Matthew 24:42

KJV

Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come.

KJV (with Strong's)

Watch {G1127} therefore {G3767}: for {G3754} ye know {G1492} not {G3756} what {G4169} hour {G5610} your {G5216} Lord {G2962} doth come {G2064}.

Complete Jewish Bible

So stay alert, because you don't know on what day your Lord will come.

Berean Standard Bible

Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day on which your Lord will come.

American Standard Version

Watch therefore: for ye know not on what day your Lord cometh.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 24:42 delivers a profound and urgent command from Jesus Christ, instructing His disciples, and by extension all believers throughout history, to maintain a state of constant spiritual vigilance. This imperative is grounded in the explicit declaration that the precise timing of His return remains unknown, thereby underscoring the critical necessity of continuous readiness and faithful living in anticipation of that momentous and unpredictable day.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a pivotal exhortation within Jesus' extended discourse on the Mount of Olives, often referred to as the [Olivet Discourse](/matthew/24 "Matthew 24 - The Olivet Discourse"). Spanning [Matthew chapters 24 and 25](/matthew/24 "Matthew 24-25 - The Olivet Discourse"), this teaching was prompted by the disciples' questions regarding the destruction of the Temple and the signs of Jesus' coming and the end of the age ([Matthew 24:3](/matthew/24-3 "Matthew 24:3 - Disciples' Questions")). Following a detailed description of various "birth pains" and tribulations ([Matthew 24:4-28](/matthew/24-4-28 "Matthew 24:4-28 - Signs of the End")), Jesus shifts focus to the suddenness and unexpected nature of His return, drawing parallels to the [days of Noah](/matthew/24-37-39 "Matthew 24:37-39 - The Days of Noah") and the immediate separation of individuals ([Matthew 24:40-41](/matthew/24-40-41 "Matthew 24:40-41 - Taken and Left")). [Matthew 24:42](/matthew/24-42 "Matthew 24:42 - Watch for the Lord's Coming") serves as a direct, practical conclusion to these warnings, transitioning into the parables of readiness that follow in [Matthew 25](/matthew/25 "Matthew 25 - Parables of Readiness").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jesus' audience, primarily Jewish disciples, would have been familiar with the concept of a "watchman" from the Old Testament, whose duty was to be alert for approaching danger or significant events (e.g., [Ezekiel 3:17](/ezekiel/3-17 "Ezekiel 3:17 - The Watchman's Duty")). In ancient Israel, watchmen guarded city walls, fields, and flocks, their vigilance being essential for the community's safety and survival. The backdrop of the discourse also includes the imminent destruction of the Second Temple, a catastrophic event that would profoundly impact Jewish life and theology. Furthermore, the Jewish expectation of the Messiah's coming was deeply ingrained, but often focused on a triumphant, immediate kingdom, rather than a two-stage coming with an intervening period of waiting. Jesus' teaching challenges this expectation by emphasizing a period of indeterminate waiting, necessitating constant spiritual preparedness rather than political or military anticipation.
* **Key Themes:** [Matthew 24:42](/matthew/24-42 "Matthew 24:42 - Watch for the Lord's Coming") encapsulates several core themes prevalent in the Olivet Discourse and the broader New Testament eschatology. The most prominent is **Vigilance and Watchfulness**, which calls for active spiritual alertness and discernment, contrasting with spiritual slumber or complacency. This is not merely passive waiting but an active state of readiness. Closely related is the **Uncertainty of Timing**: Jesus explicitly states, "ye know not what hour your Lord doth come," definitively ruling out any possibility of predicting the precise moment of His return. This uncertainty makes **Readiness and Preparedness** paramount, a theme further developed in the subsequent parables of the [Ten Virgins](/matthew/25-1-13 "Matthew 25:1-13 - Parable of the Ten Virgins") and the [Talents](/matthew/25-14-30 "Matthew 25:14-30 - Parable of the Talents"), which stress faithful living, wise stewardship, and diligent service until the Lord's unexpected arrival.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Watch (Greek, _grēgoreúō_):** from ἐγείρω; to keep awake, i.e. watch (literally or figuratively):--be vigilant, wake, (be) watch(-ful).
This imperative verb carries the sense of being spiritually awake, alert, and vigilant. It implies a continuous state of readiness, not a momentary act. It is the opposite of spiritual slumber or complacency, urging believers to maintain a discerning awareness of the times and to be prepared for the Lord's sudden appearance.
