Luke 12:39

Verse

But understand this: If the homeowner had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have let his house be broken into.

American Standard Version (1901)

But know this, that if the master of the house had known in what hour the thief was coming, he would have watched, and not have left his house to be broken through.

Bible in Basic English

But be certain of this, that if the master of the house had had knowledge of the time when the thief was coming, he would have been watching, and would not have let his house be broken into.

Douay-Rheims 1899

But this know ye, that if the householder did know at what hour the thief would come, he would surely watch, and would not suffer his house to be broken open.

Free Bible Version

But remember this: if the master knew when a thief was coming, he would keep watch, and not allow his house be broken into.

Geneva Bible 1599

Nowe vnderstand this, that if the good man of the house had knowen at what houre the theefe would haue come, he would haue watched, and would not haue suffered his house to be digged through.

King James (Authorized) Version

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.

One Unity Resource Bible

But know this, that if the master of the house had known in what hour the thief was coming, he would have watched, and not allowed his house to be broken into.

Translation for Translators

But you must also remember this: If owners of a house knew what time a thief was coming, they would stay awake and would not allow their house to be broken into and their goods to be stolen {the thief to break into the house and steal their goods}.

Unlocked Literal Bible

But understand this, that if the master of the house had known the hour the thief was coming he would not have let his house be broken into.

Noah Webster Bible

And this know, that if the master of the house knew at what hour the thief would come, he would watch, and not suffer his house to be broken through.

World English Bible

But know this, that if the master of the house had known in what hour the thief was coming, he would have watched and not allowed his house to be broken into.

Young's Literal Translation

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

Context

Readiness at Any Hour

³⁸Even if he comes in the second or third watch of the night and finds them alert, those servants will be blessed. ³⁹But understand this: If the homeowner had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have let his house be broken into.⁴⁰You also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour you do not expect.”

Summary

In Luke 12:39, Jesus uses the analogy of a homeowner who would have kept watch if he knew when a thief was coming to emphasize the importance of being spiritually prepared for His return. This verse serves as a reminder for believers to be vigilant and faithful, living in a state of readiness for the second coming of Christ. It underscores the uncertainty of the timing of Jesus' return and the necessity for believers to be steadfast in their faith and devotion. The call to readiness in this verse echoes the broader theme in the Bible of being watchful and prepared for the fulfillment of God's promises.

Commentary

John Gill

John Gill Bible Commentary

Be ye therefore ready also,.... Not habitually, but actually, in the exercise of grace, and the discharge of duty, with loins girt, and lights burning. This may be understood either of a readiness to meet the Lord in the way of his judgments, and particularly the destruction of Jerusalem, which was to be in a few years; or of a preparation for death, and the last judgment, which lies in the righteousness of Christ imputed, and his grace imparted: and to have a comfortable view of the one, and a gracious experience of the other, as they will engage to the performance of good works, to which such are ready; so they make meet for the coming of Christ, be it in what way, and whensoever it will: and the rather, a concern should be had for such a preparation, because of the following reason, for the son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not; in either of the above ways; See Gill on Mat 24:44.