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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Luke 12:35 Be dressed for service and keep your lamps burning.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/luke/12-35.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/8/42_Luk_12_35.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Luke 12:35 - Be Ready for Service" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Be dressed for service and keep your lamps burning." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script 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frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/luke/12-34.htm" title="Luke 12:34">◄</a> Luke 12:35 <a href="/luke/12-36.htm" title="Luke 12:36">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/luke/12.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/luke/12.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />&#8220Be dressed ready for service and keep your lamps burning,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/luke/12.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />“Be dressed for service and keep your lamps burning,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/luke/12.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />“Stay dressed for action and keep your lamps burning,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/luke/12.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Be dressed for service and keep your lamps burning.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/luke/12.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />Let your waist be girded about, and the lamps burning.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/luke/12.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Let your loins be girded about, and <i>your</i> lights burning;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/luke/12.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />“Let your waist be girded and <i>your</i> lamps burning;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/luke/12.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />“Be prepared, and <i>keep</i> your lamps lit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/luke/12.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />&#8220Be dressed in readiness, and keep your lamps lit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/luke/12.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />“Be dressed in readiness, and <i>keep</i> your lamps alight.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/luke/12.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />“GIRD UP YOUR LOINS, and <i>keep</i> your lamps lit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/luke/12.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />“Be dressed and ready for active service, and keep your lamps continuously burning.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/luke/12.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />“Be ready for service and have your lamps lit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/luke/12.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />&#8220Be ready for service and have your lamps lit. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/luke/12.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Let your loins be girded about, and your lamps burning;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/luke/12.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Be ready and keep your lamps burning <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/luke/12.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Let your loins be girded about, and your lamps burning;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/luke/12.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />"Be ready for action, and have your lamps burning.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/luke/12.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />"Be ready for whatever comes, dressed for action and with your lamps lit, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/luke/12.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />"You must keep your belts fastened and your lamps burning. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/luke/12.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Be dressed for service and keep your lamps burning.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/luke/12.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />"Get dressed for service and keep your lamps burning;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/luke/12.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />"Let your waist be girded and your lamps burning.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/luke/12.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Let your loins be girt, and your lights burning;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/luke/12.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />"Have your girdles on, and let your lamps be alight;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/luke/12.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />“Let your waist be dressed and your lamps burning. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/luke/12.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />Let your loins be girded, and the lamps burning,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/luke/12.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />Let your waist be girded about, and the lamps burning.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/luke/12.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> 'Let your loins be girded, and the lamps burning,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/luke/12.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Let your loins be girded about, and your lights burning;<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/luke/12.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Let your loins be girt, and lamps burning in your hands. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/luke/12.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Let your waists be girded, and let lamps be burning in your hands.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/luke/12.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />“Gird your loins and light your lamps<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/luke/12.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />“Be dressed for action and have your lamps lit;<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/luke/12.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Let your girdle be fastened on your loins, and your lamps lighted.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/aramaic-plain-english/luke/12.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a></span><br />“Let your waist be girded and your lamps burning.”<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/luke/12.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />Let your loins be girded, and your lamps burning;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/luke/12.