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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>Matthew 24:42 Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day on which your Lord will come.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/matthew/24-42.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/7/40_Mat_24_42.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Matthew 24:42 - Readiness at Any Hour" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day on which your Lord will come." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/matthew/24-42.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/matthew/24-42.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/matthew/">Matthew</a> > <a href="/matthew/24.htm">Chapter 24</a> > Verse 42</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad2.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="/matthew/24-41.htm" title="Matthew 24:41">◄</a> Matthew 24:42 <a href="/matthew/24-43.htm" title="Matthew 24:43">►</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/matthew/24.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/matthew/24.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />&#8220Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/matthew/24.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />“So you, too, must keep watch! For you don’t know what day your Lord is coming.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/matthew/24.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Therefore, stay awake, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/matthew/24.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day on which your Lord will come.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/matthew/24.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />Therefore keep watch, for you do not know on what day your Lord comes.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/matthew/24.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/matthew/24.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Watch therefore, for you do not know what hour your Lord is coming.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/matthew/24.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />“Therefore be on the alert, for you do not know which day your Lord is coming.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/matthew/24.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />&#8220Therefore be on the alert, for you do not know which day your Lord is coming.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/matthew/24.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />“Therefore be on the alert, for you do not know which day your Lord is coming.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/matthew/24.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />“Therefore stay awake, for you do not know which day your Lord is coming.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/matthew/24.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />“So be alert [give strict attention, be cautious and active in faith], for you do not know which day [whether near or far] your Lord is coming.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/matthew/24.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Therefore be alert, since you don’t know what day your Lord is coming.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/matthew/24.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Therefore be alert, since you don&#8217t know what day your Lord is coming.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/matthew/24.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Watch therefore: for ye know not on what day your Lord cometh.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/matthew/24.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />So be on your guard! You don't know when your Lord will come. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/matthew/24.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Watch therefore: for ye know not on what day your Lord cometh.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/matthew/24.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />"Therefore, be alert, because you don't know on what day your Lord will return.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/matthew/24.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Watch out, then, because you do not know what day your Lord will come. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/matthew/24.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />"So keep on watching, because you don't know on what day your Lord is coming. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/matthew/24.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the hour in which your Lord will come.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/matthew/24.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />"Therefore stay alert, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/matthew/24.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Watch therefore, for you do not know on what day your Lord comes.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/matthew/24.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Watch therefore; for ye know not what hour your Lord cometh.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/matthew/24.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />Be on the alert therefore, for you do not know the day on which your Lord is coming.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/matthew/24.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Watch therefore, for you don’t know in what hour your Lord comes. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/matthew/24.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />Watch therefore, because you have not known in what hour your Lord comes;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/matthew/24.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />Therefore keep watch, for you do not know on what day your Lord comes.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/matthew/24.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> 'Watch ye therefore, because ye have not known in what hour your Lord doth come;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/matthew/24.