* **know (Greek, _eídō_):** a primary verb; used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent ὀπτάνομαι and ὁράω; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by implication, (in the perfect tense only) to know:--be aware, behold, X can (+ not tell), consider, (have) know(-ledge), look (on), perceive, see, be sure, tell, understand, wish, wot. Compare ὀπτάνομαι.
In this context, "know" refers to having precise, certain knowledge. The negative particle "not" (G3756, _ou_) emphatically denies this knowledge regarding the exact hour of the Lord's coming. This lack of specific information is the very reason for the command to watch, highlighting the unpredictable nature of the event.
* **Lord (Greek, _kýrios_):** from (supremacy); supreme in authority, i.e. (as noun) controller; by implication, Master (as a respectful title):-- God, Lord, master, Sir.
The title "Lord" (κύριος) here emphasizes Jesus' divine authority and sovereignty. It is He, the Master and supreme authority, who will return. This designation elevates the significance of His coming, making the command to watch not merely a practical instruction but an act of reverent submission and anticipation for the sovereign King.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Watch therefore:"** This is a direct, urgent command (imperative mood) to Jesus' disciples. The word "therefore" (G3767, _oûn_) connects this command directly to the preceding discussion about the unpredictable nature of the Son of Man's coming. It calls for a continuous state of spiritual alertness, readiness, and active vigilance, implying a conscious effort to live in a manner that anticipates His return.
* **"for ye know not"**: This clause provides the immediate and compelling reason for the command to watch. The disciples, and by extension all believers, are explicitly told that they lack precise knowledge regarding the timing of the Lord's return. This absence of specific information about the "hour" is not a deficiency but a divinely ordained mystery designed to foster constant readiness rather than speculative calculation.
* **"what hour your Lord doth come."**: This phrase specifies the subject of the uncertainty – the exact "hour" or moment of "your Lord's" return. The use of "your Lord" personalizes the expectation, emphasizing that it is *their* Master, the one to whom they owe allegiance, who is coming. The verb "doth come" (G2064, _érchomai_) is in the present tense in Greek, which can convey a future event that is certain and continually anticipated, reinforcing the idea of an ongoing expectation and the imminence of the event.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 24:42 employs several powerful literary devices. The most prominent is the **Imperative** mood of "Watch," which functions as a direct command, conveying urgency and non-negotiable instruction. This is reinforced by the **Explanatory Conjunction** "for" (G3754, _hóti_), which immediately provides the rationale for the command, creating a clear cause-and-effect relationship between the unknown timing and the necessity of vigilance. The concept of "watching" itself serves as a **Metaphor** for spiritual alertness, preparedness, and active discernment, drawing on the familiar image of a literal watchman. Furthermore, the verse acts as a **Transitional Statement**, bridging Jesus' descriptions of the signs of the end with the subsequent parables of readiness ([Matthew 25:1-30](/matthew/25-1-30 "Matthew 25:1-30 - Parables of Readiness")), thereby **Foreshadowing** the practical implications of living in light of the Lord's uncertain return.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 24:42 stands as a cornerstone of Christian eschatology, emphasizing the tension between the "already" and the "not yet" of God's kingdom. Theologically, it underscores the absolute sovereignty of God over time and events, particularly the timing of Christ's Second Coming, which remains solely within the Father's prerogative ([Matthew 24:36](/matthew/24-36 "Matthew 24:36 - No One Knows the Day or Hour")). This divine mystery is not a cause for anxiety or fear, but a catalyst for faithful living. It calls believers to live with an eternal perspective, recognizing that every moment is an opportunity for obedience and service, as they await the consummation of God's redemptive plan. The command to "watch" is therefore a call to spiritual maturity, ethical living, and persistent hope, shaping the believer's priorities and actions in the present.

