Luke 12:40

KJV

Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not.

KJV (with Strong's)

Be {G1096} ye {G5210} therefore {G3767} ready {G2092} also {G2532}: for {G3754}{G3739} the Son {G5207} of man {G444} cometh {G2064} at an hour {G5610} when ye think {G1380} not {G3756}.

Complete Jewish Bible

You too, be ready! For the Son of Man will come when you are not expecting him.”

Berean Standard Bible

You also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour you do not expect.”

American Standard Version

Be ye also ready: for in an hour that ye think not the Son of man cometh.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 12:40 serves as a potent concluding admonition from Jesus, urging His disciples to maintain a constant state of spiritual readiness and vigilance. This verse encapsulates the core message of the preceding parables concerning faithful stewardship and watchfulness, emphasizing that the return of the "Son of man" will be sudden and unexpected, thereby necessitating continuous preparedness in all aspects of life.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Luke 12:40 concludes a significant discourse by Jesus on discipleship, wealth, and watchfulness. It follows the parable of the rich fool (Luke 12:13-21), which warns against materialism, and the subsequent teaching on anxiety and seeking God's kingdom first (Luke 12:22-34). The immediate context is a series of parables about the master's return: the watchful servants (Luke 12:35-38), who are blessed for their readiness, and the unexpected arrival of a thief (Luke 12:39), which illustrates the suddenness of the event. Verse 40 acts as the direct application and summation of these lessons, drawing a parallel between the master's unexpected return and the "Son of man's" coming, urging the disciples to internalize the need for perpetual readiness.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Jewish and Roman societies, the master-servant relationship was a fundamental social structure. Servants were expected to manage their master's affairs diligently, especially in the master's absence, and to be ready for his return at any moment. This cultural expectation provides a relatable backdrop for Jesus' parables. Furthermore, the concept of a sudden, decisive intervention by God or His Messiah was deeply rooted in Jewish eschatological thought, particularly concerning the "Day of the Lord." While the exact timing was unknown, the expectation of a future divine reckoning was prevalent. Jesus' teaching here both affirms this expectation and redefines its immediate implications for daily living, shifting the focus from speculative timing to personal spiritual preparedness.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully reinforces several key themes prevalent throughout Luke's Gospel and broader New Testament eschatology. The primary theme is **readiness and watchfulness**, a call not to passive waiting but to active, faithful living in light of Christ's assured return. This readiness contrasts sharply with the unpreparedness of the rich fool in [Luke 12:16-21](/luke/12-16-21 "Luke 12:16-21 - The Parable of the Rich Fool"). Another crucial theme is **the unpredictability of Christ's return**, encapsulated by the phrase "at an hour when ye think not," which underscores divine sovereignty over timing and the human inability to predict it. This unpredictability is a consistent motif in Jesus' teachings on His Second Coming, echoed in passages like [Matthew 24:42](/matthew/24-42 "Matthew 24:42 - Be on Watch"). Finally, the use of the title **"Son of man"** is significant, pointing to Jesus' dual nature as both fully human and the divinely appointed, authoritative figure who will return in glory to judge and reign, a concept deeply rooted in [Daniel 7:13-14](/daniel/7-13-14 "Daniel 7:13-14 - The Son of Man Coming with Clouds").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **ready (Greek, _hétoimos'_):** This word signifies being "adjusted," "prepared," or "equipped." It implies a state of active readiness, not merely a passive waiting. It suggests that one has taken all necessary steps to be in a proper state for an anticipated event, much like a soldier prepared for battle or a servant with all duties completed before the master's arrival. This readiness is a proactive, intentional posture of the heart and life.
* **cometh (Greek, _érchomai'_):** While often translated as a simple future, the Greek present tense here ("cometh") conveys a sense of certainty and imminence. It emphasizes that the coming of the Son of Man is not just a distant possibility but an assured and ongoing reality that should shape present living. It can also imply a continuous, expectant reality, meaning the expectation of His coming should be constant.
* **think (Greek, _dokéō'_):** This word means "to think" or "to seem." In this context, it highlights the human tendency to assume or predict based on their own reasoning or expectations. The phrase "when ye think not" directly challenges this human presumption, asserting that the timing of the Son of Man's return will defy human calculation and expectation, thereby demanding perpetual vigilance rather than episodic bursts of readiness.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Be ye therefore ready also:"** This is a direct imperative, a command from Jesus to His disciples. The "therefore" links it directly to the preceding parables, indicating that the lesson of watchfulness and preparedness is the necessary conclusion drawn from the sudden, unpredictable nature of the master's return. "Ready" implies a state of active, ongoing spiritual and practical preparedness, not just a momentary burst of attention.
* **"for the Son of man cometh":** This clause provides the compelling reason for the command to be ready. Jesus identifies Himself with the Messianic title "Son of man," a figure from Daniel's prophecy who comes with clouds and is given everlasting dominion ([Daniel 7:13-14](/daniel/7-13-14 "Daniel 7:13-14 - The Son of Man's Authority")). His "coming" refers to His Second Advent, a future glorious return in power and judgment. The certainty of this coming is the fundamental motivation for readiness.
* **"at an hour when ye think not.":** This final clause underscores the unpredictability of the Son of man's return. It will occur at a moment least expected by human calculation or assumption. This lack of a known timetable eliminates any possibility of last-minute preparation and emphasizes the need for continuous, unwavering readiness, as any hour could be the hour of His arrival.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 12:40 employs several potent literary devices. **Metaphor** is central, as Jesus uses the common experience of a master's unexpected return to illustrate the spiritual reality of His own Second Coming. The "Son of man" functions as a powerful **Symbol**, referencing both Jesus' humanity and His divine authority as the eschatological judge and king, drawing on Old Testament prophecy. The entire verse serves as a direct **Admonition**, a solemn warning and exhortation to the disciples, emphasizing the urgency and seriousness of the command. There is also an element of **Irony** in the phrase "when ye think not," as human attempts to predict or control divine timing are rendered futile, highlighting the sovereignty of God over all events.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 12:40 is deeply embedded in the broader biblical narrative of eschatology and divine sovereignty. It underscores the profound theological truth that God's plans unfold according to His perfect timing, not human expectation. The call to readiness is not rooted in fear of the unknown, but in the confident expectation of Christ's certain return and the desire to be found faithful. This verse connects the practical aspects of daily discipleship—like managing resources and living righteously—with the ultimate hope of Christ's glorious appearing. It reminds believers that their present actions have eternal significance, and that living in light of eternity transforms how one lives in the present. The unexpected nature of the coming also serves as a perpetual call to repentance and reconciliation, ensuring one is always in a right relationship with God.

