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.

LUKE 12:39KJV
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Luke 12:39 (KJV)

What does Luke 12:39 mean?

Luke 12:39 uses the image of a homeowner who, if he knew when a thief was coming, would have stayed alert to prevent a break-in. The verse teaches the importance of being watchful and prepared, since you cannot know exactly when something significant will happen.

In this verse, Jesus is speaking to his disciples and a gathered crowd, warning them to stay ready for his return or for God's actions, which will come unexpectedly. The picture of a "goodman of the house" (a head of a household) and a thief highlights how people take precautions when they know danger is near, so they should be just as vigilant in spiritual matters.

The Greek behind Luke 12:39

  • οἰκοδεσπότης (oikodespotēs, "goodman of the house"): This word refers to the master or head of a household, emphasizing responsibility and authority over what happens in the home.
  • κλέπτης (kleptēs, "thief"): The term for thief here suggests someone who comes secretly and unexpectedly, reinforcing the point about the need for constant readiness.
  • γρηγορέω (grēgoreō, "watched"): This verb means to stay awake or be alert, not just physically but also with a sense of ongoing attentiveness.
  • διωρύσσω (dioryssō, "broken through"): This word literally means to dig through, pointing to how houses were often made of mud or brick that could be dug into, making the threat of a break-in very real and vivid for Jesus’ listeners.

Why Luke 12:39 matters

  • Luke 12:39 clears up the idea that people can predict or schedule important spiritual events; it stresses that such things come unexpectedly, so ongoing alertness is needed.
  • The verse connects to the wider passage, where Jesus teaches about readiness for his return and not being caught off guard by spiritual realities.
  • The comparison to a thief is not about fear, but about the certainty and surprise of the event, urging listeners to take their spiritual responsibilities seriously at all times.

Where else these words appear

“through” Greek G1358 · used in 4 verses

  • Matthew 6:19 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:
  • Matthew 6:20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:
  • Matthew 24:43 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.

“house” Greek G3617 · used in 12 verses

  • Matthew 10:25 It is enough for the disciple that he be as his master, and the servant as his lord. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more shall they call them of his household?
  • Matthew 20:1 For the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which went out early in the morning to hire labourers into his vineyard.
  • Mark 14:14 And wheresoever he shall go in, say ye to the goodman of the house, The Master saith, Where is the guestchamber, where I shall eat the passover with my disciples?

“thief” Greek G2812 · used in 16 verses

  • Matthew 6:19 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:
  • John 10:8 All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them.
  • 1 Thessalonians 5:4 But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief.

“watched” Greek G1127 · used in 23 verses

  • Matthew 24:42 Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come.
  • Mark 13:35 Watch ye therefore: for ye know not when the master of the house cometh, at even, or at midnight, or at the cockcrowing, or in the morning:
  • 1 Corinthians 16:13 Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.