Matthew 24:43

KJV

But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up.

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G1161} know {G1097} this {G1565}, that {G3754} if {G1487} the goodman of the house {G3617} had known {G1492} in what {G4169} watch {G5438} the thief {G2812} would come {G2064}, he would {G302} have watched {G1127}, and {G2532} would {G302} not {G3756} have suffered {G1439} his {G846} house {G3614} to be broken up {G1358}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But you do know this: had the owner of the house known when the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and not allowed his house to be broken into.

Berean Standard Bible

But understand this: If the homeowner had known in which watch of the night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into.

American Standard Version

But know this, that if the master of the house had known in what watch the thief was coming, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken through.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 24:43, a pivotal verse within Jesus' Olivet Discourse, serves as a profound warning regarding the unpredictable nature of His second coming and the paramount importance of spiritual readiness. Through the vivid and relatable analogy of a homeowner and an unannounced thief, Jesus underscores the critical necessity for His disciples to maintain constant vigilance, highlighting that foreknowledge of the exact timing would naturally lead to active preparation, thereby averting catastrophic loss. This parable encapsulates the core message that while the specific hour of the Lord's return remains unknown, the certainty of its occurrence demands an ongoing state of spiritual alertness and preparedness from all who await Him.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within Jesus' extensive Olivet Discourse, recorded in [Matthew 24](/matthew/24 "Matthew 24 - The Olivet Discourse") and [Matthew 25](/matthew/25 "Matthew 25 - Parables of the Kingdom and Judgment"). Having addressed the signs preceding His return and the intensity of the "great tribulation" ([Matthew 24:21](/matthew/24-21 "Matthew 24:21 - The Great Tribulation")), Jesus shifts His focus from the *what* and *when* of the signs to the *how* of His disciples' response. He repeatedly emphasizes the sudden and unknown nature of His arrival, explicitly stating that "concerning that day and hour no one knows" ([Matthew 24:36](/matthew/24-36 "Matthew 24:36 - No One Knows the Day or Hour")). The parable of the thief in this verse immediately precedes other parables, such as the [faithful and wise servant](/matthew/24-45-51 "Matthew 24:45-51 - Parable of the Faithful and Wise Servant") and the [ten virgins](/matthew/25-1-13 "Matthew 25:1-13 - Parable of the Ten Virgins"), all of which collectively reinforce the overarching theme of preparedness and constant vigilance for the Lord's unexpected advent.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Judea, houses were often constructed with mud-brick walls or foundations that, while sturdy, could be "dug through" or "broken up" by determined thieves, especially at night. Burglary was a common threat, and homeowners had no way of knowing when or if their property would be targeted. The concept of "watches" refers to the ancient Roman system of dividing the night into four periods (e.g., 6 PM-9 PM, 9 PM-12 AM, 12 AM-3 AM, 3 AM-6 AM), which soldiers and guards used. By stating that the homeowner did not know "in what watch" the thief would come, Jesus highlights the complete unpredictability of the event. This imagery would have resonated strongly with His audience, immediately conveying the idea of an unannounced, unwelcome, and potentially devastating intrusion that could only be prevented by continuous, round-the-clock vigilance.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within the Olivet Discourse and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it underscores **The Unpredictable Timing of Christ's Return**, reiterating that the exact day or hour of the Son of Man's coming is hidden from humanity, making attempts to predict dates futile and dangerous. Secondly, it highlights **The Necessity of Vigilance and Readiness**, presenting the hypothetical homeowner's preparedness as the ideal state for believers. They are called to a lifestyle of continuous spiritual alertness, living in anticipation and readiness, ensuring they are not caught off guard. This preparedness involves maintaining a vibrant relationship with God and living righteously, as also seen in [Luke 12:35-40](/luke/12-35-40 "Luke 12:35-40 - Be Ready for the Son of Man"). Finally, the "broken up" house symbolizes **The Consequences of Unpreparedness**, representing the spiritual loss, judgment, or suffering that awaits those who are spiritually complacent or unready when the Lord returns. Failing to watch leads to being unprepared for a pivotal, life-altering moment, serving as a stark warning about the importance of spiritual diligence.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **know (Greek, _ginṓskō'_):** This verb signifies a deep, experiential understanding, not merely intellectual assent. In this context, it implies a complete and certain awareness of the thief's timing, which would naturally lead to preventative action. The hypothetical nature of the homeowner *not* knowing highlights the critical absence of such foreknowledge regarding Christ's return, thereby necessitating constant vigilance.
* **watched (Greek, _grēgoreúō'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to keep awake," this term denotes active vigilance, alertness, and wakefulness, both literally and figuratively. It implies a state of readiness and preparedness against an unforeseen threat, directly contrasting with spiritual slumber or complacency. The homeowner *would have watched* if he had known, underscoring the direct link between knowledge and proactive readiness.
* **thief (Greek, _kléptēs'_):** This word refers to a stealthy, clandestine robber who operates under cover of darkness and without warning, aiming to seize property by surprise. Its use here is purely illustrative, emphasizing the sudden, unannounced, and unexpected nature of the event being described—Christ's return—rather than implying any moral equivalence to Christ Himself. The thief's modus operandi serves as a powerful metaphor for the manner of the Lord's coming.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But know this":** Jesus introduces a crucial, foundational truth that demands careful attention and understanding from His disciples. The conjunction "But" (G1161, _dé_) indicates a transition or continuation from previous warnings, emphasizing the practical implication of what He has just revealed about the end times. It signals a shift from descriptive signs to a direct imperative for His followers.
* **"that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come":** This sets up a hypothetical scenario, a counterfactual condition. The "goodman of the house" (G3617, _oikodespótēs_) is the master or owner, responsible for his household and property. The "watch" (G5438, _phylakḗ_) refers to one of the ancient divisions of the night, highlighting the complete unpredictability of the thief's arrival. The core point is the *lack of knowledge* regarding the exact timing, which is the premise for the subsequent action or inaction.
* **"he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up.":** This clause presents the logical and inevitable consequence of foreknowledge: active vigilance ("watched," G1127, _grēgoreúō_) would have prevented the negative outcome ("broken up," G1358, _diorýssō_). "Broken up" refers to a burglar breaking through walls (often made of mud-brick) or foundations, not just picking a lock, indicating a forceful and destructive entry. The implication is that preparedness averts disaster and protects what is valuable.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 24:43 primarily employs **Analogy** and **Symbolism**. The entire verse functions as an **Analogy**, drawing a direct comparison between the unexpected arrival of a thief and the unforeseen return of the Son of Man. This comparison is not about the character of the thief versus Christ, but about the *manner* of their coming—sudden, unannounced, and at an unknown time, demanding constant vigilance. The "thief" **symbolizes** the unexpectedness of Christ's return, while the "goodman of the house" **symbolizes** the disciples or believers who are responsible for their spiritual "house" or lives. The "house being broken up" **symbolizes** the spiritual loss, judgment, or unpreparedness that will befall those who are not watchful. There is also an element of **Hypothetical Reasoning**, as Jesus presents a "what if" scenario to illustrate the logical outcome of knowing versus not knowing the timing, thereby emphasizing the necessity of perpetual watchfulness in the face of uncertainty.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse serves as a timeless and urgent call to spiritual vigilance, deeply rooted in the eschatological teachings of Jesus. It underscores the theological truth that while God has revealed the *certainty* of Christ's return, He has deliberately withheld the *timing*, thereby compelling believers to live in a state of continuous readiness and faithfulness. The analogy of the thief highlights that the Lord's coming will be an intrusion into the ordinary flow of life, disrupting complacency and revealing true spiritual preparedness. This readiness is not driven by fear of the unknown, but by a sober understanding of divine sovereignty and the imperative to live in active anticipation of the Master's return, diligently stewarding the spiritual gifts and responsibilities entrusted to us.

