CINXE.COM

<!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 12:38 Even if he comes in the second or third watch of the night and finds them alert, those servants will be blessed.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/luke/12-38.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/11/42_Luk_12_38.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Luke 12:38 - Be Ready for Service" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Even if he comes in the second or third watch of the night and finds them alert, those servants will be blessed." /><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/luke/12-38.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/luke/12-38.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="/luke/">Luke</a> > <a href="/luke/12.htm">Chapter 12</a> > Verse 38</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="/ad18.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/12-37.htm" title="Luke 12:37">◄</a> Luke 12:38 <a href="/luke/12-39.htm" title="Luke 12:39">►</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> It will be good for those servants whose master finds them ready, even if he comes in the middle of the night or toward daybreak. <a href="/nlt/luke/12.htm">New Living Translation</a> He may come in the middle of the night or just before dawn. But whenever he comes, he will reward the servants who are ready. <a href="/esv/luke/12.htm">English Standard Version</a> If he comes in the second watch, or in the third, and finds them awake, blessed are those servants! <a href="/bsb/luke/12.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> Even if he comes in the second or third watch of the night and finds them alert, those servants will be blessed. <a href="/blb/luke/12.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> And if he comes in the second, and if in the third watch, and finds them thus, blessed are those! <a href="/kjv/luke/12.htm">King James Bible</a> And if he shall come in the second watch, or come in the third watch, and find them so, blessed are those servants. <a href="/nkjv/luke/12.htm">New King James Version</a> And if he should come in the second watch, or come in the third watch, and find them so, blessed are those servants. <a href="/nasb_/luke/12.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Whether he comes in the second watch, or even in the third, and finds them so, blessed are those slaves. <a href="/nasb/luke/12.htm">NASB 1995</a> &#8220Whether he comes in the second watch, or even in the third, and finds them so, blessed are those slaves. <a href="/nasb77/luke/12.htm">NASB 1977 </a> “Whether he comes in the second watch, or even in the third, and finds them so, blessed are those slaves. <a href="/lsb/luke/12.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Whether he comes in the second watch, or even in the third, and finds them so, blessed are those slaves. <a href="/amp/luke/12.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Whether he comes in the second watch (before midnight), or even in the third (after midnight), and finds them so [prepared and ready], blessed are those servants. <a href="/csb/luke/12.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> If he comes in the middle of the night, or even near dawn, and finds them alert, blessed are those servants. <a href="/hcsb/luke/12.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> If he comes in the middle of the night, or even near dawn, and finds them alert, those slaves are blessed. <a href="/asv/luke/12.htm">American Standard Version</a> And if he shall come in the second watch, and if in the third, and find them so, blessed are those servants. <a href="/cev/luke/12.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Those servants are really fortunate if their master finds them ready, even though he comes late at night or early in the morning. <a href="/erv/luke/12.htm">English Revised Version</a> And if he shall come in the second watch, and if in the third, and find them so, blessed are those servants. <a href="/gwt/luke/12.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> They will be blessed if he comes in the middle of the night or toward morning and finds them awake. <a href="/gnt/luke/12.htm">Good News Translation</a> How happy they are if he finds them ready, even if he should come at midnight or even later! <a href="/isv/luke/12.htm">International Standard Version</a> How blessed they will be if their master comes in the middle of the night or near dawn and finds them awake! <a href="/msb/luke/12.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Even if he comes in the second or third watch of the night and finds them alert, those servants will be blessed. <a href="/net/luke/12.htm">NET Bible</a> Even if he comes in the second or third watch of the night and finds them alert, blessed are those slaves! <a href="/nheb/luke/12.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> And if he comes in the second watch, or even in the third, and finds them so, blessed are they. <a href="/wbt/luke/12.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And if he shall come in the second watch, or come in the third watch, and find them so, blessed are those servants. <a href="/wey/luke/12.