But if that wicked servant says to himself, ‘My master is delayed,’
English Standard Version (ESV)
The verse highlights that the wicked servant's downfall begins not with outward action, but with a private thought: "My master is delayed." This internal conclusion, spoken "to himself," is the seed of his rebellion, revealing how easily we can deceive ourselves into complacency when God's timing doesn't match our expectations.
But if that wicked servant says to himself, ‘My master is delayed,’
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus is describing what it means to be ready for his return, contrasting a wise servant who diligently tends to his duties with a wicked one who lets his guard down. This wicked servant, given responsibility over his fellow servants, begins to neglect his duties and indulge in bad behavior, believing his master's return is far off.
When no one else is looking, what do you tell yourself? The Bible reveals that our inner conversations can be a gateway to sin.
This verse highlights a critical moment: the wicked servant's internal monologue. It's not an outward declaration, but a private thought, a rationalization that sets the stage for destructive behavior. The phrase "says to himself" points to a secret belief that begins to shape actions. This internal shift from acknowledging the master's potential return to believing he is delayed is the root of disobedience.
Does a long wait mean God has forgotten? This servant thought so, and it proved disastrous.
The core of the wicked servant's error is misinterpreting the delay of his master's return. He doesn't see the time as an opportunity for faithfulness, but as evidence that the master has abandoned his responsibility or forgotten his servants. This perspective shift is crucial:
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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.
The expectation of Jesus' imminent return was a powerful force in the early church. This verse addresses the temptation to grow complacent or even wicked when that return, as perceived by human timelines, seems to be delayed.
c. AD 30
Jesus' Ministry and Ascension
Jesus' earthly ministry concludes with his ascension into heaven, leaving his disciples with teachings about his future return and the signs preceding it.
c. AD 30-60— this verse
The Early Church and Expectation of Return
The first generation of Christians, deeply influenced by Jesus' teachings, often anticipated his imminent return, leading to both fervent faith and occasional anxieties about delays.
c. AD 60-70
Growing Signs and Tribulation
The period leading up to the destruction of Jerusalem sees increasing unrest, wars, famines, and persecution, fulfilling some of Jesus' prophecies and intensifying the sense of urgency about his return.
AD 70
Destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple
The Roman army under Titus destroys Jerusalem and its Temple, a catastrophic event that profoundly impacted Jewish life and was interpreted by many Christians as a significant sign of the end times.
This passage directly parallels the thought here, describing the wicked servant who thinks 'My master is taking a long time to come back' and begins to abuse others.
2 Peter 3:4Peter addresses mockers who will say 'Where is the promise of his coming?' highlighting the same core issue: disbelief and scoffing due to perceived delay.
Matthew 25:5This verse uses the same phrase, 'But when the bridegroom was delayed,' to describe the reason the foolish virgins were unprepared for his arrival.
Hebrews 10:37This passage quotes Habakkuk 2:3, stating 'For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry,' directly countering the wicked servant's mindset of delay.
Romans 13:11Paul urges believers to 'wake up from sleep' and realize 'salvation is nearer now than when we first believed,' fighting against the complacency that arises from thinking the Lord's return is delayed.
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 wicked servant's downfall begins not with outward action, but with a private thought: "My master is delayed." This internal conclusion, spoken "to himself," is the seed of his rebellion, revealing how easily we can deceive ourselves into complacency when God's timing doesn't match our expectations.
Jesus is describing what it means to be ready for his return, contrasting a wise servant who diligently tends to his duties with a wicked one who lets his guard down. This wicked servant, given responsibility over his fellow servants, begins to neglect his duties and indulge in bad behavior, believing his master's return is far off.
Jesus is describing what it means to be ready for his return, contrasting a wise servant who diligently tends to his duties with a wicked one who lets his guard down. This wicked servant, given responsibility over his fellow servants, begins to neglect his duties and indulge in bad behavior, believing his master's return is far off.
"But if that wicked servant says to himself, ‘My master is delayed,’" — The verse highlights that the wicked servant's downfall begins not with outward action, but with a private thought: "My master is delayed." This internal conclusion, spoken "to himself," is the seed…
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Last reviewed October 2026