Luke 12:46

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.

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}.

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.

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.

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.

Luke 12:46 is a stark warning from Jesus, concluding the parable of the faithful and wise servant. It describes the severe consequences awaiting a servant who proves unfaithful and negligent in his master's absence.

Context

This verse is part of Jesus’ teaching on vigilance and accountability, specifically within the parable found in Luke 12:42-48. Jesus is addressing His disciples, urging them to be prepared for His return, which will be sudden and unexpected. The "lord" in this parable represents God or Christ, and the "servant" represents anyone entrusted with responsibility in God's kingdom. The unfaithful servant, unlike the diligent one, abuses his authority, mistreats others, and indulges in revelry, thinking his master's return is delayed. This parable emphasizes the importance of faithful stewardship and readiness for the day of reckoning.

Key Themes

  • Unexpected Return: The phrase "will come in a day when he looketh not for [him], and at an hour when he is not aware" highlights the sudden and unpredictable nature of the master's arrival, a theme echoed elsewhere regarding Christ's second coming. This calls for constant readiness and spiritual vigilance.
  • Severe Judgment for Unfaithfulness: The phrase "will cut him in sunder" (Greek: dichotomeo, meaning "to cut in two") is a vivid and severe image. While some interpret it literally as a form of ancient punishment, it is more commonly understood as a metaphorical expression for a decisive and complete separation or destruction, signifying utter ruin and the termination of one's position.
  • Portion with Unbelievers: To "appoint him his portion with the unbelievers" signifies a definitive separation from the faithful and a shared destiny with those who have rejected God or lived in disobedience. This is not merely a loss of reward but a consignment to the realm of the lost, a fate described in other scriptures concerning the ultimate destiny of the unbelieving.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "cut in sunder" is dichotomeo (διχοτομήσει). This term is used only twice in the New Testament (here and Matthew 24:51, the parallel passage). It conveys a sense of brutal, decisive judgment, emphasizing the finality and severity of the master's response to the servant's profound unfaithfulness. The imagery is designed to shock and warn, underscoring that negligence and abuse of trust have eternal consequences.

Practical Application

Luke 12:46 serves as a powerful reminder for all believers about the importance of living faithfully and responsibly in light of Christ's certain, yet unexpected, return. It challenges us to:

  • Be Vigilant: Live each day as if the Lord could return, avoiding complacency or spiritual slumber.
  • Exercise Faithful Stewardship: Use the gifts, resources, and responsibilities entrusted to us by God for His glory and the good of others, rather than for selfish gain or abuse.
  • Live Accountably: Recognize that our actions and attitudes in this life have eternal ramifications. The parable warns against delaying repentance or presuming upon God's grace.

This verse underscores that true faith is demonstrated through consistent obedience and diligent service, not merely through profession.

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.

  • 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.

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