* [Matthew 24:44](/matthew/24-44 "Matthew 24:44 - You Also Must Be Ready")
* [1 Thessalonians 5:2-6](/1_thessalonians/5-2-6 "1 Thessalonians 5:2-6 - The Day of the Lord Comes Like a Thief")
* [Revelation 3:3](/revelation/3-3 "Revelation 3:3 - I Will Come Like a Thief")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 12:40 is a timeless call to live with an eternal perspective, shaping our daily choices by the profound reality of Christ's certain, yet unpredictable, return. It challenges us to move beyond passive belief to active, spiritual preparedness. This readiness is not about fear-mongering or obsessive speculation about end-times dates, but about cultivating a heart and life that consistently honors God. It means living each day as if it were the day of His return, prioritizing spiritual growth, faithfully stewarding our gifts and resources, and extending grace and love to others. It calls us to examine our priorities, ensuring that our affections are set on heavenly things rather than earthly fleeting treasures. Ultimately, being "ready" means living in a state of ongoing repentance, faith, and obedience, so that when the Son of man comes, we are found not in shame, but in joyful anticipation.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be caught "thinking not" about Christ's return, and how can I cultivate greater vigilance?**
* **What practical steps can I take today to live more faithfully and prepare my heart for the Son of man's coming?**
* **How does the certainty of Christ's return, coupled with its unpredictability, influence my priorities and daily decisions?**

### FAQ
**Does "at an hour when ye think not" mean we should live in constant fear of Jesus' return?**

Answer: No, the phrase "at an hour when ye think not" is not meant to instill fear, but rather to cultivate a healthy, active state of spiritual readiness. It underscores the unpredictability of Christ's Second Coming, removing any possibility of complacency or last-minute preparation. Instead of fear, the emphasis is on living faithfully and diligently in the present, knowing that our ultimate hope is in Him. The goal is joyful anticipation and faithful stewardship, not anxiety, as Jesus encourages His disciples not to be anxious about worldly things in [Luke 12:22-31](/luke/12-22-31 "Luke 12:22-31 - Do Not Be Anxious").

**What does "Son of man" mean in this context?**

Answer: The title "Son of man" is Jesus' preferred self-designation throughout the Gospels. It is a rich, multifaceted title that emphasizes both His true humanity (He is truly "man") and His divine, messianic role as the coming King and Judge. Its roots are found in [Daniel 7:13-14](/daniel/7-13-14 "Daniel 7:13-14 - The Son of Man's Authority"), where a "Son of man" figure comes with the clouds of heaven and is given everlasting dominion. In Luke 12:40, it points specifically to Jesus' future glorious return in power and authority to consummate His kingdom and judge the living and the dead.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 12:40 finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment not just in the future return of Jesus, but in His entire redemptive work, which makes such readiness possible. The "Son of man" who "cometh" is the same Son of man who first came in humility, born of a virgin, lived a sinless life, and ultimately offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice for sin on the cross ([Mark 10:45](/mark/10-45 "Mark 10:45 - The Son of Man Came to Serve")). His first coming, marked by suffering and service, secured the salvation that enables believers to "be ready" for His second coming, which will be marked by glory and judgment ([Philippians 2:5-11](/philippians/2-5-11 "Philippians 2:5-11 - Christ's Humility and Exaltation")). Through His resurrection and ascension, Jesus has guaranteed His return, and His sending of the Holy Spirit empowers believers to live in a state of ongoing preparedness, transforming their hearts and minds to align with His will ([Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - Power of the Holy Spirit")). Thus, our readiness is not a self-generated effort, but a Spirit-empowered response to the finished work of Christ, anticipating the day when He will return to gather His own and establish His eternal kingdom ([Revelation 22:12](/revelation/22-12 "Revelation 22:12 - Jesus' Return and Reward")).

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 5:6

¶ Therefore let us not sleep, as [do] others; but let us watch and be sober.

Matthew 25:13

Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.

2 Peter 3:12

Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat?

2 Peter 3:14

Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.

Revelation 19:7

Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready.

Romans 13:11

¶ And that, knowing the time, that now [it is] high time to awake out of sleep: for now [is] our salvation nearer than when we believed.

Matthew 24:44

Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.