King James Version

What Does Luke 12:40 Mean?

Luke 12:40 in the King James Version says “Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not.” — study this verse from Luke chapter 12 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not.”

Luke 12:40 · KJV

Context

38

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

39

And this know, that if the goodman of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched, and not have suffered his house to be broken through.

40

Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not.

41

Then Peter said unto him, Lord, speakest thou this parable unto us, or even to all?

42

And the Lord said, Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his lord shall make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of meat in due season?

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not (καὶ ὑμεῖς γίνεσθε ἕτοιμοι, ὅτι ᾗ ὥρᾳ οὐ δοκεῖτε ὁ υἱὸς τοῦ ἀνθρώπου ἔρχεται, kai hymeis ginesthe hetoimoi, hoti hē hōra ou dokeite ho huios tou anthrōpou erchetai)—The inferential conjunction oun (therefore, in some manuscripts) draws the conclusion from the previous illustrations. The imperative ginesthe (γίνεσθε, be, become) is present tense, commanding continuous state of readiness. The adjective hetoimoi (ἕτοιμοι, ready, prepared) appears frequently in eschatological contexts (Matthew 24:44, 25:10).

The causal clause explains why readiness is essential: the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not. The title "Son of man" (ho huios tou anthrōpou, ὁ υἱὸς τοῦ ἀνθρώπου) combines Daniel 7:13-14's messianic figure with Jesus' self-designation, emphasizing His authoritative return in glory. The present tense erchetai (ἔρχεται, is coming) expresses certainty—not "if" or "might" but "is coming." The phrase hē hōra ou dokeite (ᾗ ὥρᾳ οὐ δοκεῖτε, the hour you think not) indicates the return will contradict human expectation and calculation. Speculative date-setting or presuming delay both lead to unpreparedness.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This summary statement concludes the watchfulness parables and transitions to Peter's question about audience (verse 41). The early church lived in constant expectation of Christ's imminent return (Romans 13:11, James 5:8-9, 1 Peter 4:7). However, as time passed, some began mocking the promise (2 Peter 3:3-4), while others set dates and created speculation. Jesus' teaching cuts against both extremes: maintain constant readiness because the timing is genuinely unknown and may surprise even the faithful. The Son of Man title recalls Daniel 7's vision of one "like the Son of man" receiving eternal dominion—Jesus will return in glory and judgment.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does perpetual readiness look like practically in daily Christian living, work, and relationships?
  2. How does the certainty of Christ's return combined with uncertainty about timing shape Christian priorities and values?
  3. What attitudes or behaviors indicate that someone is unprepared for Christ's unexpected return?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 15 words
καὶ1 of 15

“also”

G2532

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

ὑμεῖς2 of 15

“ye”

G5210

you (as subjective of verb)

οὖν3 of 15

“therefore”

G3767

(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly

γίνεσθε4 of 15

“Be”

G1096

to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)

ἕτοιμοι5 of 15

“ready”

G2092

adjusted, i.e., ready

ὅτι6 of 15

“for”

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

ᾗ7 of 15
G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

ὥρᾳ8 of 15

“at an hour”

G5610

an "hour" (literally or figuratively)

οὐ9 of 15

“not”

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

δοκεῖτε10 of 15

“when ye think”

G1380

compare the base of g1166) of the same meaning; to think; by implication, to seem (truthfully or uncertainly)

ὁ11 of 15
G3588

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

υἱὸς12 of 15

“the Son”

G5207

a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship

τοῦ13 of 15
G3588

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

ἀνθρώπου14 of 15

“of man”

G444

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

ἔρχεται15 of 15

“cometh”

G2064

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

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 12:40 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 12:40 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Thessalonians 5:6Matthew 25:13Romans 13:11Matthew 24:442 Peter 3:12-14Revelation 19:7

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