But know this, that if the master of the house had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have left his house to be broken into.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This isn't just about being surprised; it's about the consequence of not being ready. The master wouldn't just be caught off guard, he would allow his home to be violated because he was unprepared. This highlights that our lack of spiritual vigilance isn't passive, but an active yielding to ruin.
But know this, that if the master of the house had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have left his house to be broken into.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus has just warned his followers against greed, using a parable about a rich farmer whose possessions don't bring lasting security. He then shifts to emphasize the importance of vigilance for his return, comparing his disciples to servants waiting for their master. This verse introduces the analogy of a homeowner's reaction to an impending thief to illustrate why readiness is paramount.
We all dread unexpected intrusions. Imagine a thief breaking into your home—it's the element of surprise that makes it so devastating. Jesus uses this vivid image to teach us something crucial.
Jesus paints a picture of a homeowner who would have taken precautions if only they knew when the thief was coming. The key here is the unknown hour. The homeowner's vulnerability isn't due to negligence in principle, but because the timing was a complete mystery. If foreknowledge were granted, the house would have been secure.
This parable highlights the unpredictable nature of the thief's arrival. It underscores that human foresight has limits. The very essence of the thief's success lies in catching the victim unaware.
Jesus isn't just telling a story; He's giving us a direct command. The consequence of the thief's surprise visit is a direct parallel to our spiritual responsibility.
The master of the house represents us, and the thief represents Jesus' return. Since we don't know the hour of His coming, the lesson is clear: we must always be ready. Unlike the homeowner in the parable who could have prepared with foreknowledge, our call is to live in a state of constant preparedness precisely because we lack that foreknowledge.
This readiness isn't passive waiting; it's active obedience and attentiveness. It means living each day in light of Christ's eventual return, ensuring our spiritual 'house' is in order.
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Understand the original words
kleptēs · Greek Noun
A common metaphor in Scripture for the unexpected, intrusive, and sudden nature of the Lord's second coming, emphasizing the need for constant watchfulness.
Jesus uses the vivid imagery of a house being broken into by a thief to impress upon his listeners the critical need for constant readiness, especially in light of the uncertainty surrounding his return and the judgment to come.
c. 27-30 AD— this verse
Jesus Teaches and Gathers Disciples
During Jesus' public ministry, crowds gathered to hear his teachings, and a core group of disciples followed him. This period was marked by intense spiritual and social engagement, but also by the constant awareness of opposition and the unpredictable nature of Jesus' movements.
c. 27-30 AD
Disciples Argue Over Inheritance
A man interrupts Jesus' teaching, asking him to intervene in a dispute with his brother over an inheritance. This highlights the worldly concerns and potential for conflict that persisted even among those following Jesus.
c. 30 AD
Jesus Ascends to Heaven
After his resurrection, Jesus ascends to heaven, leaving his followers to await his promised return. This event marks a transition in the disciples' experience, from direct guidance to expectant waiting.
c. 50-60 AD
Apostles Write Letters
Apostles like Paul and Peter begin writing letters to early Christian communities, often addressing the need for watchfulness and readiness for Christ's return, echoing Jesus' teachings.
This passage shares the exact same imagery of a thief in the night, emphasizing the unexpected nature of the Son of Man's coming and the need for readiness.
1 Thessalonians 5:2It echoes the teaching that the Day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night, reinforcing the urgency for believers to be alert and sober, just as the master of the house would be if he knew the time.
1 Peter 3:10This verse speaks of seeking and pursuing peace, implying a constant state of readiness and watchfulness, similar to how one would guard their home against a known threat.
Revelation 3:3Jesus warns the church in Sardis to remember what they received and heard, and to keep it, and repent, otherwise He will come like a thief, connecting the metaphor to spiritual unpreparedness and the need for vigilance.
Proverbs 4:23While not about a thief, this verse highlights the importance of guarding one's heart with all vigilance, mirroring the deep care and attention one would give to protecting their home from a destructive intruder.
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…
pulpitLuke 12:39: "And this know, that if the goodman of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched, and not have suffered his house to be broken through."
Verses 39, 40. - And this know, that if the goodman of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched, and not have suffered his house to be broken through. Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not. The Lord abruptly changes the scene of his parable…
This isn't just about being surprised; it's about the consequence of not being ready. The master wouldn't just be caught off guard, he would allow his home to be violated because he was unprepared. This highlights that our lack of spiritual vigilance isn't passive, but an active yielding to ruin.
Jesus has just warned his followers against greed, using a parable about a rich farmer whose possessions don't bring lasting security. He then shifts to emphasize the importance of vigilance for his return, comparing his disciples to servants waiting for their master. This verse introduces the analogy of a homeowner's reaction to an impending thief to illustrate why readiness is paramount.
Jesus has just warned his followers against greed, using a parable about a rich farmer whose possessions don't bring lasting security. He then shifts to emphasize the importance of vigilance for his return, comparing his disciples to servants waiting for their master. This verse introduces the analogy of a homeowner's reaction to an impending thief to illustrate why readiness is paramount.
"But know this, that if the master of the house had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have left his house to be broken into." — This isn't just about being surprised; it's about the consequence of not being ready. The master wouldn't just be caught off guard, he would allow his home to be violated because he was unprepare…
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Last reviewed October 2026