Matthew 24:42

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

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

Complete Jewish Bible:

So stay alert, because you don't know on what day your Lord will come.

Berean Standard Bible:

Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day on which your Lord will come.

American Standard Version:

Watch therefore: for ye know not on what day your Lord cometh.

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

Watch^{G1127} therefore^{G3767}: for^{G3754} ye know^{G1492} not^{G3756} what^{G4169} hour^{G5610} your^{G5216} Lord^{G2962} doth come^{G2064}.

Cross-References (KJV):

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Commentary for Matthew 24:42

Matthew 24:42 is part of the Olivet Discourse, where Jesus speaks to his disciples about the end times and the coming of the Kingdom of God. This verse encapsulates the theme of vigilance and readiness in anticipation of the Lord's return. The historical context is set during the last week of Jesus' life, as he teaches in Jerusalem. The verse reflects the eschatological expectations of the period, emphasizing the unpredictability of the Parousia, or the second coming of Christ.

In the verse, Jesus exhorts his followers to "Watch therefore," which implies a continuous state of spiritual alertness and preparedness. The phrase "for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come" underscores the suddenness and unexpectedness of the event. This call to watchfulness is a common motif in the New Testament, designed to encourage moral vigilance, faithfulness, and steadfastness among believers as they await the fulfillment of God's promises.

The concept of the Lord's coming being at an unknown time is a recurring theme in Jesus' teachings, also found in other parts of the New Testament, such as in the parables of the ten virgins and the talents in Matthew 25. The verse serves as a reminder that believers should live in a state of readiness, with their spiritual affairs in order, reflecting a life of devotion and obedience to God's will. This teaching would have been particularly relevant to the early Christian communities facing persecution and the challenges of maintaining their faith in the midst of an often-hostile society.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

1. Strong's Number: G1127
   There are 23 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: γρηγορεύω
   Transliteration: grēgoreúō
   Pronunciation: gray-gor-yoo'-o
   Description: from ἐγείρω; to keep awake, i.e. watch (literally or figuratively):--be vigilant, wake, (be) watch(-ful).
   
2. Strong's Number: G3767
   There are 519 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: οὖν
   Transliteration: oûn
   Pronunciation: oon
   Description: apparently a primary word; (adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly:--and (so, truly), but, now (then), so (likewise then), then, therefore, verily, wherefore.
   
3. Strong's Number: G3754
   There are 1189 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: ὅτι
   Transliteration: hóti
   Pronunciation: hot'-ee
   Description: neuter of ὅστις as conjunction; demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because:--as concerning that, as though, because (that), for (that), how (that), (in) that, though, why.
   
4. Strong's Number: G1492
   There are 626 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: εἴδω
   Transliteration: eídō
   Pronunciation: i'-do
   Description: a primary verb; used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent ὀπτάνομαι and ὁράω; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by implication, (in the perfect tense only) to know:--be aware, behold, X can (+ not tell), consider, (have) know(-ledge), look (on), perceive, see, be sure, tell, understand, wish, wot. Compare ὀπτάνομαι.
   
5. Strong's Number: G3756
   There are 1328 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: οὐ
   Transliteration: ou
   Pronunciation: ookh
   Description: a primary word; the absolute negative (compare μή) adverb; no or not:--+ long, nay, neither, never, no (X man), none, (can-)not, + nothing, + special, un(-worthy), when, + without, + yet but. See also οὐ μή, μῆκος.
   
6. Strong's Number: G4169
   There are 33 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: ποῖος
   Transliteration: poîos
   Pronunciation: poy'-os
   Description: from the base of ποῦ and οἷος; individualizing interrogative (of character) what sort of, or (of number) which one:--what (manner of), which.
   
7. Strong's Number: G5610
   There are 100 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: ὥρα
   Transliteration: hṓra
   Pronunciation: ho'-rah
   Description: apparently a primary word; an "hour" (literally or figuratively):--day, hour, instant, season, X short, (even-)tide, (high) time.
   
8. Strong's Number: G5216
   There are 503 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: ὑμῶν
   Transliteration: hymōn
   Pronunciation: hoo-mone'
   Description: genitive case of ὑμεῖς; of (from or concerning) you:--ye, you, your (own, -selves).
   
9. Strong's Number: G2962
   There are 687 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: κύριος
   Transliteration: kýrios
   Pronunciation: koo'-ree-os
   Description: from (supremacy); supreme in authority, i.e. (as noun) controller; by implication, Master (as a respectful title):-- God, Lord, master, Sir.
   
10. Strong's Number: G2064
    There are 604 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: ἔρχομαι
    Transliteration: érchomai
    Pronunciation: el'-tho
    Description: middle voice of a primary verb (used only in the present and imperfect tenses, the others being supplied by a kindred (middle voice) , or (active) , which do not otherwise occur); to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively):--accompany, appear, bring, come, enter, fall out, go, grow, X light, X next, pass, resort, be set.