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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 24:48 But suppose that servant is wicked and says in his heart, 'My master will be away a long time.'</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/matthew/24-48.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/13/40_Mat_24_48.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Matthew 24:48 - Readiness at Any Hour" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="But suppose that servant is wicked and says in his heart, 'My master will be away a long time.'" /><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'; 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<a href="/nkjv/matthew/24.htm">New King James Version</a> But if that evil servant says in his heart, ‘My master is delaying his coming,’ <a href="/nasb_/matthew/24.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> But if that evil slave says in his heart, ‘My master is not coming for a long time,’ <a href="/nasb/matthew/24.htm">NASB 1995</a> &#8220But if that evil slave says in his heart, &#8216My master is not coming for a long time,&#8217 <a href="/nasb77/matthew/24.htm">NASB 1977 </a> “But if that evil slave says in his heart, ‘My master is not coming for a long time,’ <a href="/lsb/matthew/24.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> But if that evil slave says in his heart, ‘My master is not coming for a long time,’ <a href="/amp/matthew/24.htm">Amplified Bible</a> But if that servant is evil and says in his heart, ‘My master is taking his time [he will not return for a long while],’ <a href="/csb/matthew/24.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> But if that wicked servant says in his heart, ‘My master is delayed,’ <a href="/hcsb/matthew/24.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> But if that wicked slave says in his heart, My master is delayed,&#8217 <a href="/asv/matthew/24.htm">American Standard Version</a> But if that evil servant shall say in his heart, My lord tarrieth; <a href="/cev/matthew/24.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> But suppose one of the servants thinks the master won't return until late. <a href="/erv/matthew/24.htm">English Revised Version</a> But if that evil servant shall say in his heart, My lord tarrieth; <a href="/gwt/matthew/24.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> On the other hand, that servant, if he is wicked, may think that it will be a long time before his master comes. <a href="/gnt/matthew/24.htm">Good News Translation</a> But if he is a bad servant, he will tell himself that his master will not come back for a long time, <a href="/isv/matthew/24.htm">International Standard Version</a> "But if that wicked servant says to himself, 'My master has been delayed,' <a href="/msb/matthew/24.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> But suppose that servant is wicked and says in his heart, ?My master will be away a long time.? <a href="/net/matthew/24.htm">NET Bible</a> But if that evil slave should say to himself, 'My master is staying away a long time,' <a href="/nheb/matthew/24.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> But if that evil servant should say in his heart, 'My lord is delayed,' <a href="/wbt/matthew/24.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> But if that evil servant shall say in his heart, My Lord delayeth his coming; <a href="/wey/matthew/24.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> But if the man, being a bad servant, should say in his heart, 'My master is a long time in coming,' <a href="/web/matthew/24.htm">World English Bible</a> But if that evil servant should say in his heart, ‘My lord is delaying his coming,’ <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/matthew/24.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And if that evil servant may say in his heart, My lord delays to come, <a href="/blb/matthew/24.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> But if that evil servant should say in his heart, 'My master delays,' <a href="/ylt/matthew/24.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> 'And, if that evil servant may say in his heart, My Lord doth delay to come, <a href="/slt/matthew/24.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> But if that servant say in his heart, My lord delays to come;<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/matthew/24.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> But if that evil servant shall say in his heart: My lord is long a coming: <a href="/cpdv/matthew/24.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> But if that evil servant has said in his heart, ‘My lord has been delayed in returning,’ <a href="/nabre/matthew/24.htm">New American Bible</a> But if that wicked servant says to himself, ‘My master is long delayed,’ <a href="/nrsvce/matthew/24.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> But if that wicked slave says to himself, ‘My master is delayed,’<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/matthew/24.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> But if a bad servant should say in his heart, My lord will delay his coming, <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/matthew/24.