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Watch therefore; for ye know not what hour your Lord comes.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/matthew/24.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Watch ye therefore, because ye know not what hour your Lord will come. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/matthew/24.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Therefore, be vigilant. For you do not know at what hour your Lord will return.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/matthew/24.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Therefore, stay awake! For you do not know on which day your Lord will come.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/matthew/24.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Keep awake therefore, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/matthew/24.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Be alert, therefore, for you do not know at what hour your Lord will come.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/aramaic-plain-english/matthew/24.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a></span><br />Wake up therefore, for you do not know in what hour your Lord will come.<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/matthew/24.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />"Watch, therefore, for you know not at what hour your Lord is coming.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/matthew/24.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br /><FR>Watch therefore: because you do not know on what day your Lord cometh.<Fr><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/matthew/24.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />Watch therefore: for ye know not at what hour your Master cometh.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/matthew/24.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />watch therefore, for ye know not at what hour your Lord shall come.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/matthew/24.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />Be on the alert therefore, for you do not know the day on which your Lord is coming.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/matthew/24.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br /><FR>Watch ye, therefore, because ye know not in what day your Lord is coming.<Fr><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/matthew/24.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br /><FR>Watch therefore, for ye know not at what hour your Lord cometh:<Fr><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/matthew/24-42.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/hriiyJYqzvc?start=7389" 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/matthew/24.htm">Readiness at Any Hour</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">41</span>Two women will be grinding at the mill: one will be taken and the other left. <span class="reftext">42</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/3767.htm" title="3767: oun (Conj) -- Therefore, then. Apparently a primary word; certainly, or accordingly.">Therefore</a> <a href="/greek/1127.htm" title="1127: Grēgoreite (V-PMA-2P) -- (a) I am awake (in the night), watch, (b) I am watchful, on the alert, vigilant. From egeiro; to keep awake, i.e. Watch.">keep watch,</a> <a href="/greek/3754.htm" title="3754: hoti (Conj) -- Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.">because</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/1492.htm" title="1492: oidate (V-RIA-2P) -- To know, remember, appreciate. ">you do not know</a> <a href="/greek/2250.htm" title="2250: hēmera (N-DFS) -- A day, the period from sunrise to sunset. ">the day</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.">on which</a> <a href="/greek/4771.htm" title="4771: hymōn (PPro-G2P) -- You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.">your</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."></a> <a href="/greek/2962.htm" title="2962: kyrios (N-NMS) -- Lord, master, sir; the Lord. From kuros; supreme in authority, i.e. controller; by implication, Master.">Lord</a> <a href="/greek/2064.htm" title="2064: erchetai (V-PIM/P-3S) -- To come, go. ">will come.</a> </span> <span class="reftext">43</span>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.…<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="/1_thessalonians/5-2.htm">1 Thessalonians 5:2-6</a></span><br />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. ...<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="/luke/21-34.htm">Luke 21:34-36</a></span><br />But watch yourselves, or your hearts will be weighed down by dissipation, drunkenness, and the worries of life—and that day will spring upon you suddenly like a snare. / For it will come upon all who dwell on the face of all the earth. / So keep watch at all times, and pray that you may have the strength to escape all that is about to happen and to stand before the Son of Man.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/3-3.htm">Revelation 3:3</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/4-7.htm">1 Peter 4:7</a></span><br />The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear-minded and sober, so that you can pray.<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="/luke/12-35.htm">Luke 12:35-40</a></span><br />Be dressed for service and keep your lamps burning. / 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. / Blessed are those servants whom the master finds on watch when he returns. Truly I tell you, he will dress himself to serve and will have them recline at the table, and he himself will come and wait on them. ...<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="/matthew/25-13.htm">Matthew 25:13</a></span><br />Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.<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="/hebrews/10-25.htm">Hebrews 10:25</a></span><br />Let us not neglect meeting together, as some have made a habit, but let us encourage one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/8-34.htm">Proverbs 8:34</a></span><br />Blessed is the man who listens to me, watching daily at my doors, waiting at the posts of my doorway.