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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 12:39 But understand this: If the homeowner had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have let his house be broken into.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/luke/12-39.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/12/42_Luk_12_39.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Luke 12:39 - Be Ready for Service" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="But understand this: If the homeowner had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have let his house be broken into." /><script 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cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad19.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" 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/12-38.htm" title="Luke 12:38">◄</a> Luke 12:39 <a href="/luke/12-40.htm" title="Luke 12:40">►</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">Verse<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"><a href="/niv/luke/12.htm">New International Version</a> 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. <a href="/nlt/luke/12.htm">New Living Translation</a> “Understand this: If a homeowner knew exactly when a burglar was coming, he would not permit his house to be broken into. <a href="/esv/luke/12.htm">English Standard Version</a> But know this, that if the master of the house had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have left his house to be broken into. <a href="/bsb/luke/12.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> But understand this: If the homeowner had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have let his house be broken into. <a href="/blb/luke/12.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> But know this, that if the master of the house had known in what hour the thief is coming, he would not have allowed his house to be broken into. <a href="/kjv/luke/12.htm">King James Bible</a> 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. <a href="/nkjv/luke/12.htm">New King James Version</a> But know this, that if the master of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched and not allowed his house to be broken into. <a href="/nasb_/luke/12.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> “But be sure of this, that if the head of the house had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have allowed his house to be broken into. <a href="/nasb/luke/12.htm">NASB 1995</a> &#8220But be sure of this, that if the head of the house had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have allowed his house to be broken into. <a href="/nasb77/luke/12.htm">NASB 1977 </a> “And be sure of this, that if the head of the house had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have allowed his house to be broken into. <a href="/lsb/luke/12.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> “But be sure of this, that if the head of the house had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have allowed his house to be broken into. <a href="/amp/luke/12.htm">Amplified Bible</a> “But be sure of this, that if the head of the house had known at what time the thief was coming, he [would have been awake and alert, and] would not have allowed his house to be broken into. <a href="/csb/luke/12.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> But know this: If the homeowner had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have let his house be broken into. <a href="/hcsb/luke/12.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> But know this: If the homeowner had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have let his house be broken into. <a href="/asv/luke/12.htm">American Standard Version</a> But know this, that if the master of the house had known in what hour the thief was coming, he would have watched, and not have left his house to be broken through. <a href="/cev/luke/12.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> You would surely not let a thief break into your home, if you knew when the thief was coming. <a href="/erv/luke/12.htm">English Revised Version</a> But know this, that if the master of the house had known in what hour the thief was coming, he would have watched, and not have left his house to be broken through. <a href="/gwt/luke/12.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> "Of course, you realize that if the homeowner had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have let him break into his house. <a href="/gnt/luke/12.htm">Good News Translation</a> And you can be sure that if the owner of a house knew the time when the thief would come, he would not let the thief break into his house. <a href="/isv/luke/12.htm">International Standard Version</a> But be sure of this: if the homeowner had known at what time the thief were coming, he would have watched and would not have let his house be broken into. <a href="/msb/luke/12.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> But understand this: If the homeowner had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into. <a href="/net/luke/12.htm">NET Bible</a> 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. <a href="/nheb/luke/12.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> But know this, that if the master of the house had known in what hour the thief was coming, he would have watched and not have allowed his house to be broken into. <a href="/wbt/luke/12.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And this know, that if the master of the house knew at what hour the thief would come, he would watch, and not suffer his house to be broken through. <a href="/wey/luke/12.