But and if that evil servant shall say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming;

MATTHEW 24:48KJV
Know the Bible

Matthew 24:48 (KJV)

What does Matthew 24:48 mean?

Matthew 24:48 describes a situation where a servant, called "evil," convinces himself that his master is taking a long time to return. This verse highlights the servant’s inner attitude, suggesting that he feels free to act wrongly because he believes his master’s return is delayed.

In this part of Jesus’ teaching, he is speaking to his disciples about being watchful and ready for his return. The verse sets up a contrast between faithful and unfaithful servants, focusing on the thoughts and motivations of the "evil servant." The verse prepares the reader for what follows: the consequences of assuming there is plenty of time before accountability.

The Greek behind Matthew 24:48

  • κακός (kakos, "evil"): This word means "bad" or "wicked," emphasizing that the servant’s character is not just negligent but morally wrong.
  • δοῦλος (doulos, "servant"): This term refers to a bondservant or slave, highlighting the servant’s responsibility and position under the authority of the master.
  • χρονίζει (chronizei, "delayeth"): This verb means "to take a long time" or "to delay," capturing the servant’s perception that the master is not coming soon, which influences his behavior.

Why Matthew 24:48 matters

  • Matthew 24:48 clarifies that wrongdoing often begins with an inner attitude or assumption, not just outward actions; the servant’s thoughts lead to his later behavior.
  • The verse warns against complacency or presumption about accountability, which is a key theme in Jesus’ teaching about readiness for his return.
  • This verse connects to the larger passage by setting up a contrast with the faithful servant, helping readers see the importance of vigilance and integrity even when no one is watching.

Where else these words appear

“delayeth” Greek G5549 · used in 5 verses

  • Matthew 25:5 While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept.
  • Luke 1:21 And the people waited for Zacharias, and marvelled that he tarried so long in the temple.
  • Luke 12:45 But and if that servant say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming; and shall begin to beat the menservants and maidens, and to eat and drink, and to be drunken;

“evil” Greek G2556 · used in 46 verses

  • Matthew 21:41 They say unto him, He will miserably destroy those wicked men, and will let out his vineyard unto other husbandmen, which shall render him the fruits in their seasons.
  • Romans 7:21 I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me.
  • Colossians 3:5 Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:

“servant” Greek G1401 · used in 119 verses

  • Matthew 8:9 For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me: and I say to this man, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it.
  • Luke 12:37 Blessed are those servants, whom the lord when he cometh shall find watching: verily I say unto you, that he shall gird himself, and make them to sit down to meat, and will come forth and serve them.
  • 1 Corinthians 7:22 For he that is called in the Lord, being a servant, is the Lord's freeman: likewise also he that is called, being free, is Christ's servant.