Luke 12:38

KJV

And if he shall come in the second watch, or come in the third watch, and find [them] so, blessed are those servants.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} if {G1437} he shall come {G2064} in {G1722} the second {G1208} watch {G5438}, or {G2532} come {G2064} in {G1722} the third {G5154} watch {G5438}, and {G2532} find {G2147} them so {G3779}, blessed {G3107} are {G1526} those {G1565} servants {G1401}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Whether it is late at night or early in the morning, if this is how he finds them, those slaves are happy.

Berean Standard Bible

Even if he comes in the second or third watch of the night and finds them alert, those servants will be blessed.

American Standard Version

And if he shall come in the second watch, and if in the third, and find them so, blessed are those servants.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 12:38 concludes a powerful parable on vigilance, emphasizing the profound blessing bestowed upon servants found faithfully awaiting their master's return, regardless of the unexpected hour. It underscores the importance of persistent readiness and diligent stewardship, portraying a master who rewards watchfulness with extraordinary favor, highlighting the divine commendation for those who remain prepared for his arrival.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Luke 12:38 serves as the concluding declaration of a short but impactful parable found in [Luke 12:35-38](/luke/12-35-38 "Luke 12:35-38 - Parable of the Watchful Servants"). This teaching on preparedness immediately follows Jesus' exhortation to His disciples to prioritize God's kingdom over worldly anxieties and material possessions ([Luke 12:22-34](/luke/12-22-34 "Luke 12:22-34 - Do Not Worry")). The preceding verses set the vivid scene: servants are depicted with "loins girded" and "lamps burning" ([Luke 12:35](/luke/12-35 "Luke 12:35 - Be Ready")), signifying a state of active readiness and alertness. [Luke 12:37](/luke/12-37 "Luke 12:37 - The Master Serves His Watchful Servants") then introduces the astonishing reversal where the master serves his watchful servants, a profound illustration of divine reward and intimate fellowship. Verse 38 extends this blessing to those found ready even in the deepest hours of the night, solidifying the message of unwavering vigilance regardless of the timing of the master's return. The broader context of [Luke 12](/luke/12 "Luke 12 - Warnings and Exhortations") includes warnings against hypocrisy and covetousness, and a call to acknowledge Christ, all pointing to the urgency of living a life aligned with God's will in anticipation of future accountability.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The concept of "watches" of the night was a common method of dividing the nocturnal hours in both Jewish and Roman cultures. While Jewish tradition often recognized three watches (sunset to 10 PM, 10 PM to 2 AM, 2 AM to sunrise), the Roman system, which was widely adopted in Jesus' time, typically divided the night into four watches (6 PM-9 PM, 9 PM-12 AM, 12 AM-3 AM, 3 AM-6 AM). Luke's specific mention of the "second watch" (roughly 9 PM-12 AM) and "third watch" (roughly 12 AM-3 AM) aligns with the Roman system and is crucial to the parable's message. By highlighting these later, deeper parts of the night, Jesus emphasizes the master's arrival at an unexpected, late, and potentially inconvenient hour when servants would typically be asleep or least alert. This detail underscores the profound diligence required for constant readiness. The imagery of a master returning from a wedding feast also resonates with the cultural significance of such events, which often lasted late into the night, making the servants' continued vigilance all the more commendable.
* **Key Themes:** Luke 12:38 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Luke's Gospel and broader biblical theology. The primary theme is **Vigilance and Readiness**, underscoring the imperative for believers to live in constant anticipation of Christ's return, not knowing the hour or day ([Matthew 24:42](/matthew/24-42 "Matthew 24:42 - Be Ready, for You Do Not Know the Hour")). This ties into the theme of **Faithful Stewardship**, as the servants are not merely waiting idly but are expected to be diligently managing their master's affairs, a clear call for believers to wisely use their time, talents, and resources for God's kingdom ([Luke 16:10](/luke/16-10 "Luke 16:10 - Faithful in Little")). Furthermore, the promise of "blessed are those servants" introduces the theme of **Divine Blessing and Reward**, highlighting God's profound favor and commendation for those who demonstrate faithfulness and watchfulness. This blessing is not just an absence of punishment but a deep honor and intimate service from the Master Himself, as profoundly illustrated in [Luke 12:37](/luke/12-37 "Luke 12:37 - The Master Serves"). The unexpected timing reinforces the theme of **Eschatological Urgency**, urging believers to live in a state of perpetual spiritual alertness.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **watch (Greek, _phylakḗ_):** From G5438, this term denotes a guarding, a guard, or a division of time, specifically a "watch" of the night. In the context of Luke 12:38, it refers to the nocturnal periods during which a household or city guard would be on duty. By specifying the "second watch" and "third watch," Jesus emphasizes the unpredictability of the master's arrival, highlighting that it could occur at a time when vigilance might naturally wane, such as late evening or the deep hours of the night, when most people would be asleep. This choice of word reinforces the call for persistent wakefulness.