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> And whether it be in the second watch or in the third that He comes and finds them so, blessed are they. <a href="/web/luke/12.htm">World English Bible</a> They will be blessed if he comes in the second or third watch and finds them so. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/luke/12.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> and if he may come in the second watch, and in the third watch he may come, and may find [it] so, blessed are those servants. <a href="/blb/luke/12.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> And if he comes in the second, and if in the third watch, and finds them thus, blessed are those! <a href="/ylt/luke/12.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> and if he may come in the second watch, and in the third watch he may come, and may find it so, happy are those servants. <a href="/slt/luke/12.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And if he should come in the second watch, and should come in the third watch, and find so, happy are those servants.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/luke/12.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And if he shall come in the second watch, or come in the third watch, and find them so, blessed are those servants. <a href="/cpdv/luke/12.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And if he will return in the second watch, or if in the third watch, and if he will find them to be so: then blessed are those servants. <a href="/nabre/luke/12.htm">New American Bible</a> And should he come in the second or third watch and find them prepared in this way, blessed are those servants. <a href="/nrsvce/luke/12.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> If he comes during the middle of the night, or near dawn, and finds them so, blessed are those slaves.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/luke/12.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> If he should come in the second or the third watch and find them so, blessed are those servants. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/luke/12.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> “And if he will come in the second or third watch, and he will find them thus, blessings to those servants.”<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/luke/12.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> And if he shall come in the second watch, and if he shall come in the third watch, and find them thus, blessed are those servants. <a href="/godbey/luke/12.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> <FR>If at the second, and third, watch he may come, happy are ye.<Fr> <a href="/haweis/luke/12.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> And if he come in the second watch, or in the third watch, and find them so watchful, blessed are those servants. <a href="/mace/luke/12.htm">Mace New Testament</a> happy are the servants he finds in such a state, whether it be at the second or at the third watch of the night, when he comes. <a href="/wey/luke/12.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> And whether it be in the second watch or in the third that He comes and finds them so, blessed are they. <a href="/worrell/luke/12.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> <FR>And, if he shall come in the second watch, and if in the third, and find them so, happy are they!<Fr> <a href="/worsley/luke/12.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> <FR>And if he come in the second watch, or in the third watch, and find <Fr>them<FR> so, happy <Fr>indeed<FR> are those servants.<Fr> <a href="/parallel/luke/12-38.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=5286" 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> …37Blessed 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. 38<a href="/greek/2579.htm" title="2579: kan (Conj) -- And if, even if, even, at least. From kai and ean; and if.">Even if</a> <a href="/greek/2064.htm" title="2064: elthē (V-ASA-3S) -- To come, go. ">he comes</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/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.">the</a> <a href="/greek/1208.htm" title="1208: deutera (Adj-DFS) -- Second; with the article: in the second place, for the second time. As the compare of duo; second.">second</a> <a href="/greek/2579.htm" title="2579: kan (Conj) -- And if, even if, even, at least. From kai and ean; and if.">or</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."