Luke 12:38

38 And if he shall come in the second watch, or come in the third watch, and find them so, blessed 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 ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their lord, when he will return from the wedding; that when he cometh and knocketh , they may open unto him immediately.

37 Blessed are those servants, whom the lord when he cometh shall find watching : verily I say unto you, that he shall gird himself , and make them to sit down to meat , and will come forth and serve them.

38 And if he shall come in the second watch, or come in the third watch, and find them so, blessed are those servants.

39 And this know , that if the goodman of the house had known what hour the thief would come , he would have watched , and not have suffered his house to be broken through .

40 Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not.