* **blessed (Greek, _makários_):** From G3107, this word signifies being "supremely blest," fortunate, or well-off. It describes a state of profound divine favor and inner contentment that comes from God. Unlike a temporary feeling of happiness, _makários_ denotes a deep, abiding spiritual well-being that is independent of circumstances, rooted in God's approval. In this verse, it indicates the high commendation and spiritual reward awaiting those servants who are found faithful and ready at their master's return.
* **servants (Greek, _doûlos_):** From G1401, this term refers to a slave, whether literal or figurative, involuntary or voluntary. It often carries the sense of subjection or subserviency. In the New Testament, _doûlos_ is frequently used to describe believers as "bond-servants" of Christ, emphasizing their complete devotion, allegiance, and submission to His will. Here, it underscores the expected posture of humility, obedience, and diligent service from those who belong to the Master.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And if he shall come in the second watch,"**: This clause sets the initial condition, referring to the master's potential arrival during the second division of the night, typically from 9 PM to midnight in the Roman system. It immediately introduces the element of unexpected timing, as this is already a late hour, emphasizing the need for sustained vigilance.
* **"or come in the third watch,"**: This extends the condition to an even later period, from midnight to 3 AM. By mentioning these later watches, Jesus intensifies the challenge to the servants' vigilance, implying an arrival when they would be most tempted to be weary or asleep, thereby underscoring the necessity of persistent readiness that transcends natural human limitations.
* **"and find [them] so,"**: This crucial phrase refers back to the state of readiness described in the preceding verses ([Luke 12:35-37](/luke/12-35-37 "Luke 12:35-37 - The Watchful Servants")), where servants are depicted with "loins girded" (prepared for action) and "lamps burning" (alert and ready to serve). "So" implies finding them in this active, diligent, and watchful state, not caught off guard or neglecting their duties, signifying a life lived in continuous expectation and obedience.
* **"blessed are those servants."**: This is the profound declaration of divine favor. The Greek term "blessed" (_makários_) denotes a state of deep spiritual well-being and divine approval. It signifies that these faithful, watchful servants will receive a special commendation and reward from their master, highlighting the extraordinary favor granted to those who remain vigilant and obedient, promising a profound and lasting spiritual benefit.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 12:38, as part of a larger **parable**, employs **allegory** to convey profound spiritual truths through a relatable earthly scenario. The master represents Christ, and the servants represent His disciples. The "wedding feast" signifies the ultimate joyous event, possibly the Messianic banquet or the consummation of God's kingdom. The "watches of the night" serve as **symbolism** for the unknown and potentially inconvenient timing of Christ's return, emphasizing the need for constant spiritual readiness rather than speculation. The phrase "find them so" is a form of **ellipsis**, requiring the listener to recall the specific imagery of preparedness (girded loins, burning lamps) from the preceding verses. The declaration "blessed are those servants" functions as a **pronouncement of beatitude**, highlighting the divine favor and reward for faithfulness, echoing other beatitudes found in Jesus' teachings and underscoring the ultimate commendation from God.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 12:38, within the broader context of Jesus' eschatological teachings, profoundly connects the concept of vigilant readiness to the nature of discipleship and the promise of divine blessing. It underscores that genuine faith is not passive but active, characterized by an expectant posture and diligent stewardship in anticipation of the Master's return. This readiness is not driven by fear, but by love and a desire to honor the Master, leading to an extraordinary commendation. The verse also subtly highlights God's character as one who rewards faithfulness, turning the expected master-servant dynamic on its head by showing the master serving the diligent servants, a testament to His grace and the depth of His appreciation for their devotion. This divine blessing transcends earthly rewards, pointing to an eternal commendation and intimate fellowship with the Lord.

