Luke 12:36

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.

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}.

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.

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.

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.

Luke 12:36 is part of a series of parables and teachings by Jesus concerning watchfulness, preparedness, and the nature of discipleship in light of His eventual return. This particular verse sets the scene for the subsequent parable of the faithful and wise servant.

Context

This verse is nestled within a larger discourse in Luke 12 where Jesus instructs His disciples on various aspects of faith and living in anticipation of the Kingdom of God. Leading up to this, Jesus has encouraged them not to worry about material possessions but to seek God's kingdom first (Luke 12:31) and to sell their possessions and give to the poor. Immediately preceding this verse, Jesus admonishes them to "let your loins be girded about, and your lights burning" (Luke 12:35), emphasizing an active state of readiness. The imagery of a master returning from a wedding feast was culturally resonant; such feasts often lasted for days, making the exact time of return unpredictable.

Key Themes

  • Readiness and Vigilance: The central message of this verse is the necessity of constant preparedness for the Lord's return. Just as servants must be ready to open the door at any moment for their master, believers are called to live in a state of spiritual alertness, always ready to meet Christ. This ties directly into the broader biblical theme of being ready for the Son of Man's unexpected arrival.
  • The Lord's Return: This parable clearly points to the Second Coming of Christ. The "wedding" symbolizes a significant event from which the master returns, signifying a period of absence followed by a sudden, often unexpected, reappearance. The anticipation of His return should shape the daily lives of His followers.
  • Servant's Duty: The verse highlights the expectation of diligence and immediate response from a servant. The faithful servant is one who does not grow lazy or neglectful during the master's absence but remains attentive to their duties, ensuring a prompt welcome upon his return. This foreshadows the commendation for faithful service found in the verses that follow (Luke 12:37-38).

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "wait for their lord" in Greek uses the word prosdechomai (προσδέχομαι), which implies an active, eager expectation or looking forward to, rather than a passive or indifferent waiting. This reinforces the call to active vigilance. Similarly, "immediately" (parachrēma - παραχρῆμα) underscores the promptness and urgency required in responding to the Lord's call.

Practical Application

Luke 12:36 serves as a timeless reminder for believers today to live with an eternal perspective. It challenges us to:

  • Maintain Spiritual Preparedness: To live each day as if it could be the day of Christ's return, ensuring our spiritual lives are in order and our relationship with God is strong.
  • Faithful Stewardship: To diligently carry out the tasks and responsibilities God has entrusted to us, whether in our personal lives, families, or communities, knowing that we are serving Him.
  • Active Expectation: To eagerly anticipate the Lord's return, allowing this hope to motivate us to holy living and active service, rather than succumbing to complacency or worldly distractions. This preparedness enables us to be watchful and sober.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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.

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