Luke 12:46

KJV

The lord of that servant will come in a day when he looketh not for [him], and at an hour when he is not aware, and will cut him in sunder, and will appoint him his portion with the unbelievers.

KJV (with Strong's)

The lord {G2962} of that {G1565} servant {G1401} will come {G2240} in {G1722} a day {G2250} when {G3739} he looketh {G4328} not {G3756} for {G4328} him, and {G2532} at {G1722} an hour {G5610} when {G3739} he is {G1097} not {G3756} aware {G1097}, and {G2532} will cut {G1371} him {G846} in sunder {G1371}, and {G2532} will appoint {G5087} him his {G846} portion {G3313} with {G3326} the unbelievers {G571}.

Complete Jewish Bible

then his master will come on a day when the servant isn’t expecting him, at a time he doesn’t know in advance; his master will cut him in two and put him with the disloyal.

Berean Standard Bible

The master of that servant will come on a day he does not expect and at an hour he does not anticipate. Then he will cut him to pieces and assign him a place with the unbelievers.

American Standard Version

the lord of that servant shall come in a day when he expecteth not, and in an hour when he knoweth not, and shall cut him asunder, and appoint his portion with the unfaithful.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 12:46 delivers a stark warning from Jesus, concluding the parable of the faithful and wise servant. It vividly portrays the severe and unexpected judgment awaiting a servant who, entrusted with authority and responsibility, proves unfaithful and negligent in the master's prolonged absence. This verse underscores the definitive and dire consequences of spiritual unpreparedness and unrighteous stewardship, culminating in a complete separation from the master's household and a shared destiny with those who have no faith.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the climactic and sobering conclusion to Jesus' parable of the faithful and wise manager, found in [Luke 12:42-48](/luke/12-42-48 "Luke 12:42-48 - The Parable of the Faithful and Wise Manager"). Preceding this parable, Jesus has been teaching His disciples about vigilance and readiness for the Son of Man's unexpected return (e.g., [Luke 12:35-40](/luke/12-35-40 "Luke 12:35-40 - Be Ready for the Master's Return")). The parable itself contrasts a diligent servant, who faithfully manages the household in the master's absence, with an unfaithful one who abuses his authority, mistreats fellow servants, and indulges in revelry, presuming the master's delay. Verse 46 specifically details the harsh fate of this unfaithful steward, serving as the ultimate negative example within the broader discourse on eschatological readiness and ethical conduct.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The parable draws on the common social structure of the ancient world, where wealthy landowners or masters would often leave their estates and households in the care of trusted servants or managers (stewards) for extended periods. These stewards held significant authority, managing resources, dispensing provisions, and overseeing other servants. The master's return was always a possibility, but its exact timing was unknown, creating a test of the steward's integrity and faithfulness. The severe punishment described, "cutting in sunder," while possibly hyperbolic, reflects the harsh penalties for gross misconduct and betrayal of trust common in ancient Near Eastern and Roman legal traditions, emphasizing the master's absolute authority and the gravity of the servant's dereliction of duty.
* **Key Themes:** Luke 12:46 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Luke's Gospel and Jesus' teaching. Foremost is the theme of **eschatological vigilance and readiness**, emphasizing the unpredictable nature of the Lord's return and the necessity of constant spiritual preparedness, as seen in [Luke 12:40](/luke/12-40 "Luke 12:40 - The Son of Man is Coming"). Closely related is the theme of **faithful stewardship and accountability**, highlighting that all believers are entrusted with responsibilities and resources by God, for which they will be held to account. The unfaithful servant's judgment underscores the severe consequences of abusing authority and neglecting spiritual duties, a warning reiterated in the parallel account in [Matthew 24:45-51](/matthew/24-45-51 "Matthew 24:45-51 - The Parable of the Faithful and Wise Servant"). Finally, the verse powerfully conveys the theme of **divine judgment and separation**, illustrating that unfaithfulness leads to a definitive and eternal separation from God's favor and a shared destiny with those who have rejected Him.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **lord (Greek, _kýrios'_):** From G2962, meaning "supreme in authority, i.e. (as noun) controller; by implication, Master (as a respectful title)." In this context, _kýrios_ refers to the master of the house, but within the broader allegorical framework of the parable, it represents God or Christ as the ultimate authority and master over His servants (believers).
* **servant (Greek, _doûlos'_):** From G1401, meaning "a slave (literal or figurative, involuntary or voluntary; frequently, therefore in a qualified sense of subjection or subserviency)." This term emphasizes the complete subservience and obligation of the individual to the master, highlighting the profound breach of trust and duty by the unfaithful servant.
* **cut him in sunder (Greek, _dichotoméō'_):** From G1371, meaning "to bisect, i.e. (by extension) to flog severely." This vivid and violent verb, used only here and in the parallel [Matthew 24:51](/matthew/24-51 "Matthew 24:51 - The Unfaithful Servant's Fate"), literally means "to cut in two." While often interpreted metaphorically as a severe and decisive judgment, it conveys the utter destruction and termination of the servant's position and life as he knew it, signifying a complete and irreversible separation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The lord of that servant will come":** This clause establishes the certainty of the master's return, which is the foundational premise for the entire parable. It sets the stage for the accountability that is to follow, emphasizing that the period of the master's absence is not indefinite.
* **"in a day when he looketh not for [him], and at an hour when he is not aware":** This phrase underscores the sudden and unexpected nature of the master's arrival. The unfaithful servant, having presumed upon the master's delay, will be caught off guard, highlighting his spiritual complacency and lack of vigilance. This element serves as a direct warning against procrastination and spiritual slumber.
* **"and will cut him in sunder":** This is the most striking and severe consequence. As discussed in the key word analysis, this phrase denotes a brutal and decisive judgment. It signifies a complete and utter destruction of the servant's life and position, emphasizing the finality and severity of the master's wrath against profound unfaithfulness.
* **"and will appoint him his portion with the unbelievers":** This final clause describes the ultimate destiny of the unfaithful servant. To have one's "portion" (Greek: _méros_, G3313, meaning "a division or share") with "unbelievers" (Greek: _ápistos_, G571, meaning "disbelieving, without Christian faith") signifies a definitive separation from the faithful and a consignment to the realm of those who have rejected God or lived in disobedience. It implies a shared fate of eternal separation from God's presence and blessing.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 12:46, as part of a larger parable, employs several powerful **Literary Devices**. The entire passage functions as an **Allegory**, where the master represents God/Christ, and the servants represent believers entrusted with responsibilities. The phrase "will cut him in sunder" is a striking example of **Hyperbole** and **Metaphor**. While ancient punishments could be severe, the phrase is likely not meant to be interpreted literally as physical dismemberment, but rather as a vivid, shocking image to convey the extreme severity, decisiveness, and finality of the judgment. It functions as a **Metaphor** for utter ruin and spiritual destruction. The unexpected timing of the master's return creates **Dramatic Irony**, as the servant's complacency is precisely what leads to his downfall. The contrast between the faithful and unfaithful servants is a clear use of **Juxtaposition**, highlighting the divergent outcomes based on their actions.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 12:46 serves as a profound theological statement on divine justice and accountability. It underscores the truth that God is not indifferent to how His servants manage the responsibilities entrusted to them. The "portion with the unbelievers" is a powerful theological statement about the ultimate bifurcation of humanity into those who are faithful and those who are not, with eternal consequences for each. This separation is not arbitrary but is a direct result of one's actions and heart posture during the period of the Master's absence. The verse warns against a superficial faith that lacks genuine obedience and diligent service, emphasizing that true discipleship is demonstrated through consistent, faithful stewardship in anticipation of Christ's return.

