What's striking here is the servant's assumption of authority before the master's actual return. He doesn't just neglect his duties; he begins to act like the master, lording it over others and indulging himself, all based on the internal thought, "My master is delayed." This internal shift in his mind—imagining the master isn't coming soon—immediately fuels his outward rebellion and cruelty.
But if that servant says to himself, ‘My master is delayed in coming,’ and begins to beat the male and female servants, and to eat and drink and get drunk, the master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he does not know, and will cut him in pieces and put him with the unfaithful.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus has just finished teaching about the importance of being watchful and ready for his return, contrasting the faithful servant with the unfaithful one. This verse introduces the scenario of a servant who, believing his master is delayed, abandons his responsibilities and begins to abuse those under him, indulging in sinful behavior out of false security. The consequence of this self-deception and wicked behavior will be the master's unexpected return and judgment.
Ever felt like God is taking too long to answer or act? It's a dangerous place to linger. This verse shows how that thought can twist a servant's heart.
The core of this servant's rebellion isn't just waiting, but the thought that 'My lord delayeth his coming.' This isn't an objective observation; it's a self-serving rationalization.
A Shift in Perspective
When a servant believes the master is delayed, their entire framework changes. The anticipated accountability fades, replaced by a false sense of freedom. This internal shift is the breeding ground for disaster.
The 'Why' Behind the Wickedness
This internal thought, 'He's not coming soon,' allows the servant to justify abandoning their duties and embracing destructive behavior. It's the seed of apostasy and rebellion, born from a misinterpretation of time and God's faithfulness.
The moment a servant forgets their master is coming, they often start acting like a master themselves – and not a good one.
The outward actions described—beating fellow servants, eating, drinking, and getting drunk—are direct consequences of the internal belief that the master is delayed.
Abuse of Authority
Instead of continuing faithful service, the servant turns inward and downward. He abuses his position (even if only by perceived authority over others) and indulves his fleshly desires. He becomes a tormentor to those under him, mirroring the worst aspects of earthly masters rather than reflecting his heavenly one.
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A Parody of Lordship
This behavior is a twisted imitation of lordship. The servant is not ruling with wisdom or care, but with violence and gluttony. He is living as if he is the master, not the one he serves.
Understand the original words
kyrios · Greek Noun
A person who owns or has authority over others, often used in Scripture to describe God’s sovereign authority or Christ’s lordship over His followers.
doulos · Greek Noun
One who serves another; in a biblical context, it refers to those who are under the authority of God or Christ and are expected to be faithful stewards of His assignments.
apistōn · Greek Adjective
Describes those who lack loyalty, trust, or belief; it characterizes individuals who fail to uphold their covenantal obligations or respond to God's revelation.
This teaching from Jesus occurs within the context of His ministry, but its themes of faithful service, delayed return, and future judgment resonate deeply with the challenges faced by His followers in the decades that followed, including persecution and the eventual destruction of Jerusalem.
c. 30 AD— this verse
Jesus Teaches and Disciples
Jesus teaches about the Kingdom of God, often using parables that speak of future judgment and the need for readiness. His followers are grappling with His teachings and their implications.
c. 30-33 AD
Jesus' Crucifixion and Resurrection
Jesus is crucified and resurrected, the pivotal event for Christian faith. His disciples now await His promised return.
c. 48-50 AD
Council of Jerusalem
The early church leaders debate and clarify issues regarding Gentile inclusion, impacting the structure and expectations of the growing Christian community.
c. 60-62 AD
Paul's Imprisonment and Letters
Apostle Paul, imprisoned in Rome, writes letters to various churches, including those in his circle. These letters address theological questions and practical living, often emphasizing endurance and watchfulness.
c. 64 AD
Great Fire of Rome
The massive fire devastates Rome, leading to persecution of Christians under Emperor Nero, who falsely accused them of arson.
c. 66-70 AD
First Jewish-Roman War
The Jewish revolt against Roman rule escalates, culminating in the destruction of Jerusalem and its Temple. This event would have significantly impacted Jewish and early Christian believers.
This passage describes the same wicked servant, but here it emphasizes his internal thought process and his subsequent actions of mistreating others and indulging himself due to his incorrect assumption about his master's return.
Ecclesiastes 8:11This verse speaks to the human tendency to pursue evil because the sentence against wrongdoing is not executed quickly, mirroring the servant's rationalization for his bad behavior.
1 Peter 4:7This passage urges believers to be self-controlled and sober-minded for the purpose of prayer, a stark contrast to the drunken revelry and loss of self-control described in Luke 12:45.
2 Peter 3:4This verse highlights the scoffers' false reasoning that because creation continues as it has, God's promised coming will not happen, which parallels the wicked servant's denial of his master's imminent return.
Luke 12:37This verse directly contrasts the faithful and wise servant who is ready for his master's return with the servant described in verse 45, highlighting the vast difference in their characters and eternal outcomes.
vincentLuke 12:45: "But and if that servant say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming; and shall begin to beat the menservants and maidens, and to eat and drink, and to be drunken;"
DelayethThe emphatic word, since the thought of the lord's delay and of the postponement of the reckoning is uppermost in the servant's thought.
jfbLuke 12:45: "But and if that servant say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming; and shall begin to beat the menservants and maidens, and to eat and drink, and to be drunken;"
- begin to beat, &c.—In the confidence that his Lord's return will not be speedy, he throws off the role of servant and plays the master, maltreating those faithful servants who refuse to join him, seizing on and revelling in the fulness of his master's board; intending, when he has got his fill, to resume the mask o…
What's striking here is the servant's assumption of authority before the master's actual return. He doesn't just neglect his duties; he begins to act like the master, lording it over others and indulging himself, all based on the internal thought, "My master is delayed." This internal shift in his mind—imagining the master isn't coming soon—immediately fuels his outward rebellion and cruelty.
Jesus has just finished teaching about the importance of being watchful and ready for his return, contrasting the faithful servant with the unfaithful one. This verse introduces the scenario of a servant who, believing his master is delayed, abandons his responsibilities and begins to abuse those under him, indulging in sinful behavior out of false security. The consequence of this self-deception and wicked behavior will be the master's unexpected return and judgment.
Jesus has just finished teaching about the importance of being watchful and ready for his return, contrasting the faithful servant with the unfaithful one. This verse introduces the scenario of a servant who, believing his master is delayed, abandons his responsibilities and begins to abuse those under him, indulging in sinful behavior out of false security. The consequence of this self-deception and wicked behavior will be the master's unexpected return and judgment.
"But if that servant says to himself, ‘My master is delayed in coming,’ and begins to beat the male and female servants, and to eat and drink and get drunk, the master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an…" — What's striking here is the servant's assumption of authority before the master's actual return. He doesn't just neglect his duties; he begins to act like the master, lording it over others and i…
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Last reviewed October 2026