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> But if an evil servant will say in his heart, “My Lord delays to come”,<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/matthew/24.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> But if that wicked servant shall say in his heart, My master delays his coming; <a href="/godbey/matthew/24.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> <FR>But if the wicked servant may say in his heart,<Fr> <a href="/haweis/matthew/24.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> But if that wicked servant say in his heart, My master will be a long while ere he comes; <a href="/mace/matthew/24.htm">Mace New Testament</a> but if he be dishonest, and says to himself, my Lord delays coming, <a href="/wey/matthew/24.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> But if the man, being a bad servant, should say in his heart, 'My master is a long time in coming,' <a href="/worrell/matthew/24.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> <FR>But, if that evil servant shall say in his heart, 'My lord is delaying,'<Fr> <a href="/worsley/matthew/24.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> <FR>But if that servant <Fr>be<FR> wicked <Fr>and<FR> say in his heart, my master delayeth his coming,<Fr> <a href="/parallel/matthew/24-48.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/hriiyJYqzvc?start=7438" 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/matthew/24.htm">Readiness at Any Hour</a> …47Truly I tell you, he will put him in charge of all his possessions. 48<a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc.">But</a> <a href="/greek/1437.htm" title="1437: Ean (Conj) -- If. From ei and an; a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.">suppose</a> <a href="/greek/1565.htm" title="1565: ekeinos (DPro-NMS) -- That, that one there, yonder. From ekei; that one (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed.">that</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/1401.htm" title="1401: doulos (N-NMS) -- (a) (as adj.) enslaved, (b) (as noun) a (male) slave. From deo; a slave.">servant</a> <a href="/greek/2556.htm" title="2556: kakos (Adj-NMS) -- Bad, evil, in the widest sense. Apparently a primary word; worthless, i.e. depraved, or injurious.">is wicked</a> <a href="/greek/2036.htm" title="2036: eipē (V-ASA-3S) -- Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say.">and says</a> <a href="/greek/1722.htm" title="1722: en (Prep) -- In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; in, at, on, by, etc.">in</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: tē (Art-DFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/2588.htm" title="2588: kardia (N-DFS) -- Prolonged from a primary kar; the heart, i.e. the thoughts or feelings; also the middle.">heart,</a> <a href="/greek/1473.htm" title="1473: mou (PPro-G1S) -- I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.">‘My</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.">master</a> <a href="/greek/5549.htm" title="5549: Chronizei (V-PIA-3S) -- To delay, tarry, linger, spend time. From chronos; to take time, i.e. Linger.">will be away a long time.’</a> 49And he begins to beat his fellow servants and to eat and drink with drunkards.…<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="/luke/12-45.htm">Luke 12:45</a> But suppose that servant says in his heart, ‘My master will be a long time in coming,’ and he begins to beat the menservants and maidservants, and to eat and drink and get drunk. <a href="/2_peter/3-3.htm">2 Peter 3:3-4</a> Most importantly, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires. / “Where is the promise of His coming?” they will ask. “Ever since our fathers fell asleep, everything continues as it has from the beginning of creation.” <a href="/matthew/25-5.htm">Matthew 25:5</a> When the bridegroom was delayed, they all became drowsy and fell asleep. <a href="/matthew/25-24.htm">Matthew 25:24-26</a> Finally, the servant who had received the one talent came and said, ‘Master, I knew that you are a hard man, reaping where you have not sown and gathering where you have not scattered seed. / So I was afraid and went out and hid your talent in the ground. See, you have what belongs to you.’ / ‘You wicked, lazy servant!’ replied his master. ‘You knew that I reap where I have not sown and gather where I have not scattered seed. <a href="/luke/19-20.htm">Luke 19:20-22</a> Then another servant came and said, ‘Master, here is your mina, which I have laid away in a piece of cloth. / For I was afraid of you, because you are a harsh man. You withdraw what you did not deposit and reap what you did not sow.’ / His master replied, ‘You wicked servant, I will judge you by your own words. So you knew that I am a harsh man, withdrawing what I did not deposit and reaping what I did not sow? <a href="/1_thessalonians/5-3.htm">1 Thessalonians 5:3</a> 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. <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="/1_timothy/6-15.htm">1 Timothy 6:15</a> which the blessed and only Sovereign One—the King of kings and Lord of lords—will bring about in His own time. <a href="/james/5-7.htm">James 5:7-8</a> Be patient, then, brothers, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer awaits the precious fruit of the soil—how patient he is for the fall and spring rains. / You, too, be patient and strengthen your hearts, because the Lord’s coming is near. <a href="/hebrews/10-37.htm">Hebrews 10:37</a> For, “In just a little while, He who is coming will come and will not delay. <a href="/isaiah/5-19.htm">Isaiah 5:19</a> to those who say, “Let Him hurry and hasten His work so that we may see it! Let the plan of the Holy One of Israel come so that we may know it!” <a href="/ezekiel/12-22.htm">Ezekiel 12:22-23</a> “Son of man, what is this proverb that you have in the land of Israel: ‘The days go by, and every vision fails’? / Therefore tell them that this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘I will put an end to this proverb, and in Israel they will no longer recite it.’ But say to them: ‘The days are at hand when every vision will be fulfilled. <a href="/malachi/2-17.htm">Malachi 2:17</a> You have wearied the LORD with your words; yet you ask, “How have we wearied Him?” By saying, “All who do evil are good in the sight of the LORD, and in them He delights,” or, “Where is the God of justice?” <a href="/ecclesiastes/8-11.htm">Ecclesiastes 8:11</a> When the sentence for a crime is not speedily executed, the hearts of men become fully set on doing evil. <a href="/jeremiah/17-15.htm">Jeremiah 17:15</a> Behold, they keep saying to me, “Where is the word of the LORD? Let it come now!”</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>But and if that evil servant shall say in his heart, My lord delays his coming;if.<a href="/matthew/18-32.htm">Matthew 18:32</a> Then his lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst me:<a href="/matthew/25-26.htm">Matthew 25:26</a> His lord answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strawed:<a href="/luke/19-22.htm">Luke 19:22</a> And he saith unto him, Out of thine own mouth will I judge thee, thou wicked servant. Thou knewest that I was an austere man, taking up that I laid not down, and reaping that I did not sow:say.<a href="/deuteronomy/9-4.htm">Deuteronomy 9:4</a> Speak not thou in thine heart, after that the LORD thy God hath cast them out from before thee, saying, For my righteousness the LORD hath brought me in to possess this land: but for the wickedness of these nations the LORD doth drive them out from before thee.<a href="/deuteronomy/15-9.htm">Deuteronomy 15:9</a> Beware that there be not a thought in thy wicked heart, saying, The seventh year, the year of release, is at hand; and thine eye be evil against thy poor brother, and thou givest him nought; and he cry unto the LORD against thee, and it be sin unto thee.<a href="/2_kings/5-26.htm">2 Kings 5:26</a> And he said unto him, Went not mine heart with thee, when the man turned again from his chariot to meet thee? Is it a time to receive money, and to receive garments, and oliveyards, and vineyards, and sheep, and oxen, and menservants, and maidservants?My.<a href="/ecclesiastes/8-11.htm">Ecclesiastes 8:11</a> Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil.<a href="/ezekiel/12-22.htm">Ezekiel 12:22,27</a> Son of man, what is that proverb that ye have in the land of Israel, saying, The days are prolonged, and every vision faileth? … <a href="/2_peter/3-3.htm">2 Peter 3:3-5</a> Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, … <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/matthew/22-10.htm">Bad</a> <a href="/matthew/5-25.htm">Delay</a> <a href="/ezekiel/12-28.htm">Delayed</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/7-10.htm">Delayeth</a> <a href="/judges/5-28.htm">Delaying</a> <a href="/luke/12-45.htm">Delays</a> <a href="/matthew/22-18.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/matthew/22-37.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/matthew/24-46.htm">Master</a> <a href="/matthew/24-46.htm">Servant</a> <a href="/matthew/24-46.htm">Slave</a> <a href="/matthew/17-22.htm">Staying</a> <a href="/matthew/20-10.htm">Suppose</a> <a href="/micah/5-7.htm">Tarrieth</a> <a href="/matthew/24-45.htm">Time</a> <a href="/matthew/21-41.htm">Wicked</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/matthew/25-26.htm">Bad</a> <a href="/matthew/25-16.htm">Delay</a> <a href="/matthew/25-5.htm">Delayed</a> <a href="/luke/12-45.htm">Delayeth</a> <a href="/matthew/25-5.htm">Delaying</a> <a href="/luke/12-45.htm">Delays</a> <a href="/matthew/25-26.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/mark/3-5.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/matthew/24-50.htm">Master</a> <a href="/matthew/24-50.htm">Servant</a> <a href="/matthew/24-50.htm">Slave</a> <a href="/luke/2-8.htm">Staying</a> <a href="/matthew/26-53.htm">Suppose</a> <a href="/1_samuel/30-24.htm">Tarrieth</a> <a href="/matthew/25-1.htm">Time</a> <a href="/matthew/25-26.htm">Wicked</a><div class="vheading2">Matthew 24</div>1. <a href="/matthew/24-1.htm">Jesus foretells the destruction of the temple;</a> 3. <a href="/matthew/24-3.htm">what and how great calamities shall be before it;</a> 29. <a href="/matthew/24-29.htm">the signs of his coming to judgment.</a> 36. <a href="/matthew/24-36.htm">And because that day and hour are unknown,</a> 42. <a href="/matthew/24-42.htm">we ought to watch like good servants, expecting our Master's coming.