Luke 12:38
If he comes in the second watch, or in the third, and finds them awake, blessed are those servants!
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
This isn't just about being awake at any random time; the "second watch" and "third watch" highlight that the master's return could be much later than expected, into the weary, difficult hours of the night. The blessing isn't just for vigilance, but for steadfastness even when anticipation wears thin and the task of waiting becomes truly arduous.
Jesus is teaching about living ready for his return, using a parable about a master and his servants. A man interrupts, asking Jesus to settle an inheritance dispute, which prompts Jesus to warn against greed and emphasize the importance of vigilance. This verse continues the parable, highlighting that faithfulness and readiness are rewarded regardless of how long the master is delayed.
What if the Lord doesn't return as soon as we expect? This verse speaks to the surprising blessing found even in a delayed return.
Jesus paints a vivid picture of servants waiting for their master's return from a wedding feast. While we might imagine the master returning quickly, this verse highlights that his arrival could be in the 'second watch' (roughly 9 PM to midnight) or even the 'third watch' (midnight to 3 AM).
This emphasizes that the wait for Christ's return can be long, stretching through the deep, weary hours of the night. It's a powerful reminder that the timing of His coming isn't ours to dictate, but our faithfulness in the waiting is what truly matters.
It's one thing to be ready; it's another to be found actively waiting when the Master arrives, no matter how late.
The blessing isn't just for being ready, but for being found 'awake.' This isn't a passive waiting, but an active, engaged vigilance. The servants are described elsewhere in this passage as having their 'loins girded' and 'lights burning' – ready for action.
Even if the master returns during the quieter, more difficult hours of the night, when drowsiness and weariness are strongest, the faithful servants are blessed. This speaks to a deep-seated loyalty and commitment that perseveres through all circumstances.
Jesus declares a unique 'blessedness' for these servants, a state of profound favor and peace.
The declaration, 'blessed are those servants!' is striking. It implies a state of deep favor and well-being that goes beyond mere reward. Regardless of when the master returns – early or late – the faithful, awake servants are in a state of blessedness.
This points to the core of Christian discipleship: our blessedness isn't solely dependent on the timing of future events, but on our present commitment to Christ. The joy and peace come from honoring Him with our faithfulness now, trusting His timing completely.
Jesus directly urges vigilance and readiness for his return, paralleling the servant's waiting in Luke 12.
1 Thessalonians 5:2This passage speaks of Christ's coming like a thief in the night, emphasizing the unexpectedness and the need for believers to be alert, much like the servants in Luke's parable.
Revelation 16:15This verse explicitly states, 'Behold, I am coming like a thief! Blessed is the one who stays awake and keeps his clothes ready,' directly echoing the blessing and call to watchfulness found in Luke 12.
Romans 13:11Paul urges believers to 'wake up from your slumber' because salvation is nearer now than when they first believed, connecting the immediate need for readiness in Luke 12 with the urgency of Christ's imminent return.
barnesLuke 12:38: "And if he shall come in the second watch, or come in the third watch, and find them so, blessed are those servants."
See the notes at Matthew 24:42-51 . Second watch - See the notes at Matthew 14:25.
jfbLuke 12:13-53: "And one of the company said unto him, Master, speak to my brother, that he divide the inheritance with me."
Lu 12:13-53. Covetousness—Watchfulness—Superiority to Earthly Ties.13. Master, &c.—that is, "Great Preacher of righteousness, help; there is need of Thee in this rapacious world; here am I the victim of injustice, and that from my own brother, who withholds from me my rightful share of the inheritance that has fallen to us." In this most inopportune intrusion upon the sole…
This isn't just about being awake at any random time; the "second watch" and "third watch" highlight that the master's return could be much later than expected, into the weary, difficult hours of the night. The blessing isn't just for vigilance, but for steadfastness even when anticipation wears thin and the task of waiting becomes truly arduous.
Jesus is teaching about living ready for his return, using a parable about a master and his servants. A man interrupts, asking Jesus to settle an inheritance dispute, which prompts Jesus to warn against greed and emphasize the importance of vigilance. This verse continues the parable, highlighting that faithfulness and readiness are rewarded regardless of how long the master is delayed.
Jesus is teaching about living ready for his return, using a parable about a master and his servants. A man interrupts, asking Jesus to settle an inheritance dispute, which prompts Jesus to warn against greed and emphasize the importance of vigilance. This verse continues the parable, highlighting that faithfulness and readiness are rewarded regardless of how long the master is delayed.
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Ask a follow-up
Ask Sola things like:
Live chat about Luke 12:38 is available in the Sola app.
"If he comes in the second watch, or in the third, and finds them awake, blessed are those servants!" — This isn't just about being awake at any random time; the "second watch" and "third watch" highlight that the master's return could be much later than expected, into the weary, difficult hours of the…