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Of this be sure, that if the master of the house had known what time the robber was coming, he would have kept awake and not have allowed his house to be broken into. <a href="/web/luke/12.htm">World English Bible</a> But know this, that if the master of the house had known in what hour the thief was coming, he would have watched and not allowed his house to be broken into. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/luke/12.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And know this, that if the master of the house had known what hour the thief comes, he would have watched, and would not have permitted his house to be broken through; <a href="/blb/luke/12.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> But know this, that if the master of the house had known in what hour the thief is coming, he would not have allowed his house to be broken into. <a href="/ylt/luke/12.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> 'And this know, that if the master of the house had known what hour the thief doth come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken through; <a href="/slt/luke/12.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And know this, that if the master of the house knew what hour the thief is coming, he had watched, and not have suffered his house to be undermined.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/luke/12.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> But this know ye, that if the householder did know at what hour the thief would come, he would surely watch, and would not suffer his house to be broken open. <a href="/cpdv/luke/12.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> But know this: that if the father of the family knew at what hour the thief would arrive, he would certainly stand watch, and he would not permit his house to be broken into. <a href="/nabre/luke/12.htm">New American Bible</a> Be sure of this: if the master of the house had known the hour when the thief was coming, he would not have let his house be broken into. <a href="/nrsvce/luke/12.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> “But know 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.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/luke/12.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> But know this, that if the master of the house knew at what watch the thief would come, he would have kept awake, and not allowed his house to be plundered. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/luke/12.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> “Know this, that if the owner of a house had known in which watch a thief would come, he would have been awakened and would not have allowed his house to be broken into.”<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/luke/12.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> But know this, that if the master of the house had known at what hour the thief comes, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken through. <a href="/godbey/luke/12.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> <FR>Know this, that if the landlord knew at what hour the thief cometh, he would not have permitted his house to be broken into.<Fr> <a href="/haweis/luke/12.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> Now this be assured of, that if the master of the family had known at what hour the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken through. <a href="/mace/luke/12.htm">Mace New Testament</a> if the master of a house knew at what hour the thief would come, no doubt he would be on his guard, and not suffer him to break into his house. <a href="/wey/luke/12.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Of this be sure, that if the master of the house had known what time the robber was coming, he would have kept awake and not have allowed his house to be broken into. <a href="/worrell/luke/12.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> <FR>But know this, that, if the householder had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would have watched, and not have suffered his house to be broken through.<Fr> <a href="/worsley/luke/12.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> <FR>And this <Fr>ye<FR> know, that if the master of a house had known at what hour the thief would come, he would have watched, and not have suffered his house to be broke open:<Fr> <a href="/parallel/luke/12-39.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3-5_0Jtd9Lc?start=5294" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/luke/12.htm">Be Ready for Service</a> …38Even if he comes in the second or third watch of the night and finds them alert, those servants will be blessed. 39<a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc.">But</a> <a href="/greek/1097.htm" title="1097: ginōskete (V-PMA-2P) -- A prolonged form of a primary verb; to know in a great variety of applications and with many implications.">understand</a> <a href="/greek/3778.htm" title="3778: Touto (DPro-ANS) -- This; he, she, it. ">this:</a> <a href="/greek/3754.htm" title="3754: hoti (Conj) -- Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because."