Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The verse doesn't just tell us to be ready because Jesus' return is unpredictable; it emphasizes that our readiness is the very reason we can be ready. It’s a call to active, present preparation, framing the unexpected timing not as an excuse for anxiety, but as an invitation to live with constant spiritual vigilance.
Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus has just told a parable about a thief coming at an unexpected hour, and he's applying that to his own return. He’s urging his followers to stay spiritually alert and prepared, not caught off guard by his coming, which will happen at a time they won't anticipate. This instruction is part of a larger discourse about signs of the end times and the need for constant vigilance.
Imagine knowing when a thief might strike. You'd be prepared, right? Jesus uses this everyday scenario to highlight a vital spiritual truth.
Jesus begins this passage by drawing a sharp contrast. If a homeowner knew the exact hour a thief planned to break in, they would naturally stay alert and secure their home. But the reality is, thieves come when least expected. This scenario isn't just about property; it's a powerful analogy for our spiritual lives. The thief represents an unexpected event, and the homeowner's potential preparedness highlights our own responsibility to be ready for Christ's return, even though the timing is unknown.
Being 'ready' for Jesus isn't passive waiting. It's an active, intentional posture of heart and life. What does that look like?
The command 'be ready' (Matthew 24:44) isn't about guessing the date of Christ's return. The scholars point out that Jesus deliberately keeps the timing uncertain – 'an hour you do not expect.' This uncertainty isn't meant to cause anxiety, but to cultivate a constant state of spiritual alertness. Readiness means living each day with our hearts aligned with God's will, free from the 'cares of this life' (Luke 21:34), and actively pursuing a life that honors Him. It's about living as if today could be the day, not out of fear, but out of love and eager anticipation.
Jesus doesn't just tell us to be ready; He warns about the severe consequences for those who aren't. What's at stake?
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The urgency of Matthew 24:44 stems from the stark contrast between readiness and unreadiness. The commentary highlights that for the 'wicked servant' who assumes their master is delayed, the consequences are dire. This isn't merely about missing out; it's about facing judgment. The unprepared will be caught unaware, leading to separation from God – 'weeping and gnashing of teeth.' This emphasizes that our response to Christ's potential coming (whether in death or His final return) has eternal weight. Being ready means actively choosing faithfulness, not out of obligation alone, but in joyful obedience that looks forward to His return.
Understand the original words
Huios tou anthropou · Greek Noun phrase
A title used frequently by Jesus for Himself, rooted in Daniel 7:13-14, emphasizing His messianic authority, His role as the judge of the world, and His humanity combined with divine glory.
hetoimoi · Greek Adjective
The state of being prepared, equipped, and mentally/spiritually set for an event; in this context, it is the commanded posture of the believer awaiting the return of the Lord.
This passage uses a very similar analogy of a thief coming in the night to emphasize the unexpected nature of the Master's return, urging preparedness.
Matthew 25:13This verse directly follows the parable of the ten virgins and echoes the urgency of 'watching' and being ready, directly tying into Jesus' command in Matthew 24:44.
1 Thessalonians 5:2Paul explicitly states that the 'day of the Lord' will come like a thief in the night, reinforcing the sudden and unexpected nature of Christ's return that Matthew 24:44 highlights.
Revelation 16:15This verse directly states that Christ will come as a thief, adding a strong warning to those who are not ready and encouraging them to stay awake.
Mark 13:33Mark's account of Jesus' teaching on the end times also emphasizes constant watchfulness and prayer because the time of his coming is unknown.
calvinMatthew 24:43-51: "But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up."
- 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 an…
henryMatthew 24:42-51: "Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come."
24:42-51 To watch for Christ's coming, is to maintain that temper of mind which we would be willing that our Lord should find us in. We know we have but a little time to live, we cannot know that we have a long time to live; much less do we know the time fixed for the judgment. Our Lord's coming will be happy to those that shall be found ready, but very dreadful to those that are not. If a man, professing to be…
The verse doesn't just tell us to be ready because Jesus' return is unpredictable; it emphasizes that our readiness is the very reason we can be ready. It’s a call to active, present preparation, framing the unexpected timing not as an excuse for anxiety, but as an invitation to live with constant spiritual vigilance.
Jesus has just told a parable about a thief coming at an unexpected hour, and he's applying that to his own return. He’s urging his followers to stay spiritually alert and prepared, not caught off guard by his coming, which will happen at a time they won't anticipate. This instruction is part of a larger discourse about signs of the end times and the need for constant vigilance.
Jesus has just told a parable about a thief coming at an unexpected hour, and he's applying that to his own return. He’s urging his followers to stay spiritually alert and prepared, not caught off guard by his coming, which will happen at a time they won't anticipate. This instruction is part of a larger discourse about signs of the end times and the need for constant vigilance.
"Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect." — The verse doesn't just tell us to be ready because Jesus' return is unpredictable; it emphasizes that our readiness is the very reason we can be ready. It’s a call to active, present preparation,…
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Last reviewed October 2026