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

LUKE 12:40KJV
Know the Bible

Luke 12:40 (KJV)

What does Luke 12:40 mean?

Luke 12:40 urges readers to always be prepared, because the "Son of man" will come at a time when people are not expecting it. The verse emphasizes the need for readiness, since the timing of this coming is unpredictable.

In this scene, Jesus is speaking to his disciples and a gathered crowd. He is teaching about being watchful and responsible, using the image of a master returning home unexpectedly. The phrase "Son of man" is a title Jesus uses for himself, and the warning is about being caught off guard by his return or a significant event connected to him.

The Greek behind Luke 12:40

  • "ἕτοιμοι" (hetoimoi, G2092): This word means "ready" or "prepared." The Greek carries a sense of being actively alert, not just passively waiting, which highlights the call to ongoing attentiveness.
  • "ὥρᾳ" (hōra, G5610): Translated as "hour," this word can mean a specific time or moment. The use here stresses that the timing will be sudden and not obvious, reinforcing the need for constant readiness.
  • "οἴεσθε" (oieisthe, G1380): This means "think" or "suppose." The verse points out that the coming will happen when people do not expect it, underlining the unpredictability.

Why Luke 12:40 matters

  • Luke 12:40 clarifies that preparation is not for a known date or event, but for something that could happen at any moment, challenging any sense of complacency.
  • The verse connects to the wider passage, where Jesus tells parables about servants waiting for their master, showing that faithful living involves ongoing watchfulness.
  • By using the title "Son of man," Jesus ties this warning to his own role and mission, inviting listeners to pay close attention to his words and actions.

Where else these words appear

“ready” Greek G2092 · used in 17 verses

  • Matthew 22:4 Again, he sent forth other servants, saying, Tell them which are bidden, Behold, I have prepared my dinner: my oxen and my fatlings are killed, and all things are ready: come unto the marriage.
  • Luke 14:17 And sent his servant at supper time to say to them that were bidden, Come; for all things are now ready.
  • 2 Corinthians 9:5 Therefore I thought it necessary to exhort the brethren, that they would go before unto you, and make up beforehand your bounty, whereof ye had notice before, that the same might be ready, as a matter of bounty, and not as of covetousness.

“think” Greek G1380 · used in 62 verses

  • Matthew 3:9 And think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.
  • Luke 22:24 And there was also a strife among them, which of them should be accounted the greatest.
  • 1 Corinthians 7:40 But she is happier if she so abide, after my judgment: and I think also that I have the Spirit of God.

“hour” Greek G5610 · used in 100 verses

  • Matthew 8:13 And Jesus said unto the centurion, Go thy way; and as thou hast believed, so be it done unto thee. And his servant was healed in the selfsame hour.
  • Luke 2:38 And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem.
  • John 16:32 Behold, the hour cometh, yea, is now come, that ye shall be scattered, every man to his own, and shall leave me alone: and yet I am not alone, because the Father is with me.