Matthew 24:48

48 But suppose that servant is wicked and says to himself, ‘My master is staying away a long time,’

Matthew 24:48 in Other Translations

48 But and if that evil servant shall say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming;

48 But if that wicked servant says to himself, 'My master is delayed,'

48 But what if the servant is evil and thinks, ‘My master won’t be back for a while,’

48 "But if that person only looks out for himself, and the minute the Master is away does what he pleases -

48 But if that wicked slave says in his heart, 'My master is delayed,'

Matthew 24:48 Meaning and Commentary

Matthew 24:48

But and if that evil servant
Or should there be an evil servant, an unwise and faithless one, who though he may have gifts and talents, yet destitute of the grace of God; and though he may be in the highest post and office in the church of God for sometimes wicked and graceless men are in such places; yet if he shall say in his heart;
secretly to himself, and with pleasure to his mind, and strengthen himself in a full persuasion of this, my Lord delayeth his coming;
and begins to think that either he will not come at all, to call him to an account for the use of his time, gifts, and talents; or if he does, it will be long first ere he will come, and visit the people of the Jews, by desolating calamities; or by death, to summon him to his bar; or at judgment, to give in his account of his stewardship.

Matthew 24:48 In-Context

46 It will be good for that servant whose master finds him doing so when he returns.

47 Truly I tell you, he will put him in charge of all his possessions.

48 But suppose that servant is wicked and says to himself, ‘My master is staying away a long time,’

49 and he then begins to beat his fellow servants and to eat and drink with drunkards.

50 The master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he is not aware of.