Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.

MATTHEW 24:44KJV
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Matthew 24:44 (KJV)

What does Matthew 24:44 mean?

Matthew 24:44 calls Jesus’ listeners to be ready for the coming of the Son of man, a title Jesus uses for himself. Jesus says that his coming will occur at a time they do not expect, so readiness cannot depend on knowing the hour in advance.

Jesus is speaking to his disciples. After the picture of a householder and a thief in verse 43, Jesus turns directly to them with “be ye also ready.” The comparison emphasizes the unexpected timing of the arrival.

The Greek behind Matthew 24:44

  • “be” — γίνομαι (ginomai): The Greek can carry the sense of becoming or coming to be. Here, it forms part of the instruction to be ready, rather than merely describing the disciples’ present condition.
  • “think” — δοκέω (dokeō): This word can mean to suppose or expect. The phrase “think not” describes an hour the listeners would not have expected, not simply an hour they had forgotten to consider.

Why Matthew 24:44 matters

  • Jesus places the disciples inside the comparison, not outside it as observers. The word “also” connects their readiness to the householder in verse 43.
  • Jesus speaks of an unexpected hour, not just an unknown date. The wording “in such an hour as ye think not” puts the stress on the time catching people by surprise.
  • Readiness is linked with the way servants carry out their duties. In verses 45–46, Jesus continues with a servant who is faithfully caring for the household when his master comes.

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 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.