Luke 12:40

40 You also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.”

Luke 12:40 in Other Translations

King James Version (KJV)
40 Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not.
English Standard Version (ESV)
40 You also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect."
New Living Translation (NLT)
40 You also must be ready all the time, for the Son of Man will come when least expected.”
The Message Bible (MSG)
40 So don't you be slovenly and careless. Just when you don't expect him, the Son of Man will show up."
American Standard Version (ASV)
40 Be ye also ready: for in an hour that ye think not the Son of man cometh.
GOD'S WORD Translation (GW)
40 Be ready, because the Son of Man will return when you least expect him."
Holman Christian Standard Bible (CSB)
40 You also be ready, because the Son of Man is coming at an hour that you do not expect."
New International Reader's Version (NIRV)
40 You also must be ready. The Son of Man will come at an hour when you don't expect him."

Luke 12:40 Meaning and Commentary

Luke 12:40

Be ye therefore ready also
Not habitually, but actually, in the exercise of grace, and the discharge of duty, with loins girt, and lights burning. This may be understood either of a readiness to meet the Lord in the way of his judgments, and particularly the destruction of Jerusalem, which was to be in a few years; or of a preparation for death, and the last judgment, which lies in the righteousness of Christ imputed, and his grace imparted: and to have a comfortable view of the one, and a gracious experience of the other, as they will engage to the performance of good works, to which such are ready; so they make meet for the coming of Christ, be it in what way, and whensoever it will: and the rather, a concern should be had for such a preparation, because of the following reason,

for the son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not;
in either of the above ways; (See Gill on Matthew 24:44).

Luke 12:40 In-Context

38 It will be good for those servants whose master finds them ready, even if he comes in the middle of the night or toward daybreak.
39 But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have let his house be broken into.
40 You also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.”
41 Peter asked, “Lord, are you telling this parable to us, or to everyone?”
42 The Lord answered, “Who then is the faithful and wise manager, whom the master puts in charge of his servants to give them their food allowance at the proper time?

Cross References 1

  • 1. Mark 13:33; Luke 21:36
Scripture quoted by permission.  Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®.  NIV®.  Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica.  All rights reserved worldwide.