* [Matthew 24:51](/matthew/24-51 "Matthew 24:51 - Parallel Account of Judgment")
* [Revelation 21:8](/revelation/21-8 "Revelation 21:8 - The Destiny of the Unbelieving")
* [2 Timothy 2:12](/2_timothy/2-12 "2 Timothy 2:12 - If we endure, we will also reign with Him")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 12:46 compels us to a searching self-examination of our lives as followers of Christ. Are we living with a constant awareness of His certain, though unexpected, return? This verse challenges us to move beyond mere intellectual assent to the truth of Christ's coming and to translate that belief into active, diligent, and faithful stewardship of all that God has entrusted to us – our time, talents, resources, and relationships. It is a sober reminder that complacency, self-indulgence, and neglect of our spiritual duties have eternal ramifications. Our actions today, particularly in how we treat others and manage our responsibilities within God's kingdom, are a profound indicator of our true spiritual state and will determine our ultimate destiny. This passage calls us to live with intentionality, integrity, and unwavering devotion, ensuring that we are found faithful when the Lord returns.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life am I currently acting like the unfaithful servant, presuming upon God's grace or delaying obedience?**
* **How does the certainty of Christ's unexpected return influence my daily decisions and priorities?**
* **What specific responsibilities or "portions" has God entrusted to me, and how can I be a more faithful steward of them?**
* **How does the warning of being "cut in sunder" and having a "portion with the unbelievers" motivate me to live a life of greater vigilance and faithfulness?**

### FAQ
**What does "cut him in sunder" mean in this context?**

Answer: The phrase "cut him in sunder" (Greek: _dichotoméō_) literally means "to cut in two." While some ancient punishments involved dismemberment, in this biblical context, it is widely understood as a powerful **hyperbole** or **metaphor** for a severe, decisive, and complete judgment. It signifies the utter ruin, destruction, and termination of the unfaithful servant's position and life as he knew it, emphasizing the finality of the master's wrath. It is parallel to the idea of being utterly cast out or destroyed, as seen in [Matthew 24:51](/matthew/24-51 "Matthew 24:51 - The Unfaithful Servant's Fate"), where it is followed by weeping and gnashing of teeth.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Luke 12:46 speaks of severe judgment for unfaithfulness, its Christ-centered fulfillment lies in how Jesus Himself embodies the ultimate Master and the standard of perfect faithfulness, and how He offers redemption from the very judgment described. Jesus, the Lord of all, came not to condemn the world but to save it ([John 3:17](/john/3-17 "John 3:17 - Jesus Did Not Come to Condemn")). He perfectly fulfilled the role of the faithful servant, even to the point of death on a cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Jesus' Obedience to Death")). For those who are "in Christ" by faith, the terrifying prospect of being "cut in sunder" and having a "portion with the unbelievers" is averted. Through His atoning sacrifice, Jesus takes upon Himself the judgment that unfaithful humanity deserves, offering His righteousness in exchange for our sin ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). Thus, while the verse serves as a stark warning to those who claim to serve Him but live in persistent unfaithfulness, it simultaneously points to the grace and mercy found in Jesus Christ, who alone can secure for us an eternal "portion" with God, not based on our perfect performance, but on His perfect work and our faithful response to it ([Ephesians 2:8-9](/ephesians/2-8-9 "Ephesians 2:8-9 - Saved by Grace Through Faith")). His return, though unexpected, will be a joyful reunion for those who are found faithful in Him ([1 Thessalonians 4:16-17](/1_thessalonians/4-16-17 "1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 - The Lord's Return and Our Gathering")).

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

Luke 12:40

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

Matthew 13:49

So shall it be at the end of the world: the angels shall come forth, and sever the wicked from among the just,

Matthew 13:50

And shall cast them into the furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.

Matthew 7:22

Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?

Matthew 7:23

And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

Matthew 13:41

The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity;

Matthew 13:42

And shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.