></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/5154.htm" title="5154: tritē (Adj-DFS) -- Third. Ordinal from treis; third; neuter a third part, or a third time, thirdly.">third</a> <a href="/greek/5438.htm" title="5438: phylakē (N-DFS) -- From phulasso; a guarding or, the act, the person; figuratively, the place, the condition, or, the time, literally or figuratively.">watch of the night</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/2147.htm" title="2147: heurē (V-ASA-3S) -- A prolonged form of a primary heuro, which heureo is used for it in all the tenses except the present and imperfect to find.">finds them</a> <a href="/greek/3779.htm" title="3779: houtōs (Adv) -- Thus, so, in this manner. Or (referring to what precedes or follows).">alert,</a> <a href="/greek/1565.htm" title="1565: ekeinoi (DPro-NMP) -- That, that one there, yonder. From ekei; that one (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed.">those servants</a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: eisin (V-PIA-3P) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.">will be</a> <a href="/greek/3107.htm" title="3107: makarioi (Adj-NMP) -- Happy, blessed, to be envied. A prolonged form of the poetical makar; supremely blest; by extension, fortunate, well off.">blessed.</a> 39But understand this: If the homeowner had known at what hour the thief was coming, he 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> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/matthew/24-42.htm">Matthew 24:42-44</a> Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day on which your Lord will come. / But understand this: If the homeowner had known in which watch of the night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into. / For this reason, you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour you do not expect. <a href="/mark/13-35.htm">Mark 13:35-37</a> 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. / And what I say to you, I say to everyone: Keep watch!” <a href="/revelation/16-15.htm">Revelation 16:15</a> “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.” <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="/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="/matthew/25-13.htm">Matthew 25:13</a> Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour. <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="/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_thessalonians/5-6.htm">1 Thessalonians 5:6</a> So then, let us not sleep as the others do, but let us remain awake and sober. <a href="/romans/13-11.htm">Romans 13:11-12</a> 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. <a href="/matthew/25-1.htm">Matthew 25:1-13</a> “At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. / Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. / The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take along any extra oil. ... <a href="/proverbs/8-34.htm">Proverbs 8:34</a> Blessed is the man who listens to me, watching daily at my doors, waiting at the posts of my doorway. <a href="/isaiah/62-6.htm">Isaiah 62:6-7</a> On your walls, O Jerusalem, I have posted watchmen; they will never be silent day or night. You who call on the LORD shall take no rest for yourselves, / nor give Him any rest until He establishes Jerusalem and makes her the praise of the earth. <a href="/ezekiel/3-17.htm">Ezekiel 3:17</a> “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. <a href="/habakkuk/2-1.htm">Habakkuk 2:1</a> 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> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And if he shall come in the second watch, or come in the third watch, and find them so, blessed are those servants.<a href="/matthew/25-6.htm">Matthew 25:6</a> And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him.<a href="/1_thessalonians/5-4.htm">1 Thessalonians 5:4,5</a> But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief… <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/luke/12-37.htm">Blessed</a> <a href="/matthew/25-19.htm">Bondmen</a> <a href="/luke/12-13.htm">Division</a> <a href="/luke/12-37.htm">Find</a> <a href="/luke/12-37.htm">Finds</a> <a href="/luke/12-37.htm">Good</a> <a href="/luke/12-19.htm">Happy</a> <a href="/luke/12-37.htm">Master</a> <a href="/luke/12-20.htm">Night</a> <a href="/luke/12-35.htm">Ready</a> <a href="/luke/6-1.htm">Second</a> <a href="/luke/12-37.htm">Servants</a> <a href="/luke/12-37.htm">Slaves</a> <a href="/luke/9-22.htm">Third</a> <a href="/luke/12-15.htm">Watch</a> <a href="/luke/12-37.htm">Watching</a> <a href="/luke/11-35.htm">Whether</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/luke/12-43.htm">Blessed</a> <a href="/luke/15-22.htm">Bondmen</a> <a href="/luke/12-51.htm">Division</a> <a href="/luke/12-43.htm">Find</a> <a href="/luke/12-43.htm">Finds</a> <a href="/luke/12-43.htm">Good</a> <a href="/luke/12-43.htm">Happy</a> <a href="/luke/12-39.htm">Master</a> <a href="/luke/17-34.htm">Night</a> <a href="/luke/12-40.htm">Ready</a> <a href="/luke/14-19.htm">Second</a> <a href="/luke/12-42.htm">Servants</a> <a href="/luke/12-45.htm">Slaves</a> <a href="/luke/13-7.htm">Third</a> <a href="/luke/12-39.htm">Watch</a> <a href="/luke/14-1.htm">Watching</a> <a href="/luke/14-28.htm">Whether</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>Even if he comes in the second or third watch of the night In ancient Jewish and Roman culture, the night was divided into watches. The Jewish system typically had three watches, while the Roman system had four. The second and third watches would correspond to late night and early morning hours, times when people are usually asleep. This phrase emphasizes the unexpected timing of the master's return, highlighting the need for constant