Luke 12:36

KJV

And ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their lord, when he will return from the wedding; that when he cometh and knocketh, they may open unto him immediately.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} ye yourselves {G5210} like {G3664} unto men {G444} that wait {G4327} for their {G1438} lord {G2962}, when {G4219} he will return {G360} from {G1537} the wedding {G1062}; that {G2443} when he cometh {G2064} and {G2532} knocketh {G2925}, they may open {G455} unto him {G846} immediately {G2112}.

Complete Jewish Bible

like people waiting for their master’s return after a wedding feast; so that when he comes and knocks, they will open the door for him without delay.

Berean Standard Bible

Then you will be like servants waiting for their master to return from the wedding banquet, so that when he comes and knocks, they can open the door for him at once.

American Standard Version

and be ye yourselves like unto men looking for their lord, when he shall return from the marriage feast; that, when he cometh and knocketh, they may straightway open unto him.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 12:36 presents a vivid parable-like instruction from Jesus, urging His disciples to adopt a posture of constant vigilance and active readiness, akin to servants awaiting the unpredictable return of their master from a wedding feast. This verse underscores the critical importance of spiritual preparedness, emphasizing that believers should be alert and immediately responsive to the Lord's coming, whether in a personal sense or His ultimate return.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within a broader discourse by Jesus in Luke 12 concerning discipleship, stewardship, and eschatological readiness. Preceding it, Jesus has exhorted His followers not to worry about material possessions but to [seek God's kingdom first](/luke/12-31 "Luke 12:31 - Seek the Kingdom of God") and to store up treasures in heaven (Luke 12:33-34). Immediately before Luke 12:36, Jesus issues the direct command, "Let your loins be girded about, and your lights burning" (Luke 12:35), setting the stage for the parable of the watchful servants. This verse then introduces the specific imagery that illustrates the kind of readiness Jesus expects, leading directly into the parable of the faithful and wise servant (Luke 12:37-48), which elaborates on the blessings of such vigilance and the consequences of unfaithfulness.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The imagery of a master returning from a wedding feast would have been highly resonant with Jesus' audience. In ancient Jewish culture, wedding celebrations were elaborate affairs, often lasting for several days, and the exact time of the groom's return to his home (or his bride's home) was notoriously unpredictable. Servants were expected to remain attentive and diligent, ensuring the household was in order and ready to receive the master at any hour, day or night. This cultural reality provided a powerful metaphor for the unexpected yet certain return of the Lord. The "girded loins" (Luke 12:35) referred to tucking up long robes to prepare for active service or travel, further emphasizing the state of readiness.
* **Key Themes:** Luke 12:36 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Luke's Gospel and broader biblical theology. The primary theme is **Readiness and Vigilance** for the Lord's return, a consistent call throughout Jesus' teaching (e.g., [Matthew 24:44](/matthew/24-44 "Matthew 24:44 - Be Ready for the Son of Man")). It highlights the **Certainty of the Lord's Return** (the Parousia) but also its **Unpredictable Timing**, which necessitates a continuous state of spiritual alertness. Furthermore, it underscores the **Nature of Discipleship** as one of faithful stewardship and active expectation, where believers are called to live as diligent servants, eagerly awaiting their Master rather than becoming complacent or distracted by worldly concerns. This active waiting is a hallmark of true devotion and prepares one for the commendation promised to those who are found faithful upon His arrival.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **wait (Greek, _prosdéchomai'_):** G4327. From πρός (pros, "to") and δέχομαι (dechomai, "to receive"). This word signifies an active, eager expectation or looking forward to, rather than a passive or indifferent waiting. It implies a readiness to receive and welcome, often with confidence or patience. In this context, it speaks to the diligent anticipation of the servants for their master's return.
* **lord (Greek, _kýrios'_):** G2962. Meaning "supreme in authority," "controller," or "Master." This title conveys respect and acknowledges the absolute authority of the one being served. When applied to Jesus, it affirms His divine sovereignty and rightful claim over His followers, demanding their obedience and devoted service.
* **immediately (Greek, _euthéōs'_):** G2112. An adverb meaning "directly," "at once," "soon," or "forthwith." It emphasizes the promptness and urgency with which the servants are expected to respond to their master's knock. Spiritually, it signifies the unhesitating and complete obedience required of believers when the Lord calls or returns.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their lord,"**: Jesus directly addresses His disciples, drawing a clear parallel between them ("ye yourselves") and diligent household servants. The core instruction is to emulate the active, expectant posture of these servants who are not merely waiting passively but are actively "looking for" or "expecting" their master. This sets the tone for a life characterized by spiritual vigilance.
* **"when he will return from the wedding;"**: This clause establishes the context of the master's absence and the reason for his return. The "wedding" symbolizes a significant, joyous, but also prolonged event, during which the master is away. Crucially, the exact moment of his return is unknown and unpredictable, creating the necessity for constant readiness on the part of the servants. The metaphorical "wedding" here points to a future, glorious event from which the Lord will return.
* **"that when he cometh and knocketh, they may open unto him immediately."**: This final clause highlights the expected response of the prepared servants. Upon the master's sudden arrival ("cometh") and announcement ("knocks"), their readiness is demonstrated by their ability to "open unto him immediately." The immediacy of their response is key, signifying a state of constant alertness and preparedness, without delay or hesitation. This is the desired outcome of the disciples' vigilance.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 12:36 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. The primary device is a **Simile**, explicitly stated with "like unto men," directly comparing the disciples' required spiritual posture to that of diligent servants. This comparison forms the basis of a mini-**Parable** or **Allegory**, where the "lord" represents Christ, the "servants" are His disciples, the "wedding" symbolizes a period of absence (referring to Christ's ascension and the time before His Second Coming), and the "return" signifies His glorious advent. The act of "knocking" functions as **Symbolism** for the Lord's arrival, demanding an immediate and personal response. The entire scenario is a powerful **Metaphor** for the eschatological readiness demanded of all believers.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse is a profound theological statement on the nature of Christian hope and discipleship. It underscores the biblical truth of the Parousia—the certain yet unannounced return of Christ—and calls believers to live in light of this reality. The "waiting" is not passive idleness but an active, diligent preparedness that shapes one's daily life, priorities, and stewardship. It speaks to the ongoing tension between the "already" (Christ's first coming and the inauguration of His kingdom) and the "not yet" (His consummating return). True faith is demonstrated by a life lived in expectant anticipation, ready to welcome the Lord at any moment, reflecting a heart fully devoted to Him and His purposes.

