42 "Therefore, be alert, because you don't know on what day your Lord will return.

Matthew 24:42 Meaning and Commentary

Matthew 24:42

Watch therefore
Since the time of this desolation is so uncertain, and since it will come upon the Jews unawares, and some wilt escape, whilst others perish; for the words are plainly an inference from what precedes, and clearly relate to things going before, and are not a transition to a new subject: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come;
to avenge himself of the unbelieving Jews, and fulfil what he in person, and by his apostles, had predicted and warned them of: though I will not deny, but that what follows may be much better accommodated and applied to the second coming of Christ, and the last judgment, and the behaviour of men with regard to both, than anything said before; and it may be our Lord's intention, to lead his disciples gradually, and as it were imperceptibly, to the last scene of things on earth, to make way for the parables and description of the future judgment, in the next chapter; still keeping in view, and having reference to, the subject he had been so long upon.

Matthew 24:42 In-Context

40 "At that time two men will be working in the field. One will be taken, and the other one will be left.

41 Two women will be working at a mill. One will be taken, and the other one will be left.

42 "Therefore, be alert, because you don't know on what day your Lord will return.

43 You realize that if a homeowner had known at what time of the night a thief was coming, he would have stayed awake. He would not have let the thief break into his house.

44 Therefore, you, too, must be ready because the Son of Man will return when you least expect him.