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br /><FR>Let your loins be girted, and your lamps burning;<Fr><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/luke/12.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />Let your loins be firmly girded round, and your lamps burning:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/luke/12.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />Let your loins be girt, and your lamps burning:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/luke/12.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />"Have your girdles on, and let your lamps be alight;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/luke/12.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br /><FR>"Let your loins be girded about, and your lamps burning;<Fr><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/luke/12.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br /><FR>Let your loins be girt, and <Fr><i>your</i><FR> lights burning, and<Fr><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/luke/12-35.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3-5_0Jtd9Lc?start=5255" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/luke/12.htm">Be Ready for Service</a></span><br><span class="reftext">34</span>For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. <span class="reftext">35</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: Estōsan (V-PMA-3P) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.">Be</a> <a href="/greek/4771.htm" title="4771: hymōn (PPro-G2P) -- You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.">dressed for service</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: hai (Art-NFP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/3751.htm" title="3751: osphyes (N-NFP) -- The loins. Of uncertain affinity; the loin, i.e. The hip; internally procreative power."></a> <a href="/greek/4024.htm" title="4024: periezōsmenai (V-RPM/P-NFP) -- From peri and zonnumi; to gird all around, i.e. to fasten on one's belt."></a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and keep</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: hoi (Art-NMP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">your</a> <a href="/greek/3088.htm" title="3088: lychnoi (N-NMP) -- A lamp. From the base of leukos; a portable lamp or other illuminator.">lamps</a> <a href="/greek/2545.htm" title="2545: kaiomenoi (V-PPM/P-NMP) -- To ignite, light, burn, lit. and met; I consume with fire. Apparently a primary verb; to set on fire, i.e. Kindle or consume.">burning.</a> </span> <span class="reftext">36</span>Then you will be like servants waiting for their master to return from the wedding banquet, so that when he comes and knocks, they can open the door for him at once.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/24-42.htm">Matthew 24:42-44</a></span><br />Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day on which your Lord will come. / But understand this: If the homeowner had known in which watch of the night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into. / For this reason, you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour you do not expect.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/mark/13-33.htm">Mark 13:33-37</a></span><br />Be on your guard and stay alert! For you do not know when the appointed time will come. / It is like a man going on a journey who left his house, put each servant in charge of his own task, and instructed the doorkeeper to keep watch. / Therefore keep watch, because you do not know when the master of the house will return—whether in the evening, at midnight, when the rooster crows, or in the morning. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_thessalonians/5-6.htm">1 Thessalonians 5:6</a></span><br />So then, let us not sleep as the others do, but let us remain awake and sober.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/6-14.htm">Ephesians 6:14</a></span><br />Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness arrayed,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/1-13.htm">1 Peter 1:13</a></span><br />Therefore prepare your minds for action. Be sober-minded. Set your hope fully on the grace to be given you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/16-15.htm">Revelation 16:15</a></span><br />“Behold, I am coming like a thief. Blessed is the one who remains awake and clothed, so that he will not go naked and let his shame be exposed.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/13-11.htm">Romans 13:11-12</a></span><br />And do this, understanding the occasion. The hour has come for you to wake up from your slumber, for our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. / The night is nearly over; the day has drawn near. So let us lay aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/16-13.htm">1 Corinthians 16:13</a></span><br />Be on the alert. Stand firm in the faith. Be men of courage. Be strong.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_peter/3-10.htm">2 Peter 3:10-12</a></span><br />But the Day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar, the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and its works will be laid bare. / Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to conduct yourselves in holiness and godliness / as you anticipate and hasten the coming of the day of God, when the heavens will be destroyed by fire and the elements will melt in the heat.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/philippians/4-5.htm">Philippians 4:5</a></span><br />Let your gentleness be apparent to all. The Lord is near.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/11-5.htm">Isaiah 11:5</a></span><br />Righteousness will be the belt around His hips, and faithfulness the sash around His waist.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/12-11.htm">Exodus 12:11</a></span><br />This is how you are to eat it: You must be fully dressed for travel, with your sandals on your feet and your staff in your hand. You are to eat in haste; it is the LORD’s Passover.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/31-17.htm">Proverbs 31:17</a></span><br />She girds herself with strength and shows that her arms are strong.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/59-17.htm">Isaiah 59:17</a></span><br />He put on righteousness like a breastplate, and the helmet of salvation on His head; He put on garments of vengeance and wrapped Himself in a cloak of zeal.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/zechariah/9-9.htm">Zechariah 9:9</a></span><br />Rejoice greatly, O Daughter of Zion! Shout in triumph, O Daughter of Jerusalem! See, your King comes to you, righteous and victorious, humble and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Let your loins be girded about, and your lights burning;</p><p class="hdg">your loins.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_kings/18-46.htm">1 Kings 18:46</a></b></br> And the hand of the LORD was on Elijah; and he girded up his loins, and ran before Ahab to the entrance of Jezreel.