vigilance. Biblically, this can be connected to the parable of the ten virgins in <a href="/matthew/25.htm">Matthew 25:1-13</a>, where readiness for the bridegroom's arrival is crucial. The imagery of night watches also ties into the theme of spiritual alertness found in <a href="/1_thessalonians/5-2.htm">1 Thessalonians 5:2-6</a>, where believers are encouraged to stay awake and sober, anticipating the Lord's return.and finds them alert The concept of being alert is central to the teachings of Jesus regarding His second coming. In the cultural context, servants were expected to be ready to serve their master at any time, reflecting loyalty and diligence. Spiritually, this alertness symbolizes a life of faithfulness and readiness for Christ's return. This idea is echoed in <a href="/mark/13-33.htm">Mark 13:33-37</a>, where Jesus instructs His followers to be watchful. The call to be alert is a reminder of the unpredictability of the Lord's return and the importance of living a life that is pleasing to God at all times.those servants will be blessed The blessing promised to the alert servants underscores the reward for faithfulness and readiness. In biblical terms, blessing often signifies divine favor and approval. This promise of blessing can be seen as an assurance of eternal reward for those who remain faithful to Christ. The theme of reward for vigilance is also present in <a href="/revelation/16-15.htm">Revelation 16:15</a>, where those who stay awake and keep their garments are blessed. This phrase serves as an encouragement to believers to persevere in their faith and to live in anticipation of the Lord's return, knowing that their efforts will be recognized and rewarded by God.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/j/jesus_christ.htm">Jesus Christ</a> The speaker of this parable, teaching His disciples about readiness and vigilance in anticipation of His return. 2. <a href="/topical/s/servants.htm">Servants</a> Represent believers who are expected to remain watchful and prepared for the Master's return. 3. <a href="/topical/m/master.htm">Master</a> Symbolizes Jesus, who will return at an unexpected time. 4. <a href="/topical/s/second_and_third_watch.htm">Second and Third Watch</a> Refers to the Roman division of the night into four watches, with the second watch being from 9 PM to midnight and the third from midnight to 3 AM. This indicates a time of unexpectedness and vigilance. 5. <a href="/topical/b/blessing.htm">Blessing</a> The reward for the servants who remain alert and ready for the Master's return.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/v/vigilance_in_faith.htm">Vigilance in Faith</a> Believers are called to remain spiritually alert and prepared for Christ's return, regardless of the time or circumstances. <a href="/topical/u/unexpected_timing.htm">Unexpected Timing</a> The return of Christ will be at an unexpected time, emphasizing the need for constant readiness. <a href="/topical/b/blessing_of_readiness.htm">Blessing of Readiness</a> There is a promised blessing for those who are found faithful and watchful when the Lord returns. <a href="/topical/s/spiritual_discernment.htm">Spiritual Discernment</a> Cultivate a life of prayer and discernment to recognize the signs of the times and remain steadfast in faith. <a href="/topical/a/active_service.htm">Active Service</a> Being watchful also involves actively serving and fulfilling the responsibilities given by the Master.<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/god_and_humanity's_nature_and_purpose.htm">Can I have balance instead of poverty or riches?</a> <a href="/q/does_luke_11_24-26_contradict_mental_health.htm">In Luke 11:24-26, does the description of evil spirits roaming and returning contradict current psychological or medical understanding of mental disorders?</a> <a href="/q/why_does_jesus_tell_them_to_buy_swords.htm">In Luke 22:36, why does Jesus instruct His followers to buy swords if His message is peace?</a> <a href="/q/did_jesus_ascend_to_paradise_that_day.htm">Did Jesus ascend to Paradise on the crucifixion day? Yes, per Luke 23:43. No, per John 20:17.</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>(38) And if he shall come in the second watch.--In <a href="/mark/13-35.htm" title="Watch you therefore: for you know not when the master of the house comes, at even, or at midnight, or at the cock-crowing, or in the morning:">Mark 13:35</a> we have the Roman four-fold division of the night. (See Note there.) Here we find the older Jewish division into three watches. (<a href="/judges/7-19.htm" title="So Gideon, and the hundred men that were with him, came to the outside of the camp in the beginning of the middle watch; and they had but newly set the watch: and they blew the trumpets, and broke the pitchers that were in their hands.">Judges 7:19</a>, <a href="/1_samuel/11-11.htm" title="And it was so on the morrow, that Saul put the people in three companies; and they came into the middle of the host in the morning watch, and slew the Ammonites until the heat of the day: and it came to pass, that they which remained were scattered, so that two of them were not left together.">1Samuel 11:11</a>.)