></a> <a href="/greek/1487.htm" title="1487: ei (Conj) -- If. A primary particle of conditionality; if, whether, that, etc.">If</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ho (Art-NMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/3617.htm" title="3617: oikodespotēs (N-NMS) -- A head of a household. From oikos and despotes; the head of a family.">homeowner</a> <a href="/greek/1492.htm" title="1492: ēdei (V-LIA-3S) -- To know, remember, appreciate. ">had known</a> <a href="/greek/4169.htm" title="4169: poia (IPro-DFS) -- Of what sort. From the base of pou and hoios; individualizing interrogative what sort of, or which one.">at what</a> <a href="/greek/5610.htm" title="5610: hōra (N-DFS) -- Apparently a primary word; an hour.">hour</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ho (Art-NMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/2812.htm" title="2812: kleptēs (N-NMS) -- A thief. From klepto; a stealer.">thief</a> <a href="/greek/2064.htm" title="2064: erchetai (V-PIM/P-3S) -- To come, go. ">was coming,</a> <a href="/greek/3756.htm" title="3756: ouk (Adv) -- No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not."></a> <a href="/greek/302.htm" title="302: an (Prtcl) -- A primary particle, denoting a supposition, wish, possibility or uncertainty."></a> <a href="/greek/863.htm" title="863: aphēken (V-AIA-3S) -- From apo and hiemi; to send forth, in various applications.">he would not have let</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autou (PPro-GM3S) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">his</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ton (Art-AMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/3624.htm" title="3624: oikon (N-AMS) -- A dwelling; by implication, a family.">house</a> <a href="/greek/1358.htm" title="1358: diorychthēnai (V-ANP) -- To dig through, break through. From dia and orusso; to penetrate burglariously.">be broken into.</a> 40You also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour you do not expect.”…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/matthew/24-43.htm">Matthew 24:43</a> 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. <a href="/1_thessalonians/5-2.htm">1 Thessalonians 5:2-4</a> For you are fully aware that the Day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. / While people are saying, “Peace and security,” destruction will come upon them suddenly, like labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. / But you, brothers, are not in the darkness so that this day should overtake you like a thief. <a href="/revelation/3-3.htm">Revelation 3:3</a> Remember, then, what you have received and heard. Keep it and repent. If you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know the hour when I will come upon you. <a href="/2_peter/3-10.htm">2 Peter 3:10</a> 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. <a href="/mark/13-34.htm">Mark 13:34-37</a> 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. / Otherwise, he may arrive without notice and find you sleeping. ... <a href="/matthew/25-13.htm">Matthew 25:13</a> Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour. <a href="/1_peter/5-8.htm">1 Peter 5:8</a> Be sober-minded and alert. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. <a href="/proverbs/6-6.htm">Proverbs 6:6-8</a> Walk in the manner of the ant, O slacker; observe its ways and become wise. / Without a commander, without an overseer or ruler, / it prepares its provisions in summer; it gathers its food at harvest. <a href="/proverbs/24-27.htm">Proverbs 24:27</a> Complete your outdoor work and prepare your field; after that, you may build your house. <a href="/ezekiel/33-6.htm">Ezekiel 33:6</a> But if the watchman sees the sword coming and fails to blow the horn to warn the people, and the sword comes and takes away a life, then that one will be taken away in his iniquity, but I will hold the watchman accountable for his blood.’ <a href="/isaiah/56-10.htm">Isaiah 56:10</a> Israel’s watchmen are blind, they are all oblivious; they are all mute dogs, they cannot bark; they are dreamers lying around, loving to slumber. <a href="/jeremiah/6-17.htm">Jeremiah 6:17</a> I appointed watchmen over you and said, ‘Listen for the sound of the ram’s horn.’ But they answered, ‘We will not listen!’ <a href="/amos/3-7.htm">Amos 3:7</a> Surely the Lord GOD does nothing without revealing His plan to His servants the prophets. <a href="/joel/2-9.htm">Joel 2:9</a> They storm the city; they run along the wall; they climb into houses, entering through windows like thieves. <a href="/malachi/3-1.htm">Malachi 3:1</a> “Behold, I will send My messenger, who will prepare the way before Me. Then the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to His temple—the Messenger of the covenant, in whom you delight—see, He is coming,” says the LORD of Hosts.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And this know, that if the manager 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.<a href="/matthew/24-43.htm">Matthew 24:43,44</a> But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up… <a href="/1_thessalonians/5-2.htm">1 Thessalonians 5:2,3</a> For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night… <a href="/2_peter/3-10.htm">2 Peter 3:10</a> But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/luke/8-51.htm">Allowed</a> <a href="/luke/11-31.htm">Awake</a> <a href="/luke/9-17.htm">Broken</a> <a href="/luke/6-48.htm">Dug</a> <a href="/mark/14-14.htm">Goodman</a> <a href="/luke/12-7.htm">Head</a> <a href="/luke/12-25.htm">Hour</a> <a href="/luke/12-3.htm">House</a> <a href="/mark/14-14.htm">Householder</a> <a href="/luke/11-2.htm">Kept</a> <a href="/luke/12-38.htm">Master</a> <a href="/luke/12-20.htm">Owner</a> <a href="/mark/14-48.htm">Robber</a> <a href="/luke/9-60.htm">Suffer</a> <a href="/luke/8-51.htm">Suffered</a> <a href="/luke/10-11.htm">Sure</a> <a href="/luke/12-33.htm">Thief</a> <a href="/luke/12-12.htm">Time</a> <a href="/luke/9-45.htm">Understand</a> <a href="/luke/12-38.htm">Watch</a> <a href="/luke/6-7.htm">Watched</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/acts/14-16.htm">Allowed</a> <a href="/john/11-11.htm">Awake</a> <a href="/luke/14-13.htm">Broken</a> <a href="/luke/13-8.htm">Dug</a> <a href="/luke/22-11.htm">Goodman</a> <a href="/luke/13-11.htm">Head</a> <a href="/luke/12-40.htm">Hour</a> <a href="/luke/12-52.htm">House</a> <a href="/luke/22-11.htm">Householder</a> <a href="/luke/12-50.htm">Kept</a> <a href="/luke/12-41.htm">Master</a> <a href="/luke/20-13.htm">Owner</a> <a href="/luke/22-52.htm">Robber</a> <a href="/luke/13-8.htm">Suffer</a> <a href="/luke/13-2.htm">Suffered</a> <a href="/luke/17-1.htm">Sure</a> <a href="/luke/18-11.htm">Thief</a> <a href="/luke/12-40.htm">Time</a> <a href="/luke/18-34.htm">Understand</a> <a href="/luke/17-3.htm">Watch</a> <a href="/luke/14-1.htm">Watched</a><div class="vheading2">Luke 12</div>1. <a href="/luke/12-1.htm">Jesus preaches to his apostles to avoid hypocrisy</a> 13. <a href="/luke/12-13.htm">and warns against covetousness, by the parable of the man who set up greater barns.