</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/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>But suppose that servant is wicked This phrase introduces a hypothetical scenario where a servant, entrusted with responsibilities, chooses to act wickedly. In biblical context, a "wicked" servant is one who fails to fulfill their duties and acts contrary to the master's expectations. This reflects the broader biblical theme of stewardship and accountability, as seen in parables like the Parable of the Talents (<a href="/matthew/25-14.htm">Matthew 25:14-30</a>). The servant's wickedness is a moral failing, highlighting the importance of faithfulness and integrity in one's service to God.and says in his heart, The phrase "says in his heart" indicates an internal, private thought process rather than an outward declaration. Biblically, the heart is often seen as the center of one's thoughts and intentions (<a href="/proverbs/4-23.htm">Proverbs 4:23</a>). This internal dialogue reveals the servant's true character and intentions, which are hidden from others but known to God. It underscores the biblical principle that God judges not only actions but also the thoughts and intentions of the heart (<a href="/hebrews/4-12.htm">Hebrews 4:12</a>).‘My master will be away a long time.’ This statement reflects a presumption about the master's return, leading to complacency and neglect of duty. In the historical and cultural context of the first century, servants were expected to be vigilant and ready for their master's return at any time. This phrase connects to the broader theme of eschatological readiness found throughout the New Testament, particularly in the teachings of Jesus about His second coming (<a href="/matthew/24-42.htm">Matthew 24:42-44</a>). The servant's assumption mirrors the attitude of those who doubt or disregard the imminence of Christ's return, leading to spiritual negligence. This serves as a warning to remain watchful and faithful, as the timing of the Lord's return is unknown (<a href="/2_peter/3-3.htm">2 Peter 3:3-4, 10</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/t/the_wicked_servant.htm">The Wicked Servant</a> In <a href="/matthew/24-48.htm">Matthew 24:48</a>, Jesus describes a servant who is unfaithful and irresponsible. This servant represents those who are not prepared for the Master's return and who live as if He will not return soon. 2. <a href="/topical/t/the_master.htm">The Master</a> The Master in this parable represents Jesus Christ, who will return at an unexpected time. The Master's return is a central theme in this passage, emphasizing the need for readiness and faithfulness. 3. <a href="/topical/t/the_household.htm">The Household</a> The household symbolizes the community of believers or the responsibilities entrusted to each believer. The servant's role is to manage the household wisely in the Master's absence. 4. <a href="/topical/t/the_delay.htm">The Delay</a> The perceived delay of the Master's return is a test of the servant's faithfulness. It highlights the challenge of maintaining vigilance and obedience over an extended period. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_return.htm">The Return</a> The unexpected return of the Master serves as a warning to be prepared at all times. It underscores the suddenness and unpredictability of Christ's second coming.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/f/faithfulness_in_waiting.htm">Faithfulness in Waiting</a> Believers are called to remain faithful and diligent in their responsibilities, even when the Lord's return seems delayed. <a href="/topical/t/the_danger_of_complacency.htm">The Danger of Complacency</a> The wicked servant's attitude warns against complacency and living as if the Lord will not return soon. <a href="/topical/a/accountability.htm">Accountability</a> Each believer is accountable for how they manage the responsibilities and gifts entrusted to them by God. <a href="/topical/l/living_with_expectancy.htm">Living with Expectancy</a> Christians should live with a sense of expectancy and readiness, knowing that Christ could return at any moment. <a href="/topical/t/the_consequences_of_unfaithfulness.htm">The Consequences of Unfaithfulness</a> The parable illustrates the severe consequences of neglecting one's duties and living in disobedience.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_matthew_24.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Matthew 24</a> <a href="/q/what_does_'grace_upon_grace'_mean.htm">What does 'You Cannot Serve Two Masters' mean?</a> <a href="/q/living_like_christ_returns_today.htm">Are you living as if Christ could return today?</a> <a href="/q/are_you_prepared_for_the_rapture.htm">Are you prepared for the Rapture?</a> <a href="/q/how_is_god's_justice_shown_in_matt_25_24-30.htm">How can the harsh judgment on the servant in Matthew 25:24-30 be reconciled with a supposedly just and merciful God?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/matthew/24.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(48) But and if that evil servant.