<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/luke/12.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 38. - And if he shall come in the second watch, or come in the third watch, and find them so. Among the Jews at the time of our Lord, the old division of the night into three watches had given place to the ordinary Roman division into four. They were reckoned thus: from six to nine, from nine to midnight, from midnight to three, and from three to six. In this parable the second and third watches are mentioned as necessary for the completeness of the picture; for the banquet would certainly not be over before the end of the first watch, and in the fourth the day would be breaking. The second and third watches, then, represent the still and weary hours of the night, when to watch is indeed a task of difficulty and painfulness; and here again the Lord repeats his high encomium on such devoted conduct in his second "blessed are those servants." It is perfectly clear that in this parable the master's return signifies the coming of Christ. The whole tone, then, is a grave reminder to us, to all impatient ones, that the great event may be long delayed, much longer than most Christian thinkers dream; but it tells us, too. that this long delay involves a test of their loyalty. "The parousia does not come so quickly as impatience, nor yet so late as carelessness, supposes" (Van Oosterzee). <a href="/commentaries/luke/12-38.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>Even if κἂν (kan) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2579.htm">Strong's 2579: </a> And if, even if, even, at least. From kai and ean; and if. he comes ἔλθῃ (elthē) Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2064.htm">Strong's 2064: </a> To come, go. 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. the τῇ (tē) Article - Dative Feminine 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. second δευτέρᾳ (deutera) Adjective - Dative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1208.htm">Strong's 1208: </a> Second; with the article: in the second place, for the second time. As the compare of duo; second. or κἂν (kan) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2579.htm">Strong's 2579: </a> And if, even if, even, at least. From kai and ean; and if. third τρίτῃ (tritē) Adjective - Dative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5154.htm">Strong's 5154: </a> Third. Ordinal from treis; third; neuter a third part, or a third time, thirdly. watch of the night φυλακῇ (phylakē) Noun - Dative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5438.htm">Strong's 5438: </a> From phulasso; a guarding or, the act, the person; figuratively, the place, the condition, or, the time, literally or figuratively. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. finds [them] εὕρῃ (heurē) Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2147.htm">Strong's 2147: </a> A prolonged form of a primary heuro, which heureo is used for it in all the tenses except the present and imperfect to find. alert, οὕτως (houtōs) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_3779.htm">Strong's 3779: </a> Thus, so, in this manner. Or (referring to what precedes or follows). those [servants] ἐκεῖνοι (ekeinoi) Demonstrative Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Plural <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. will be εἰσιν (eisin) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1510.htm">Strong's 1510: </a> I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist. blessed! μακάριοί (makarioi) Adjective - Nominative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3107.htm">Strong's 3107: </a> Happy, blessed, to be envied. A prolonged form of the poetical makar; supremely blest; by extension, fortunate, well off. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/luke/12-38.htm">Luke 12:38 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/luke/12-38.htm">Luke 12:38 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/luke/12-38.htm">Luke 12:38 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/luke/12-38.htm">Luke 12:38 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/luke/12-38.htm">Luke 12:38 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/luke/12-38.htm">Luke 12:38 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/luke/12-38.htm">Luke 12:38 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/luke/12-38.htm">Luke 12:38 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/luke/12-38.htm">Luke 12:38 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/luke/12-38.htm">Luke 12:38 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/luke/12-38.htm">NT Gospels: Luke 12:38 They will be blessed if he comes (Luke Lu Lk) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/luke/12-37.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Luke 12:37"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Luke 12:37" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/luke/12-39.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Luke 12:39"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Luke 12:39" /></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>