Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come.

MATTHEW 24:42KJV
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Matthew 24:42 (KJV)

What does Matthew 24:42 mean?

Matthew 24:42 tells the listener to stay alert and keep watch, because no one knows exactly when the Lord will come. The verse emphasizes the need for readiness, since the timing of this event is unknown.

In this passage, Jesus is speaking to His disciples during a conversation about future events and the end of the age. The disciples had asked Jesus about the signs of His coming, and Jesus responds by urging them to be watchful, since the exact moment of His return cannot be predicted. The verse highlights the importance of being prepared at all times, rather than trying to calculate or guess the timing.

The Greek behind Matthew 24:42

  • The word "Watch" (γρηγορέω, grēgoreō) means to stay awake or be vigilant. Here, it calls for an active, ongoing alertness, not just a passive waiting.
  • The phrase "ye know not" (οὐκ οἴδατε, ouk oidate) uses a strong negative, stressing that the listeners truly do not and cannot know the timing.
  • The word "hour" (ὥρα, hōra) can mean a specific time or moment, underlining that the uncertainty is not just about the day, but down to the very hour.

Why Matthew 24:42 matters

  • Matthew 24:42 clears up the idea that anyone can predict the exact time of Jesus’ return; it directly says that the timing is unknown.
  • The verse shifts the focus from trying to figure out dates to living in a state of readiness and alertness.
  • In the wider context, this instruction sets the tone for the following parables and teachings, all of which stress the importance of being prepared for an unexpected return.

Where else these words appear

“Watch” Greek G1127 · used in 23 verses

  • 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.
  • Mark 13:37 And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch.
  • 1 Corinthians 16:13 Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.

“what” Greek G4169 · used in 33 verses

  • Matthew 19:18 He saith unto him, Which? Jesus said, Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness,
  • Mark 12:28 And one of the scribes came, and having heard them reasoning together, and perceiving that he had answered them well, asked him, Which is the first commandment of all?
  • John 18:32 That the saying of Jesus might be fulfilled, which he spake, signifying what death he should die.

“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 7:21 And in that same hour he cured many of their infirmities and plagues, and of evil spirits; and unto many that were blind he gave sight.
  • 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.