--Better, but if that evil servant, the "and" being in modern English usage superfluous, and representing originally a different conjunction.My lord delayeth his coming.--The temper described is identical with that portrayed in <a href="/context/2_peter/3-3.htm" title="Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts,">2Peter 3:3-4</a>. The words are memorable as implying the prescience, even in the immediate context of words that indicate nearness, that there would be what to men would seem delay. Those who looked on that delay as St. Peter looked on it would continue watchful, but the selfish and ungodly would be tempted by it to forget that Christ comes to men in more senses and more ways than one. The tyranny and sensuality which have at times stained the annals of the Church of Christ have had their origin in this forgetfulness, that though the final coming may be delayed, the Judge is ever near, even at the doors (<a href="/james/5-9.htm" title="Grudge not one against another, brothers, lest you be condemned: behold, the judge stands before the door.">James 5:9</a>).<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/matthew/24.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 48. - But and if (ἐὰν δὲ). "And" is a remnant of an old use of the word, meaning "it'," so that it is here redundant, and the translation should he simply, but if; si autem. That evil servant (ὁ κακὸς δοῦλος ἐκεῖνος) is in a sense the same as he who, in ver. 45, was regarded as faithful and prudent. The opposite case is here put; he is supposed to be wicked and untrustworthy; he no longer is always watching for his lord's coming and endeavouring to be always ready, because he knows that he may at any moment be called to account. My lord delayeth [his coming]. B, א, and other good manuscripts omit ἐλθεῖν as unnecessary. Revised Version, my lord tarrieth, he brings himself to believe that the day of reckoning is still distant, and that he will have plenty of time to prepare his accounts before the settlement is called for. So men put off the day of repentance, saying, "Tomorrow, tomorrow," when they ought to feel that the present alone is theirs in which to prepare for judgment. <a href="/commentaries/matthew/24-48.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. suppose Ἐὰν (Ean) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1437.htm">Strong's 1437: </a> If. From ei and an; a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc. that ἐκεῖνος (ekeinos) Demonstrative Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1565.htm">Strong's 1565: </a> That, that one there, yonder. From ekei; that one (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed. servant δοῦλος (doulos) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1401.htm">Strong's 1401: </a> (a) (as adj.) enslaved, (b) (as noun) a (male) slave. From deo; a slave. [is] wicked κακὸς (kakos) Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2556.htm">Strong's 2556: </a> Bad, evil, in the widest sense. Apparently a primary word; worthless, i.e. depraved, or injurious. [and] says εἴπῃ (eipē) Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2036.htm">Strong's 2036: </a> Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say. in ἐν (en) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1722.htm">Strong's 1722: </a> In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc. 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. heart, καρδίᾳ (kardia) Noun - Dative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2588.htm">Strong's 2588: </a> Prolonged from a primary kar; the heart, i.e. the thoughts or feelings; also the middle. ‘My μου (mou) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 1st Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1473.htm">Strong's 1473: </a> I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I. master κύριος (kyrios) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2962.htm">Strong's 2962: </a> Lord, master, sir; the Lord. From kuros; supreme in authority, i.e. controller; by implication, Master. will be away a long time.’ Χρονίζει (Chronizei) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5549.htm">Strong's 5549: </a> To delay, tarry, linger, spend time. From chronos; to take time, i.e. Linger. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/matthew/24-48.htm">Matthew 24:48 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/matthew/24-48.htm">Matthew 24:48 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/matthew/24-48.htm">Matthew 24:48 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/matthew/24-48.htm">Matthew 24:48 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/matthew/24-48.htm">Matthew 24:48 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/matthew/24-48.htm">Matthew 24:48 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/matthew/24-48.htm">Matthew 24:48 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/matthew/24-48.htm">Matthew 24:48 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/matthew/24-48.htm">Matthew 24:48 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/matthew/24-48.htm">Matthew 24:48 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/matthew/24-48.htm">NT Gospels: Matthew 24:48 But if that evil servant should say (Matt. 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