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

LUKE 12:38KJV
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Luke 12:38 (KJV)

What does Luke 12:38 mean?

Luke 12:38 says that if the master comes home during the second or third part of the night and finds his servants ready and alert, those servants are fortunate and will be rewarded. The verse highlights the blessing for those who remain watchful and prepared, no matter when their master returns.

In this scene, Jesus is speaking to his disciples, using the picture of servants waiting for their master to return from a wedding feast. The "second watch" and "third watch" refer to late-night hours, times when people are usually tired or asleep. The verse stresses that true readiness is shown by staying alert even when it is least expected or most difficult.

The Greek behind Luke 12:38

  • The word "watch" (φυλακή, phylakē) refers to a division of the night, a time period when guards would keep watch. Mentioning the "second" (δεύτερος, deuteron) and "third" (τρίτος, tritos) watches points to hours deep into the night, emphasizing the challenge of staying ready.
  • The word "blessed" (μακάριοι, makarioi) means more than just "happy"; it often carries the sense of being favored or fortunate, especially in a spiritual sense. Here, it highlights the special approval or reward for those found faithful.

Why Luke 12:38 matters

  • Luke 12:38 clarifies that the timing of the master's return is uncertain and could be at any hour, so constant readiness is important.
  • The verse connects to the larger teaching in this chapter about being prepared for the coming of the Son of Man, not just in obvious moments but at all times.
  • By mentioning the late-night watches, Jesus emphasizes that faithfulness is tested most when it is inconvenient or unexpected, not just when it is easy.

Where else these words appear

“second” Greek G1208 · used in 45 verses

  • Matthew 21:30 And he came to the second, and said likewise. And he answered and said, I go, sir: and went not.
  • Acts 10:15 And the voice spake unto him again the second time, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common.
  • Hebrews 9:28 So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.

“watch” Greek G5438 · used in 45 verses

  • Matthew 5:25 Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him; lest at any time the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison.
  • Luke 3:20 Added yet this above all, that he shut up John in prison.
  • Acts 12:17 But he, beckoning unto them with the hand to hold their peace, declared unto them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. And he said, Go shew these things unto James, and to the brethren. And he departed, and went into another place.

“third” Greek G5154 · used in 49 verses

  • Matthew 16:21 From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day.
  • Luke 20:31 And the third took her; and in like manner the seven also: and they left no children, and died.
  • 2 Corinthians 13:1 This is the third time I am coming to you. In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established.

“blessed” Greek G3107 · used in 49 verses

  • Matthew 5:3 Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
  • Luke 6:22 Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man's sake.
  • Romans 14:22 Hast thou faith? have it to thyself before God. Happy is he that condemneth not himself in that thing which he alloweth.