</a> 22. <a href="/luke/12-22.htm">We must not worry about earthly things,</a> 31. <a href="/luke/12-31.htm">but seek the kingdom of God;</a> 33. <a href="/luke/12-33.htm">give alms;</a> 35. <a href="/luke/12-35.htm">be ready at a knock to open to our Lord whensoever he comes.</a> 41. <a href="/luke/12-41.htm">Jesus' disciples are to see to their charges,</a> 49. <a href="/luke/12-49.htm">and look for persecution.</a> 54. <a href="/luke/12-54.htm">The people must take this time of grace;</a> 57. <a href="/luke/12-57.htm">because it is a fearful thing to die without reconciliation.</a> </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>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <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> </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>But understand this: This phrase serves as a call to attention, emphasizing the importance of the message that follows. In biblical teaching, Jesus often uses such phrases to highlight a critical lesson or truth. It is a directive to the listener to grasp the significance of the forthcoming analogy.If the homeowner had known at what hour the thief was coming, The imagery of a homeowner and a thief is a common metaphor in Scripture, used to illustrate the unexpected nature of certain events, particularly the return of Christ. This metaphor is also found in <a href="/1_thessalonians/5-2.htm">1 Thessalonians 5:2</a> and <a href="/revelation/3-3.htm">Revelation 3:3</a>, where the coming of the Lord is likened to a thief in the night. The cultural context of the time would have made this analogy particularly poignant, as homes were often vulnerable to theft, and vigilance was necessary to protect one's property.he would not have let his house be broken into. This part of the verse underscores the importance of vigilance and preparedness. In the historical context, homes were typically constructed with materials that could be easily breached, such as mud bricks or wood, making them susceptible to break-ins. The lesson here is about spiritual readiness and the need to be constantly prepared for the return of Christ, as emphasized in <a href="/matthew/24-42.htm">Matthew 24:42-44</a>. The homeowner's failure to prevent the break-in serves as a warning to believers to remain watchful and alert in their faith.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/h/homeowner.htm">Homeowner</a> Represents individuals or believers who are responsible for their spiritual well-being and vigilance. 2. <a href="/topical/t/thief.htm">Thief</a> Symbolizes unexpected events or the sudden return of Christ, emphasizing the need for constant readiness. 3. <a href="/topical/h/house.htm">House</a> Represents one's life or spiritual state, which needs to be guarded and prepared. 4. <a href="/topical/e/event_of_breaking_in.htm">Event of Breaking In</a> Illustrates the unforeseen nature of Christ's return or spiritual challenges that can catch one unprepared.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/v/vigilance_in_faith.htm">Vigilance in Faith</a> Believers must remain spiritually alert and prepared for Christ's return, which can happen at any moment. <a href="/topical/g/guarding_against_complacency.htm">Guarding Against Complacency</a> Just as a homeowner would protect their house if they knew a thief was coming, Christians should guard their hearts and lives against spiritual complacency. <a href="/topical/u/understanding_the_times.htm">Understanding the Times</a> Recognize the signs of the times and live in a way that reflects readiness for Christ's return. <a href="/topical/s/spiritual_preparedness.htm">Spiritual Preparedness</a> Regular prayer, Bible study, and fellowship with other believers are essential practices to maintain spiritual readiness. <a href="/topical/l/living_with_purpose.htm">Living with Purpose</a> Live each day with the awareness that it could be the day of Christ's return, influencing decisions and actions to align with God's will.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_luke_12.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Luke 12</a> <a href="/q/what's_the_alabaster_box's_theme.htm">What is the main theme of The Alabaster Box?</a> <a href="/q/did_jesus_pray_to_avoid_crucifixion.htm">Did Jesus pray to The Father to prevent the crucifixion? Yes. (Matthew 26:39; Mark 14:36; Luke 22:42) No. (John 12:27)</a> <a href="/q/how_does_luke_7_36-50_compare_to_other_anointings.htm">Luke 7:36-50 - How does the anointing of Jesus by a sinful woman align, or conflict, with other anointing accounts in the Gospels regarding location, timing, and participants?</a> <a href="/q/why_does_matthew's_anointing_differ.htm">In Matthew 26:6-13, why does the anointing scene differ from similar accounts in other Gospels regarding the woman's identity and purpose of the act?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/luke/12.