Luke 12:38

38 And if he comes in the second division of the night or in the third, and they are watching for him, happy are those servants.

Luke 12:38 Meaning and Commentary

Luke 12:38

And if he shall come in the second watch
Of the night, that is, after nine o'clock, or any time between nine or twelve; for the second watch was from nine o'clock till twelve; and this was coming early from an entertainment, or a wedding, which were commonly kept in the night, and late;

or come in the third watch,
or after twelve o'clock, or any time between twelve and three; for the third watch was from twelve o'clock to three, which was late; (See Gill on Matthew 14:25) The Persic version reads, "in the second, or third part of the night"; and the Ethiopic version, "in the second or third hour of the night";

and find them so.
The Arabic version adds, "doing"; as above described, with their loins girt, lights burning, and they watching for their Lord's coming:

blessed are those servants;
since they shall be used and treated as before related.

Luke 12:38 In-Context

36 And be like men who are looking for their lord, when he comes back from the bride-feast; so that when he comes to the door, it will be open to him quickly.

37 Happy are those servants who are watching when the lord comes; truly I say to you, he will make himself their servant and, placing them at the table, he will come out and give them food.

38 And if he comes in the second division of the night or in the third, and they are watching for him, happy are those servants.

39 But be certain of this, that if the master of the house had had knowledge of the time when the thief was coming, he would have been watching, and would not have let his house be broken into.

40 So be ready: for the Son of man is coming at a time when you are not looking for him.