The point isn't just about being caught off guard; it's that the reason the homeowner wouldn't be robbed is because he would have known the hour. This highlights that the shock of Jesus' return isn't just inconvenient, it's the very unknown timing that makes preparedness not just wise, but essential for not suffering loss.
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. You also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Earlier in this chapter, Jesus had just rebuked a man who interrupted his teaching to ask for help dividing an inheritance, using the opportunity to warn against greed. Now, Jesus turns to his disciples to teach them about watchfulness, emphasizing that the Son of Man's coming will be unexpected, like a thief in the night. This parable about the master of the house illustrates that if one knew when a thief was coming, they would naturally prepare, urging the disciples to always be ready for Jesus' return.
Imagine coming home to find your most prized possessions gone. This isn't just about lost items; it's about the critical importance of awareness.
Jesus uses a vivid analogy here: a house being broken into by a thief. The key isn't that thieves are a problem, but that their power lies in their unexpected arrival.
The Thief's Advantage
If the homeowner knew the exact hour the thief would strike, he would naturally take precautions. He'd stay awake, secure the doors, and be ready. The thief's success depends entirely on the homeowner being unprepared and unaware.
Our Spiritual Readiness
Jesus applies this to His followers. He warns that His own return – whether it's the end of the world or His coming for each of us individually through death – will be like that of a thief. The uncertainty of the exact hour is precisely why constant vigilance is required.
It’s easy to hear about being 'ready' and think it means just sitting around and waiting. But Jesus calls us to something far more active.
The parable contrasts two states: being asleep and unaware versus being awake and vigilant.
The Passive vs. The Active
An unaware homeowner is passive. They are victims of circumstance. But the homeowner who would become active – securing their property, taking defensive measures.
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Our Role as Servants
Jesus calls us His servants. He is the 'master of the house.' Just as a good servant would be attentive to their master's needs and potential dangers, we are called to be attentive to our Master's return. This isn't a passive waiting; it's an active life lived in anticipation, with our spiritual 'doors and windows' secured through prayer, good works, and devotion.
Understand the original words
huios tou anthrōpou · Greek Noun phrase
A messianic title used by Jesus referring to Himself as the divine representative, the suffering servant, and the future Judge who possesses universal authority; it points to Daniel 7:13-14.
hetoimos · Greek Adjective
The state of being prepared, equipped, or fitted for a task or event; in a theological context, it refers to the ongoing readiness of the believer for the Lord's return through faith and sanctification.
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.
This passage directly parallels the imagery of a thief in the night, emphasizing the unexpected nature of the Lord's return and the need for readiness.
1 Thessalonians 5:2It echoes the warning that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night, highlighting the element of surprise for those who are not vigilant.
Revelation 3:3This verse uses the same thief analogy to urge the church in Sardis to remember their reception of the message and to repent, lest they be caught unaware.
1 Peter 3:10While not using the thief imagery, it speaks to the certainty of the Lord's coming and encourages believers to be prepared and ready to give an account.
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…
The point isn't just about being caught off guard; it's that the reason the homeowner wouldn't be robbed is because he would have known the hour. This highlights that the shock of Jesus' return isn't just inconvenient, it's the very unknown timing that makes preparedness not just wise, but essential for not suffering loss.
Earlier in this chapter, Jesus had just rebuked a man who interrupted his teaching to ask for help dividing an inheritance, using the opportunity to warn against greed. Now, Jesus turns to his disciples to teach them about watchfulness, emphasizing that the Son of Man's coming will be unexpected, like a thief in the night. This parable about the master of the house illustrates that if one knew when a thief was coming, they would naturally prepare, urging the disciples to always be ready for Jesus' return.
Earlier in this chapter, Jesus had just rebuked a man who interrupted his teaching to ask for help dividing an inheritance, using the opportunity to warn against greed. Now, Jesus turns to his disciples to teach them about watchfulness, emphasizing that the Son of Man's coming will be unexpected, like a thief in the night. This parable about the master of the house illustrates that if one knew when a thief was coming, they would naturally prepare, urging the disciples to always be ready for Jesus' return.
"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. You also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.”" — The point isn't just about being caught off guard; it's that the reason the homeowner wouldn't be robbed is because he would have known the hour. This highlights that the shock of Jesus' return i…
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Last reviewed October 2026