* [Mark 13:33](/mark/13-33 "Mark 13:33 - Watch and Pray")
* [Luke 12:40](/luke/12-40 "Luke 12:40 - Be Ready")
* [1 Thessalonians 5:6](/1_thessalonians/5-6 "1 Thessalonians 5:6 - Watch and Be Sober")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The command to "Watch therefore" in [Matthew 24:42](/matthew/24-42 "Matthew 24:42 - Watch for the Lord's Coming") transcends its initial context to become a timeless directive for all believers. It challenges us to live with intentionality and purpose, recognizing that our lives are lived in the light of Christ's imminent return. This does not imply a fearful or obsessive preoccupation with end-times predictions, but rather a profound spiritual alertness that impacts our daily choices, relationships, and stewardship of resources. True watchfulness is evidenced by a life characterized by faithfulness, love, justice, and active participation in God's mission, ensuring that we are found doing His will when He appears. It cultivates a hopeful anticipation that anchors us in the present while looking forward to the future, fostering a deep sense of accountability and a desire to honor our Lord in all things.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does "watching" practically look like in your daily life, beyond merely avoiding sin?**
* **How does the uncertainty of Christ's return motivate or challenge your current priorities and commitments?**
* **In what areas of your life might you be spiritually "asleep" or complacent, and what steps can you take to awaken your vigilance?**
* **How can the "blessed hope" of Christ's return inspire faithful service rather than passive waiting or fear?**

### FAQ
**Does "watching" mean trying to predict the exact time of Jesus' return?**

Answer: No, quite the opposite. [Matthew 24:42](/matthew/24-42 "Matthew 24:42 - Watch for the Lord's Coming") explicitly states, "ye know not what hour your Lord doth come." This verse, along with [Matthew 24:36](/matthew/24-36 "Matthew 24:36 - No One Knows the Day or Hour"), directly refutes any attempt to predict the precise timing of Christ's Second Coming. The command to "watch" is not about calculating dates or deciphering hidden codes, but about maintaining a state of spiritual readiness, alertness, and faithful living because the timing is unknown and unexpected. It's about being prepared *at all times*, rather than trying to pinpoint *the time*.

**What are the practical implications of "watching" for a believer today?**

Answer: Practically, "watching" involves several key aspects of Christian living. It means living with a deep awareness of God's presence and sovereignty, cultivating a vibrant relationship with Him through prayer and His Word. It implies actively pursuing holiness and righteousness, being quick to repent and seek reconciliation. Furthermore, it involves faithful stewardship of the gifts, talents, and resources God has entrusted to us, using them for His glory and the advancement of His kingdom ([Matthew 25:14-30](/matthew/25-14-30 "Matthew 25:14-30 - Parable of the Talents")). It also means being discerning of the spiritual climate and cultural trends, standing firm in faith amidst challenges, and sharing the hope of Christ with others ([1 Peter 3:15](/1_peter/3-15 "1 Peter 3:15 - Be Ready to Give a Defense")). Ultimately, it is about living each day as if Christ could return, eager to be found faithful in His service.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While [Matthew 24:42](/matthew/24-42 "Matthew 24:42 - Watch for the Lord's Coming") commands vigilance for the Lord's return, its ultimate fulfillment and meaning are profoundly Christ-centered. The "Lord" who "doth come" is none other than Jesus Christ Himself, the very one who first came in humility to inaugurate God's kingdom and offer salvation through His atoning death and resurrection ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God So Loved the World")). Our watchfulness is not for a generic event, but for the glorious appearing of our Savior, King, and Bridegroom ([Titus 2:13](/titus/2-13 "Titus 2:13 - The Blessed Hope")). He is the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, and His return will mark the consummation of all things, bringing full redemption to His people and final judgment to the world ([Revelation 22:12-13](/revelation/22-12-13 "Revelation 22:12-13 - Jesus Is Coming Soon")). Therefore, to "watch" is to fix our hope and affection on Christ, living in eager expectation of the day when we will see Him face to face and be fully conformed to His image ([1 John 3:2](/1_john/3-2 "We Shall Be Like Him")). It is a call to live faithfully *for* Him, knowing that He who promised to return will surely do so ([John 14:3](/john/14-3 "Jesus Promises to Return")).

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 21:36

Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.

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.

Revelation 16:15

Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed [is] he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame.

1 Corinthians 16:13

¶ Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.

Matthew 24:36

But of that day and hour knoweth no [man], no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.

Luke 12:35

Let your loins be girded about, and [your] lights burning;