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/3-17.htm">Ezekiel 3:17</a></span><br />“Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel. Whenever you hear a word from My mouth, give them a warning from Me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/21-11.htm">Isaiah 21:11-12</a></span><br />This is the burden against Dumah: One calls to me from Seir, “Watchman, what is left of the night? Watchman, what is left of the night?” / The watchman replies, “Morning has come, but also the night. If you would inquire, then inquire. Come back yet again.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/habakkuk/2-1.htm">Habakkuk 2:1</a></span><br />I will stand at my guard post and station myself on the ramparts. I will watch to see what He will say to me, and how I should answer when corrected.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Watch therefore: for you know not what hour your Lord does come.</p><p class="hdg">Watch.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/matthew/25-13.htm">Matthew 25:13</a></b></br> Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/matthew/26-38.htm">Matthew 26:38-41</a></b></br> Then saith he unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death: tarry ye here, and watch with me… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/mark/13-33.htm">Mark 13:33-37</a></b></br> Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is… </p><p class="hdg">for.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/matthew/24-36.htm">Matthew 24:36,44</a></b></br> But of that day and hour knoweth no <i>man</i>, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/mark/13-33.htm">Mark 13:33</a></b></br> Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/isaiah/29-20.htm">Alert</a> <a href="/matthew/24-36.htm">Hour</a> <a href="/matthew/24-4.htm">Watch</a> <a href="/zechariah/11-11.htm">Watching</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/matthew/25-13.htm">Alert</a> <a href="/matthew/24-43.htm">Hour</a> <a href="/matthew/24-43.htm">Watch</a> <a href="/matthew/24-43.htm">Watching</a><div class="vheading2">Matthew 24</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/matthew/24-1.htm">Jesus foretells the destruction of the temple;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">3. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/matthew/24-3.htm">what and how great calamities shall be before it;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">29. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/matthew/24-29.htm">the signs of his coming to judgment.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">36. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/matthew/24-36.htm">And because that day and hour are unknown,</a></span><br><span class="reftext">42. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/matthew/24-42.htm">we ought to watch like good servants, expecting our Master's coming.</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/matthew/24.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/matthew/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/matthew/24.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Therefore keep watch</b><br>The word "therefore" connects this verse to the preceding passages where Jesus discusses the signs of the end times and His second coming. "Keep watch" is a call to vigilance and readiness, reflecting the urgency and importance of being spiritually prepared. In the cultural context of the time, watchfulness was a common theme, especially in a society where night watchmen were essential for the safety of cities. This phrase emphasizes the need for constant spiritual alertness, akin to a guard who must remain awake and attentive to protect against any threat.<p><b>because you do not know</b><br>This phrase highlights the uncertainty and unpredictability of the timing of the Lord's return. It reflects the biblical theme that God's timing is beyond human understanding, as seen in other scriptures like <a href="/acts/1-7.htm">Acts 1:7</a>, where Jesus tells His disciples that it is not for them to know the times or dates set by the Father. This uncertainty serves as a reminder of human limitations and the need for faith and trust in God's sovereign plan.<p><b>the day on which your Lord will come</b><br>"The day" refers to the anticipated return of Jesus Christ, often called the "Day of the Lord" in biblical prophecy. This event is a central theme in eschatology, the study of end times, and is associated with both judgment and salvation. The title "your Lord" personalizes the relationship between Jesus and His followers, emphasizing His authority and the personal accountability of each believer. The coming of the Lord is a fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies, such as those found in <a href="/daniel/7-13.htm">Daniel 7:13-14</a>, and is echoed in New Testament passages like <a href="/1_thessalonians/5-2.htm">1 Thessalonians 5:2</a>, which describes the day as coming like a thief in the night, underscoring the need for readiness.<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 a warning and instruction to His disciples about the importance of vigilance and readiness for His return.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/d/disciples.htm">Disciples</a></b><br>The immediate audience of Jesus' teaching, representing all believers who are called to heed His words and live in anticipation of His second coming.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_lord's_coming.htm">The Lord's Coming</a></b><br>The future event when Jesus will return, a central theme in Christian eschatology, emphasizing the need for preparedness.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/m/mount_of_olives.htm">Mount of Olives</a></b><br>The location where Jesus delivered the Olivet Discourse, which includes this passage, providing a setting for His teachings on the end times.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_last_days.htm">The Last Days</a></b><br>The period leading up to the return of Christ, characterized by various signs and events that Jesus describes in the surrounding context of <a href="/bsb/matthew/24.htm">Matthew 24</a>.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/v/vigilance_in_faith.htm">Vigilance in Faith</a></b><br>Believers are called to maintain a constant state of spiritual alertness, living each day as if it could be the day of the Lord's return.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/u/uncertainty_of_timing.htm">Uncertainty of Timing</a></b><br>The exact timing of Christ's return is unknown, emphasizing the need for continual readiness rather than complacency.