Matthew 24:48
But if that wicked servant says to himself, ‘My master is delayed,’
English Standard Version (ESV)
All verses
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
Matthew 24:48
But if that wicked servant says to himself, ‘My master is delayed,’
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
The verse highlights that the "evil servant's" delusion isn't an outward declaration, but an internal, private thought: "says to himself." This internal disbelief, that his master is delayed, is the seed from which his corrupt behavior will grow, revealing that spiritual decay often begins with a subtle shift in our private thinking.
Jesus is speaking to his disciples about his return and the signs of the end times. He's just described a faithful servant who is rewarded for diligence and wisdom in managing the master's household while waiting. This verse introduces the contrasting wicked servant who, believing his master won't return soon, begins to abuse his position and fellow servants.
Ever catch yourself thinking, 'This will never happen,' or 'I have plenty of time' when it comes to something important? That's exactly the mindset Jesus warns against here.
Jesus describes a servant who tells himself, 'My master is delayed.' This isn't about a literal calendar; it's about a heart attitude.
A False Sense of Security
This servant convinces himself that his master's return is far off, or perhaps won't happen at all. It's a dangerous delusion that allows sin and negligence to creep in.
The Root of Rebellion
This internal thought, 'My master is delayed,' is the seed of wicked behavior. It's the justification for shirking responsibilities, abusing others, and indulging in selfish desires.
What starts as a whisper in the heart can quickly turn into destructive actions. Jesus shows us how a dangerous thought leads to disastrous behavior.
The servant's internal belief ('My master is delayed') isn't just a passive thought; it's a catalyst for action.
The Collapse of Responsibility
When a servant believes his master is absent and not returning soon, his sense of duty crumbles. He stops working and starts acting as if he's in charge, leading to neglect and misuse of his master's property.
Cruelty and Self-Indulgence
Jesus paints a stark picture: this servant begins to beat his fellow servants and indulges in eating and drinking with drunkards. His internal delusion fuels outward sin, characterized by oppressive behavior and debauchery.
Understand the original words
ponēros · Greek Adjective
Morally corrupt, evil, or malicious; it describes character that is fundamentally opposed to God’s nature and His righteousness.
c. AD 30
Jesus's Ministry and Ascension
Jesus concludes his earthly ministry, teaching and performing miracles before his ascension into heaven. His disciples are left with His teachings and the promise of His return.
c. AD 30-60
Early Church Growth and Expectation
The early Christian community experiences rapid growth. Many believers, deeply influenced by Jesus's teachings on His imminent return, live with a strong sense of anticipation for the final judgment.
c. AD 62-64
Paul's Epistles, including 2 Peter
Writings like 2 Peter address the growing concern among believers about the delay of Christ's return, warning against scoffers who dismiss the promise. This reflects a developing tension between expectation and the passage of time.
c. AD 65
Fall of Jerusalem
The Roman Empire under Vespasian and Titus lays siege to Jerusalem, culminating in its destruction. This event, predicted by Jesus, was seen by many as a sign of the end times.
Late 1st Century AD— this verse
This verse directly parallels the 'wicked servant' scenario, highlighting the servant who says 'My master is delaying his coming' and then proceeds to act wickedly.
2 Peter 3:4This passage describes mockers who question the promise of Christ's coming, saying 'Since the fathers fell asleep, all things are continuing as they were from the beginning of creation,' echoing the sentiment of delay found in Matthew 24:48.
James 5:9James warns believers not to grumble against one another, lest they be condemned, and directly states, 'Behold, the Judge is standing at the door,' underscoring the immediacy of Christ's return that the wicked servant denies.
Matthew 25:5This verse in the parable of the ten virgins describes the bridegroom tarrying (delaying his coming), which parallels the wicked servant's internal thought in Matthew 24:48 and leads to unpreparedness.
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…
ellicottMatthew 24:48: "But and if that evil servant shall say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming;"
(48) But and if that evil servant. —Better, but if that evil servant, the “and” being in modern English usage superfluous, and representing originally a different conjunction. My lord delayeth his coming.—The temper described is identical with that portrayed in 2Peter 3:3-4. The words are memorable as implying the prescience, even in the immediate context of words that indicate nearness, that ther…
The verse highlights that the "evil servant's" delusion isn't an outward declaration, but an internal, private thought: "says to himself." This internal disbelief, that his master is delayed, is the seed from which his corrupt behavior will grow, revealing that spiritual decay often begins with a subtle shift in our private thinking.
Jesus is speaking to his disciples about his return and the signs of the end times. He's just described a faithful servant who is rewarded for diligence and wisdom in managing the master's household while waiting. This verse introduces the contrasting wicked servant who, believing his master won't return soon, begins to abuse his position and fellow servants.
Jesus is speaking to his disciples about his return and the signs of the end times. He's just described a faithful servant who is rewarded for diligence and wisdom in managing the master's household while waiting. This verse introduces the contrasting wicked servant who, believing his master won't return soon, begins to abuse his position and fellow servants.
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Ask a follow-up
Ask Sola things like:
Live chat about Matthew 24:48 is available in the Sola app.
Gospel of Matthew Compiled
The Gospel of Matthew, containing Jesus's Olivet Discourse (Matthew 24-25), is likely compiled. It records Jesus's warnings about remaining watchful and faithful, particularly in light of potential 'delays' in His return.
"But if that wicked servant says to himself, ‘My master is delayed,’" — The verse highlights that the "evil servant's" delusion isn't an outward declaration, but an internal, private thought: "says to himself." This internal disbelief, that his master is delayed, is the…