Luke 12:35

35 "Be ready for whatever comes, dressed for action and with your lamps lit, ¹

Luke 12:35 Meaning and Commentary

Luke 12:35

Let your loins be girded about
With the girdle of truth, ( Ephesians 6:14 ) keeping close to the doctrines of the Gospel, abiding faithfully by them, even unto death: the allusion is either to the eating of the first passover, ( Exodus 12:11 ) or rather to servants, who, in these eastern countries, wore long garments; and therefore, when in business, used to gather them up, and gird them about them, that they might perform their service with greater strength, more ease, quicker dispatch, and less hinderance: the phrase denotes readiness for business:

and your lights burning.
The Vulgate Latin version adds, "in your hands"; meaning torches that were held in the hand: and may design either the Scriptures of truth, which were to be a light or lamp unto them, guiding and directing them in the ministration of the Gospel; or the lamps of profession, which should be kept clear and bright, and good works, becoming them, that should so shine before men, that all may see them, and glorify God. The allusion is to persons waiting at a wedding in the night, with torches and flambeaus in their hands.

Luke 12:35 In-Context

33 Sell all your belongings and give the money to the poor. Provide for yourselves purses that don't wear out, and save your riches in heaven, where they will never decrease, because no thief can get to them, and no moth can destroy them.

34 For your heart will always be where your riches are.

35 "Be ready for whatever comes, dressed for action and with your lamps lit,

36 like servants who are waiting for their master to come back from a wedding feast. When he comes and knocks, they will open the door for him at once.

37 How happy are those servants whose master finds them awake and ready when he returns! I tell you, he will take off his coat, have them sit down, and will wait on them.

Cross References

• 1. 12.35Matthew 25.1-13.