King James Version

What Does Luke 12:36 Mean?

Luke 12:36 in the King James Version says “And ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their lord, when he will return from the wedding; that when he cometh and ... — study this verse from Luke chapter 12 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

And ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their lord, when he will return from the wedding; that when he cometh and knocketh, they may open unto him immediately.

Luke 12:36 · KJV


Context

34

For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

35

Let your loins be girded about, and your lights burning;

36

And ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their lord, when he will return from the wedding; that when he cometh and knocketh, they may open unto him immediately.

37

Blessed are those servants, whom the lord when he cometh shall find watching: verily I say unto you, that he shall gird himself, and make them to sit down to meat, and will come forth and serve them.

38

And if he shall come in the second watch, or come in the third watch, and find them so, blessed are those servants.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their lord, when he will return from the wedding (καὶ ὑμεῖς ὅμοιοι ἀνθρώποις προσδεχομένοις τὸν κύριον ἑαυτῶν πότε ἀναλύσῃ ἐκ τῶν γάμων, kai hymeis homoioi anthrōpois prosdechomenois ton kyrion heautōn pote analysē ek tōn gamōn)—The comparison specifies readiness: servants awaiting their master's return from a wedding feast. The verb prosdechomai (προσδέχομαι) means to await expectantly, welcome, or receive. The temporal clause pote (πότε, when) indicates uncertainty—the exact time is unknown, requiring constant vigilance.

That when he cometh and knocketh, they may open unto him immediately (ἵνα ἐλθόντος καὶ κρούσαντος εὐθέως ἀνοίξωσιν αὐτῷ, hina elthontos kai krousantos eutheōs anoixōsin autō)—The purpose clause hina (ἵνα) expresses intent: readiness enables immediate response. The adverb eutheōs (εὐθέως, immediately) emphasizes urgency—no delay, no scrambling for preparation. The genitive absolute construction (elthontos kai krousantos, when he comes and knocks) portrays the master arriving and knocking. Faithful servants instantly open the door, demonstrating preparedness through immediate obedience. This illustrates eschatological readiness: Christ's return demands present watchfulness.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

First-century Jewish and Greco-Roman wedding celebrations typically lasted multiple days (sometimes a full week), with the timing of various events unpredictable. The groom's return to his household could occur at any hour, even late at night. Household servants were expected to maintain readiness despite the uncertainty, keeping lamps lit and staying alert. Falling asleep on watch or being unprepared would bring shame and potentially punishment. This cultural context makes Jesus' parable immediately comprehensible: disciples are servants awaiting their Master's return from the Messianic banquet.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does waiting for the Lord's return from the wedding feast symbolize about the church's eschatological position?
  2. How does the uncertainty of the master's return time challenge complacency and presumption in Christian living?
  3. What would immediate response to Christ's knock look like in daily faithfulness and spiritual vigilance?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 20 words
καὶ1 of 20

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ὑμεῖς2 of 20

ye yourselves

G5210

you (as subjective of verb)

ὅμοιοι3 of 20

like

G3664

similar (in appearance or character)

ἀνθρώποις4 of 20

unto men

G444

man-faced, i.e., a human being

προσδεχομένοις5 of 20

that wait

G4327

to admit (to intercourse, hospitality, credence, or (figuratively) endurance); by implication, to await (with confidence or patience)

τὸν6 of 20
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

κύριον7 of 20

lord

G2962

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

ἑαυτῶν8 of 20

for their

G1438

(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc

πότε9 of 20

when

G4219

interrogative adverb, at what time

ἀναλύσει10 of 20

he will return

G360

to break up, i.e., depart (literally or figuratively)

ἐκ11 of 20

from

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

τῶν12 of 20
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

γάμων13 of 20

the wedding

G1062

nuptials

ἵνα14 of 20

that

G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

ἐλθόντος15 of 20

when he cometh

G2064

to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

καὶ16 of 20

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

κρούσαντος17 of 20

knocketh

G2925

to rap

εὐθέως18 of 20

immediately

G2112

directly, i.e., at once or soon

ἀνοίξωσιν19 of 20

they may open

G455

to open up (literally or figuratively, in various applications)

αὐτῷ20 of 20

unto him

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Luke. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Luke 12:36 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Luke 12:36 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study