* [Matthew 25:1-13](/matthew/25-1-13 "Matthew 25:1-13 - The Parable of the Ten Virgins")
* [1 Thessalonians 5:4-6](/1_thessalonians/5-4-6 "1 Thessalonians 5:4-6 - Children of Light, Not of Darkness")
* [Revelation 3:20](/revelation/3-20 "Revelation 3:20 - Christ Knocks at the Door")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 12:36 serves as a timeless and urgent call to spiritual preparedness for every believer. It challenges us to examine the posture of our hearts and lives: are we living with a genuine, active expectation of Christ's return, or have we become complacent, distracted by the temporal concerns of this world? To "wait for their lord" means to live with an eternal perspective, diligently stewarding the gifts and responsibilities God has entrusted to us, and maintaining a vibrant, intimate relationship with Him. This readiness is not born of fear, but of love and eager anticipation for the One who is coming. It implies living a life of holiness, faithful service, and unwavering devotion, ensuring that our "lights are burning" (Luke 12:35) and our hearts are open, ready to welcome Him without delay when He appears.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the certainty of Christ's return, coupled with its unknown timing, shape your daily priorities and decisions?**
* **In what specific areas of your life do you need to cultivate greater spiritual vigilance and preparedness, as described in this verse?**
* **What does it mean for you to "open immediately" to the Lord when He "comes and knocks" in your life today, through His Word, His Spirit, or the needs of others?**

### FAQ
**What is the "wedding" referring to in this verse?**

Answer: In this parable, the "wedding" (Greek: _gámos_) refers to a significant, joyous event from which the master is returning. While it primarily serves as a cultural detail to explain the master's prolonged and unpredictable absence, biblically, the imagery of a wedding feast is often associated with the ultimate union between Christ and His church. For instance, [Revelation 19:7-9](/revelation/19-7-9 "Revelation 19:7-9 - The Marriage Supper of the Lamb") speaks of the "marriage supper of the Lamb," symbolizing the consummation of God's redemptive plan and the eternal fellowship of believers with Christ. Thus, the "wedding" here can be seen as a veiled reference to the glorious, future eschatological event that precedes the Lord's final return to gather His own.

**How does this verse relate to the concept of "waiting" for the Lord?**

Answer: The "waiting" described in Luke 12:36 is far from passive. The Greek word _prosdéchomai_ (G4327) implies an active, eager, and expectant looking forward to something, often with confidence and patience. It's not idleness, but a state of readiness and diligence. Just as a servant remains attentive to their duties and prepared to respond immediately to their master's knock, so too are believers called to live faithfully and actively in the interim period between Christ's ascension and His promised return. This active waiting involves living out the commands of the Lord, stewarding His resources, serving others, and maintaining a vibrant spiritual life, so that when [He comes](/john/14-3 "John 14:3 - Jesus Promises to Return"), we are found ready to open to Him without hesitation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 12:36 finds its ultimate fulfillment and profound significance in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "lord" whom the servants await is unequivocally Jesus Himself, whose [ascension into heaven](/acts/1-9 "Acts 1:9 - The Ascension of Jesus") marked His departure, akin to the master going to the wedding. His promised [Second Coming](/john/14-3 "John 14:3 - Jesus Promises to Return") is the "return" that believers are called to eagerly anticipate. This verse, therefore, is not merely a general call to vigilance but a specific summons to live in constant readiness for the King of kings. The "knocking" of the Lord can be understood not only as His final advent but also as His ongoing invitation to fellowship and deeper commitment, as seen in [Revelation 3:20](/revelation/3-20 "Revelation 3:20 - Christ Knocks at the Door"). The faithful servant is one who has embraced Christ's atoning work on the cross, lives by His Spirit, and actively participates in His kingdom mission, knowing that their Master will return to reward those who have faithfully served Him. Our readiness is a response to His finished work and a joyful anticipation of His glorious future reign, when He will usher His redeemed into the eternal [marriage supper of the Lamb](/revelation/19-7-9 "Revelation 19:7-9 - The Marriage Supper of the Lamb").

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Jude 1:20

But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost,

Jude 1:21

Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.

James 5:7

Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain.

James 5:8

Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh.

Revelation 3:20

Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.

Lamentations 3:25

The LORD [is] good unto them that wait for him, to the soul [that] seeketh him.

Lamentations 3:26

[It is] good that [a man] should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the LORD.