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(39, 40) And this know, that if the goodman of the house . . .--Better, "if the master of the house." See Notes on <a href="/context/matthew/24-43.htm" title="But know this, that if the manager of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up.">Matthew 24:43-44</a>, where the words are almost identical.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/luke/12.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verses 39, 40. - 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. Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not. The Lord abruptly changes the scene of his parable imagery, and with another striking and vivid example enforces his teaching on the subject of the urgent necessity of his servants keeping a sleepless and diligent watch and ward against his coming again in judgment. Very deeply must this image of the Lord's sudden return, as a thief breaks into the house in the still hours of the night, have impressed itself on the hearts of the awe-struck, listening disciples, for we find in the case of SS. Paul and Peter the very words and imagery, and in the case of St. John the imagery again made use of (see <a href="/1_thessalonians/5-1.htm">1 Thessalonians 5:1, 2</a>; <a href="/1_peter/3-10.htm">1 Peter 3:10</a>; <a href="/revelation/3-3.htm">Revelation 3:3</a>; <a href="/revelation/16-15.htm">Revelation 16:15</a>). The meaning of the simile is obvious. The disciples and all followers of Jesus would do well to remain always on the watch for the second advent of the Lord. The time of that awful return was unknown, never could be known; men, however, must not be deceived by the long tarrying; the clay of the Lord would surely come on the world as a thief in the night. <a href="/commentaries/luke/12-39.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>But δὲ (de) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1161.htm">Strong's 1161: </a> A primary particle; but, and, etc. understand γινώσκετε (ginōskete) Verb - Present Imperative Active - 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1097.htm">Strong's 1097: </a> A prolonged form of a primary verb; to 'know' in a great variety of applications and with many implications. this: Τοῦτο (Touto) Demonstrative Pronoun - Accusative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3778.htm">Strong's 3778: </a> This; he, she, it. If εἰ (ei) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1487.htm">Strong's 1487: </a> If. A primary particle of conditionality; if, whether, that, etc. the ὁ (ho) Article - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. homeowner οἰκοδεσπότης (oikodespotēs) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3617.htm">Strong's 3617: </a> A head of a household. From oikos and despotes; the head of a family. had known ᾔδει (ēdei) Verb - Pluperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1492.htm">Strong's 1492: </a> To know, remember, appreciate. at what ποίᾳ (poia) Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Dative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4169.htm">Strong's 4169: </a> Of what sort. From the base of pou and hoios; individualizing interrogative what sort of, or which one. hour ὥρᾳ (hōra) Noun - Dative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5610.htm">Strong's 5610: </a> Apparently a primary word; an 'hour'. the ὁ (ho) Article - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. thief κλέπτης (kleptēs) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2812.htm">Strong's 2812: </a> A thief. From klepto; a stealer. was coming, ἔρχεται (erchetai) Verb - Present Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2064.htm">Strong's 2064: </a> To come, go. he would not have let ἀφῆκεν (aphēken) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_863.htm">Strong's 863: </a> From apo and hiemi; to send forth, in various applications. his αὐτοῦ (autou) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_846.htm">Strong's 846: </a> He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. house οἶκον (oikon) Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3624.htm">Strong's 3624: </a> A dwelling; by implication, a family. be broken into. διορυχθῆναι (diorychthēnai) Verb - Aorist Infinitive Passive <a href="/greek/strongs_1358.htm">Strong's 1358: </a> To dig through, break through. From dia and orusso; to penetrate burglariously. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/luke/12-39.htm">Luke 12:39 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/luke/12-39.htm">Luke 12:39 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/luke/12-39.htm">Luke 12:39 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/luke/12-39.htm">Luke 12:39 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/luke/12-39.htm">Luke 12:39 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/luke/12-39.htm">Luke 12:39 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/luke/12-39.htm">Luke 12:39 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/luke/12-39.htm">Luke 12:39 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/luke/12-39.htm">Luke 12:39 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/luke/12-39.htm">Luke 12:39 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/luke/12-39.htm">NT Gospels: Luke 12:39 But know this that if the master (Luke Lu Lk) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/luke/12-38.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Luke 12:38"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Luke 12:38" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/luke/12-40.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Luke 12:40"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Luke 12:40" /></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>