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/31-17.htm">Proverbs 31:17</a></b></br> She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/5-27.htm">Isaiah 5:27</a></b></br> None shall be weary nor stumble among them; none shall slumber nor sleep; neither shall the girdle of their loins be loosed, nor the latchet of their shoes be broken:</p><p class="hdg">your lights.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/matthew/5-16.htm">Matthew 5:16</a></b></br> Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/matthew/25-1.htm">Matthew 25:1,4-10</a></b></br> Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/philippians/2-15.htm">Philippians 2:15</a></b></br> That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/isaiah/50-11.htm">Alight</a> <a href="/luke/1-10.htm">Burning</a> <a href="/luke/10-34.htm">Dressed</a> <a href="/joel/1-8.htm">Girded</a> <a href="/matthew/10-9.htm">Girdles</a> <a href="/daniel/10-5.htm">Girt</a> <a href="/luke/11-6.htm">Journey</a> <a href="/matthew/25-8.htm">Lamps</a> <a href="/luke/11-33.htm">Lit</a> <a href="/ezekiel/21-15.htm">Readiness</a> <a href="/luke/10-2.htm">Ready</a> <a href="/luke/9-62.htm">Service</a> <a href="/mark/1-6.htm">Waist</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/proverbs/26-2.htm">Alight</a> <a href="/luke/12-55.htm">Burning</a> <a href="/luke/16-19.htm">Dressed</a> <a href="/luke/17-8.htm">Girded</a> <a href="/revelation/15-6.htm">Girdles</a> <a href="/john/21-7.htm">Girt</a> <a href="/luke/13-31.htm">Journey</a> <a href="/exodus/25-37.htm">Lamps</a> <a href="/exodus/40-25.htm">Lit</a> <a href="/acts/17-11.htm">Readiness</a> <a href="/luke/12-38.htm">Ready</a> <a href="/luke/17-10.htm">Service</a> <a href="/john/13-4.htm">Waist</a><div class="vheading2">Luke 12</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/luke/12-1.htm">Jesus preaches to his apostles to avoid hypocrisy</a></span><br><span class="reftext">13. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/luke/12-13.htm">and warns against covetousness, by the parable of the man who set up greater barns.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">22. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/luke/12-22.htm">We must not worry about earthly things,</a></span><br><span class="reftext">31. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/luke/12-31.htm">but seek the kingdom of God;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">33. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/luke/12-33.htm">give alms;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">35. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/luke/12-35.htm">be ready at a knock to open to our Lord whensoever he comes.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">41. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/luke/12-41.htm">Jesus' disciples are to see to their charges,</a></span><br><span class="reftext">49. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/luke/12-49.htm">and look for persecution.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">54. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/luke/12-54.htm">The people must take this time of grace;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">57. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/luke/12-57.htm">because it is a fearful thing to die without reconciliation.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/luke/12.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/luke/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/luke/12.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Be dressed for service</b><br>This phrase emphasizes readiness and vigilance. In the cultural context of the time, being dressed for service meant having one's robe tucked into a belt, ready for action. This imagery is reminiscent of the Israelites during the Passover in <a href="/exodus/12-11.htm">Exodus 12:11</a>, where they were instructed to eat in haste, with their loins girded, ready to leave Egypt. It signifies a state of preparedness and alertness, reflecting the believer's call to be ready for the Lord's return at any moment. The idea of being dressed for service also aligns with <a href="/ephesians/6-14.htm">Ephesians 6:14</a>, where believers are encouraged to stand firm with the belt of truth buckled around their waist, symbolizing readiness and commitment to God's truth.<p><b>and keep your lamps burning.</b><br>The burning lamps symbolize spiritual vigilance and the presence of the Holy Spirit. In the ancient world, lamps were essential for navigating the darkness, and keeping them burning required constant attention and oil, which is often seen as a symbol of the Holy Spirit (<a href="/matthew/25.htm">Matthew 25:1-13</a>). This phrase calls believers to maintain their spiritual fervor and readiness, akin to the wise virgins who kept their lamps filled with oil, prepared for the bridegroom's arrival. The continuous burning of lamps also reflects the light of Christ shining through believers, as seen in <a href="/matthew/5-14.htm">Matthew 5:14-16</a>, where followers of Christ are called the light of the world, tasked with letting their light shine before others.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/j/jesus_christ.htm">Jesus Christ</a></b><br>The speaker of this passage, providing teachings and parables to His disciples and followers.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/d/disciples.htm">Disciples</a></b><br>The immediate audience of Jesus' teachings, representing all believers who are called to be vigilant and prepared.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/s/servants.htm">Servants</a></b><br>A metaphorical reference to believers who are called to be ready and active in their faith.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/m/master.htm">Master</a></b><br>Represents Jesus, who will return at an unknown time, expecting His servants to be prepared.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/l/lamps.htm">Lamps</a></b><br>Symbolic of spiritual readiness and the light of faith that should be maintained by believers.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/s/spiritual_readiness.htm">Spiritual Readiness</a></b><br>Believers are called to be spiritually prepared at all times, living in a state of readiness for Christ's return.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/a/active_faith.htm">Active Faith</a></b><br>Keeping lamps burning signifies an active, living faith that is continually nurtured and sustained.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/v/vigilance_in_service.htm">Vigilance in Service</a></b><br>Being dressed for service implies a readiness to serve God and others, reflecting a life dedicated to His purposes.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/perseverance.htm">Perseverance</a></b><br>The continuous burning of lamps represents perseverance in faith, even during times of waiting or uncertainty.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/a/awareness_of_christ's_return.htm">Awareness of Christ's Return</a></b><br>The passage serves as a reminder of the certainty of Christ's return and the importance of being prepared for that day.