* [Matthew 24:42](/matthew/24-42 "Matthew 24:42 - Be Ready, for You Do Not Know the Hour")
* [Mark 13:35-37](/mark/13-35-37 "Mark 13:35-37 - Watch, for You Do Not Know When the Master Comes")
* [Revelation 16:15](/revelation/16-15 "Revelation 16:15 - Blessed Is He Who Stays Awake")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 12:38 serves as a timeless exhortation for believers to cultivate a lifestyle of active spiritual readiness. It challenges us to examine our daily lives: are we living with a conscious awareness of Christ's potential return, or have we become complacent, distracted by worldly concerns? The "watches of the night" symbolize the unexpected moments and seasons of life when our faithfulness might be tested or when the Lord might call us to account, whether through a personal crisis, a ministry opportunity, or His ultimate return. This verse encourages us to maintain our spiritual lamps burning brightly through consistent prayer, diligent study of God's Word, active participation in Christian community, and faithful service to others. It reminds us that our ultimate hope and motivation for living a godly life is not merely avoiding punishment, but anticipating the profound joy and commendation of our Master. The promised blessing is a powerful incentive, urging us to live purposefully, always prepared to meet Him with a clear conscience and a heart full of devotion.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be spiritually "asleep" or unprepared for the Master's return?**
* **What practical steps can I take this week to "gird my loins" and keep my "lamp burning" more brightly through spiritual disciplines?**
* **How does the promise of being "blessed" by the Master, even served by Him, motivate my daily walk with Christ and my service to others?**
* **If Christ were to return today, would He find me "so" – in a state of diligent readiness, faithful stewardship, and active love?**

### FAQ
**What does "second watch" and "third watch" mean in this context?**

Answer: In the Roman system of dividing the night, which was prevalent in Jesus' time, the "second watch" typically spanned from 9 PM to midnight, and the "third watch" from midnight to 3 AM. By mentioning these later watches, Jesus emphasizes the unpredictability of the master's return, highlighting that it could occur at a time when servants would naturally be most tired or asleep. This detail underscores the necessity of persistent vigilance and readiness, regardless of how late or inconvenient the hour might be. It reinforces the teaching that the exact timing of Christ's return is unknown, requiring constant preparedness, as also taught in [Matthew 24:44](/matthew/24-44 "Matthew 24:44 - Be Ready, for the Son of Man is Coming at an Hour You Do Not Expect").

**What is the "blessing" promised to the servants?**

Answer: The "blessing" (Greek: _makários_) promised to the faithful servants is a profound state of divine favor and commendation. It goes beyond a simple reward; it signifies being supremely favored by God, experiencing deep spiritual well-being and joy. As seen in the preceding verse, [Luke 12:37](/luke/12-37 "Luke 12:37 - The Master Serves His Watchful Servants"), the master will "gird himself and make them sit down to eat, and he will come and serve them." This is an astonishing reversal of roles, where the Master Himself serves His diligent servants, illustrating the deep honor, intimacy, and extraordinary reward awaiting those who are found faithful and watchful upon His return. This blessing speaks to a joyful fellowship and recognition from the Lord that far surpasses any earthly recompense.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 12:38 finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, the true Master who came not to be served but to serve, and who promises to return for His own. While the parable speaks of an earthly master, it is an unmistakable allegory for Christ's Second Coming and the ultimate consummation of His kingdom. The "blessedness" promised to the watchful servants is ultimately realized through union with Christ. He is the one who, in His first advent, "girded himself" as a servant, taking on human flesh and humbling Himself even to death on a cross ([Philippians 2:7-8](/philippians/2-7-8 "Philippians 2:7-8 - Christ's Humiliation and Exaltation")). He is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), making it possible for us to be found "so" – righteous and prepared – through His atoning sacrifice. The call to vigilance is a call to abide in Him ([John 15:4](/john/15-4 "John 15:4 - Abide in Me")), for it is only through His indwelling Spirit that we can truly live lives of faithful stewardship and readiness. Furthermore, the astonishing promise in [Luke 12:37](/luke/12-37 "Luke 12:37 - The Master Serves") of the Master serving His servants is a profound foreshadowing of Christ's eternal care and the intimate fellowship believers will experience with Him in His kingdom, a blessing secured by His finished work and awaiting His glorious return ([Revelation 21:3-4](/revelation/21-3-4 "Revelation 21:3-4 - God Dwells with His People")). Thus, the blessing of Luke 12:38 is not merely a reward for effort, but a gracious gift of intimate communion with the Christ who first served us.

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

1 Thessalonians 5:4

But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief.

1 Thessalonians 5:5

Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness.

Matthew 25:6

And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him.