Therefore stay awake—for you do not know when the master of the house will come, in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or in the morning—
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus isn't just saying "be ready anytime"; He's highlighting that the "master of the house" could return during any of the four distinct watches of the night. This emphasizes that vigilance isn't about a single moment, but a constant, alert state, because His coming is meant to catch us prepared, not just awake, but actively engaged in our God-given work.
Therefore stay awake—for you do not know when the master of the house will come, in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or in the morning—
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus is concluding his discourse on the destruction of the Temple and the signs of his coming, which he describes as being like a man going on a journey and leaving his servants in charge. He emphasizes that because the exact time of his return is unknown, his followers must remain alert and ready at all times, comparing it to a master returning unexpectedly during any of the night watches. This urgent call to readiness is the final, crucial instruction before he moves on to other teachings.
Imagine your life as a house. What if the owner could return at any moment, unannounced? This verse calls us to live with that awareness.
Jesus uses the imagery of a 'master of the house' returning home to illustrate the unpredictability of His own coming. This isn't just about the end of the world, but also about how we live each day, as His presence can be recognized or experienced at any time.
Why the Specific Times?
The mention of 'evening,' 'midnight,' 'rooster crow,' and 'morning' likely refers to the four watches of the night in ancient Jewish and Roman culture. These divisions covered the entire night, emphasizing that the master could return at any point, from dusk till dawn.
The Core Message
The main point is not to predict when, but to be ready always. The uncertainty is the very reason for constant vigilance. It’s a call to a life lived in continuous readiness, not one based on guessing schedules.
Jesus doesn't just say 'stay awake.' He calls for a deeper kind of readiness that impacts our actions and our hearts.
The Greek word used here for 'watch' (grēgoreite) is more than just being physically awake. It implies being alert, attentive, and actively engaged.
The Servants' Duty
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Think of the servants left in charge of the house. Their duty isn't passive waiting; it's about continuing their assigned tasks faithfully. The 'master' expects them to be found actively working, managing the household, and being prepared to greet him immediately upon his return.
Readiness in Action
This readiness means our lives are characterized by diligent obedience, attentive prayer, and a consistent pursuit of God's will. It’s about living each moment as if it could be the moment of encounter, whether that's a personal encounter with Christ or His ultimate return.
Understand the original words
oikodespotēs · Greek Noun
One who has authority over a household, often used in parables as a metaphor for Christ’s authority over the Church and the world, to whom all are ultimately accountable.
The instruction to 'stay awake' was deeply relevant in a time when the destruction of Jerusalem and its Temple was a recent and devastating event, forcing Jesus' followers to re-evaluate their understanding of God's timeline and the signs of His coming.
c. 27 BC - AD 14
Reign of Caesar Augustus
This era saw the consolidation of Roman power in Judea, establishing a Roman governor and a system of taxation that created underlying tension for Jewish people.
c. AD 30-33
Jesus' Ministry and Crucifixion
Jesus taught, performed miracles, and gathered disciples, culminating in his death and resurrection. This event is central to Christian belief and the fulfillment of prophecy.
c. AD 40s-60s
Early Christian Mission
The apostles, including Peter and Paul, spread the Christian message throughout the Roman Empire, facing persecution and developing communities of believers.
c. AD 60-62
Paul's Imprisonment in Rome
The Apostle Paul wrote letters, possibly including epistles that would influence the understanding of Jesus' teachings and his eventual return, during his imprisonment.
c. AD 64
Great Fire of Rome and Nero's Persecution
Emperor Nero blamed Christians for the fire, leading to intense persecution and martyrdom. This event heightened the sense of urgency and danger for believers.
AD 70— this verse
Destruction of the Second Temple in Jerusalem
The Roman army, under Titus, besieged and destroyed Jerusalem and its Temple. This catastrophic event marked a significant turning point for Judaism and was seen by many Christians as a fulfillment of Jesus' prophecies about the Temple's demise.
This passage uses a very similar 'householder' and 'thief' analogy to emphasize the unexpected nature of Christ's coming and the need to be ready.
Luke 12:38This verse describes the master returning at various watches of the night, directly paralleling the 'even, midnight, cockcrowing, morning' imagery and the call to vigilance.
1 Thessalonians 5:2This passage echoes the theme of the Lord's coming 'like a thief in the night,' highlighting the suddenness and unexpectedness that demands constant watchfulness from believers.
Revelation 16:15This verse explicitly states 'Blessed is the one who stays awake and keeps his garments,' directly linking the concept of 'watching' to a state of readiness and spiritual purity.
Matthew 25:13This verse, following the parable of the ten virgins, commands believers to 'stay awake,' reinforcing the urgent need for preparedness for the bridegroom's arrival, much like the master's unexpected return.
barnesMark 13:35: "Watch ye therefore: for ye know not when the master of the house cometh, at even, or at midnight, or at the cockcrowing, or in the morning:"
Watch ye - Be diligent, faithful, and waiting for the return of your Lord, who will come at an unexpected hour. Master of the house - Denoting here the Lord Jesus. At even, or at midnight, or ... - This refers to the four divisions into which the Jews divided the night.
calvinMark 13:34-37: "For the Son of man is as a man taking a far journey, who left his house, and gave authority to his servants, and to every man his work, and commanded the porter to watch."
- But know this, that if the householder had known at what hour the thief would come, he would certainly have watched, and would not have permitted his house to be broken into. 44. Therefore, be you also ready; because the Son of man will come at an hour when you are not aware. 45. Who is the faithful and wi…
Jesus isn't just saying "be ready anytime"; He's highlighting that the "master of the house" could return during any of the four distinct watches of the night. This emphasizes that vigilance isn't about a single moment, but a constant, alert state, because His coming is meant to catch us prepared, not just awake, but actively engaged in our God-given work.
Jesus is concluding his discourse on the destruction of the Temple and the signs of his coming, which he describes as being like a man going on a journey and leaving his servants in charge. He emphasizes that because the exact time of his return is unknown, his followers must remain alert and ready at all times, comparing it to a master returning unexpectedly during any of the night watches. This urgent call to readiness is the final, crucial instruction before he moves on to other teachings.
Jesus is concluding his discourse on the destruction of the Temple and the signs of his coming, which he describes as being like a man going on a journey and leaving his servants in charge. He emphasizes that because the exact time of his return is unknown, his followers must remain alert and ready at all times, comparing it to a master returning unexpectedly during any of the night watches. This urgent call to readiness is the final, crucial instruction before he moves on to other teachings.
"Therefore stay awake—for you do not know when the master of the house will come, in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or in the morning—" — Jesus isn't just saying "be ready anytime"; He's highlighting that the "master of the house" could return during any of the four distinct watches of the night. This emphasizes that vigilance isn't…
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Last reviewed October 2026