<a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/luke/12.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(35) <span class= "bld">Let your loins be girded . . .</span>--To "gird up the loins" was, in Eastern habits and with Eastern garments, the received symbol of readiness for active service (<a href="/luke/12-37.htm" title="Blessed are those servants, whom the lord when he comes shall find watching: truly I say to you, that he shall gird himself, and make them to sit down to meat, and will come forth and serve them.">Luke 12:37</a>; <a href="/luke/17-8.htm" title="And will not rather say to him, Make ready with which I may sup, and gird yourself, and serve me, till I have eaten and drunken; and afterward you shall eat and drink?">Luke 17:8</a>; <a href="/1_kings/18-46.htm" title="And the hand of the LORD was on Elijah; and he girded up his loins, and ran before Ahab to the entrance of Jezreel.">1Kings 18:46</a>; <a href="/2_kings/1-8.htm" title="And they answered him, He was an hairy man, and girt with a girdle of leather about his loins. And he said, It is Elijah the Tishbite.">2Kings 1:8</a>; <a href="/john/13-4.htm" title="He rises from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself.">John 13:4</a>; <a href="/1_peter/1-13.htm" title="Why gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;">1Peter 1:13</a>). The "lights" are the lamps (as in <a href="/matthew/5-15.htm" title="Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it gives light to all that are in the house.">Matthew 5:15</a>) which the watchful hold in their hands. What follows has the interest of presenting the germ of the thought which was afterwards developed into the parable of the Wise and Foolish Virgins. (See Notes on <a href="/context/matthew/25-1.htm" title="Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened to ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom.">Matthew 25:1-13</a>.) . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/luke/12.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verses 35, 36.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Let your loins be girded about, and your lamps burning; 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.</span> The Master goes on with his teaching on the subject of covetousness, still addressing himself primarily to the disciples. "There is another reason why my chosen followers should treat the amassing of earthly goods with indifference; no man knows <span class="accented">when the</span> end of this state of things may come; their hearts must be fixed on something else than perishable things. They must act as servants on the watch for the r<span class="accented">eturn</span> of their lord. See now, my own," Jesus proceeds to say; "your attitude in life must be that of servants, at once loyal and devoted, whom their employer has left in his house while he is absent at a great wedding-feast. The day of his absence passes into evening, and evening shades into night; and even the night wears slowly and tediously away, and still the master of the house comes not back from his festival." But the <span class="accented">faithful</span> servants all this while never slumber, or even lie down to rest. All the time of his absence, with their loose flowing Eastern robes taken up, and the skirt fastened under the girdle, with their lamps all trimmed and burning, these watchers wait the coming of their lord, though he tarry long, that they may be ready to receive him and serve him the moment he arrives. All kinds of busy house service, too, carried on during the long night of watching, is implied by the girt-up robes and the lit lamps of the tireless watchers. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/luke/12-35.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div><span class="word">Be</span><br /><span class="grk">Ἔστωσαν</span> <span class="translit">(Estōsan)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Imperative Active - 3rd Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1510.htm">Strong's 1510: </a> </span><span class="str2">I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">dressed for service</span><br /><span class="grk">ὑμῶν</span> <span class="translit">(hymōn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 2nd Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4771.htm">Strong's 4771: </a> </span><span class="str2">You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and {keep}</span><br /><span class="grk">καὶ</span> <span class="translit">(kai)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> </span><span class="str2">And, even, also, namely. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">[your]</span><br /><span class="grk">οἱ</span> <span class="translit">(hoi)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article - Nominative Masculine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">lamps</span><br /><span class="grk">λύχνοι</span> <span class="translit">(lychnoi)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Nominative Masculine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3088.htm">Strong's 3088: </a> </span><span class="str2">A lamp. From the base of leukos; a portable lamp or other illuminator.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">burning.</span><br /><span class="grk">καιόμενοι</span> <span class="translit">(kaiomenoi)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Nominative Masculine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2545.htm">Strong's 2545: </a> </span><span class="str2">To ignite, light, burn, lit. and met; I consume with fire. Apparently a primary verb; to set on fire, i.e. Kindle or consume.</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/luke/12-35.htm">Luke 12:35 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/luke/12-35.htm">Luke 12:35 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/luke/12-35.htm">Luke 12:35 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/luke/12-35.htm">Luke 12:35 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/luke/12-35.htm">Luke 12:35 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/luke/12-35.htm">Luke 12:35 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/luke/12-35.htm">Luke 12:35 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/luke/12-35.htm">Luke 12:35 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/luke/12-35.htm">Luke 12:35 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/luke/12-35.htm">Luke 12:35 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/luke/12-35.htm">NT Gospels: Luke 12:35 Let your waist be girded and your (Luke Lu Lk) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/luke/12-34.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Luke 12:34"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Luke 12:34" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/luke/12-36.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Luke 12:36"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Luke 12:36" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>