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/a/active_waiting.htm">Active Waiting</a></b><br>Waiting for the Lord's return is not passive; it involves active engagement in prayer, study of the Word, and service to others.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/m/moral_and_spiritual_preparedness.htm">Moral and Spiritual Preparedness</a></b><br>Christians should strive for holiness and righteousness, ensuring their lives reflect the values of the Kingdom of God.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/e/encouragement_in_community.htm">Encouragement in Community</a></b><br>The church community plays a vital role in encouraging one another to remain watchful and steadfast in faith.<a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/matthew/24.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verses 42-51.</span> - <span class="accented">Practical exhortation drawn from the uncertainty of the last day</span>: <span class="accented">Watch</span>. <span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 42.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Watch therefore.</span> The end will be sudden, the final separation will be then completed; be ye therefore always prepared. Few exhortations are more frequently and impressively given than this of the duty and necessity of watchfulness. Of course, the Christian has to watch against many things - his own evil heart, temptation, the world, but most of all he must watch and be always looking for the coming of his Lord; for whether he be regarded as Redeemer, Deliverer, or Judge, he will come as a thief in the night. <span class="cmt_word">What hour.</span> Very many good manuscripts and some late editors read "on what day." This is probably the genuine reading, "hour" being an alteration derived from ver. 44. <span class="cmt_word">What</span> (<span class="greek">ποίᾳ</span>) means of what kind or quality - whether sudden, immediate, or remote. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/matthew/24-42.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">Therefore</span><br /><span class="grk">οὖν</span> <span class="translit">(oun)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3767.htm">Strong's 3767: </a> </span><span class="str2">Therefore, then. Apparently a primary word; certainly, or accordingly.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">keep watch,</span><br /><span class="grk">Γρηγορεῖτε</span> <span class="translit">(Grēgoreite)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Imperative Active - 2nd Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1127.htm">Strong's 1127: </a> </span><span class="str2">(a) I am awake (in the night), watch, (b) I am watchful, on the alert, vigilant. From egeiro; to keep awake, i.e. Watch.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">because</span><br /><span class="grk">ὅτι</span> <span class="translit">(hoti)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3754.htm">Strong's 3754: </a> </span><span class="str2">Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">you do not know</span><br /><span class="grk">οἴδατε</span> <span class="translit">(oidate)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Perfect Indicative Active - 2nd Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1492.htm">Strong's 1492: </a> </span><span class="str2">To know, remember, appreciate. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">[the] day</span><br /><span class="grk">ἡμέρᾳ</span> <span class="translit">(hēmera)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Dative Feminine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2250.htm">Strong's 2250: </a> </span><span class="str2">A day, the period from sunrise to sunset. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">on which</span><br /><span class="grk">ποίᾳ</span> <span class="translit">(poia)</span><br /><span class="parse">Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Dative Feminine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4169.htm">Strong's 4169: </a> </span><span class="str2">Of what sort. From the base of pou and hoios; individualizing interrogative what sort of, or which one.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">your</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">Lord</span><br /><span class="grk">κύριος</span> <span class="translit">(kyrios)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2962.htm">Strong's 2962: </a> </span><span class="str2">Lord, master, sir; the Lord. From kuros; supreme in authority, i.e. controller; by implication, Master.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">will come.</span><br /><span class="grk">ἔρχεται</span> <span class="translit">(erchetai)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2064.htm">Strong's 2064: </a> </span><span class="str2">To come, go. </span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/matthew/24-42.htm">Matthew 24:42 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/matthew/24-42.htm">Matthew 24:42 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/matthew/24-42.htm">Matthew 24:42 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/matthew/24-42.htm">Matthew 24:42 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/matthew/24-42.htm">Matthew 24:42 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/matthew/24-42.htm">Matthew 24:42 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/matthew/24-42.htm">Matthew 24:42 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/matthew/24-42.htm">Matthew 24:42 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/matthew/24-42.htm">Matthew 24:42 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/matthew/24-42.htm">Matthew 24:42 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/matthew/24-42.htm">NT Gospels: Matthew 24:42 Watch therefore for you don't know (Matt. Mat Mt) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/matthew/24-41.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Matthew 24:41"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Matthew 24:41" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/matthew/24-43.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Matthew 24:43"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Matthew 24:43" /></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>