* [1 Thessalonians 5:2](/1_thessalonians/5-2 "1 Thessalonians 5:2 - The Day of the Lord Comes Like a Thief")
* [2 Peter 3:10](/2_peter/3-10 "2 Peter 3:10 - The Day of the Lord Will Come Like a Thief")
* [Revelation 3:3](/revelation/3-3 "Revelation 3:3 - I Will Come Like a Thief")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 24:43 calls us to a profound and practical spiritual discipline: living in a constant state of readiness for Christ's return. This isn't about fear-mongering or date-setting, but about cultivating a lifestyle of intentional faithfulness and spiritual alertness. Just as a wise homeowner would guard their property if they knew a thief was coming, we are to guard our hearts, minds, and actions, knowing that our Lord will return at an hour we do not expect. This means actively pursuing holiness, engaging in diligent service, and maintaining a vibrant relationship with God through prayer and His Word. It challenges us to examine our priorities, ensuring that our lives are aligned with God's will, so that when He appears, we are not found spiritually asleep or unprepared, but actively engaged in His kingdom work, ready to welcome Him with joy.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What areas of my life might indicate spiritual complacency or a lack of readiness for Christ's return?**
* **How does the imagery of the "thief in the night" influence my understanding of diligence and preparedness in my daily walk with God?**
* **In what practical ways can I cultivate a greater sense of spiritual vigilance and anticipation in my life and for my household?**
* **If I knew Christ were returning tomorrow, what changes would I make today, and why am I not making those changes now?**

### FAQ
**Why does Jesus use the imagery of a "thief" to describe His return? Does this imply something negative about His coming?**

Answer: Jesus uses the "thief" imagery not to imply anything negative about His character or the nature of His return, but solely to emphasize the *manner* of His coming: it will be sudden, unexpected, and unannounced. A thief gives no warning, and neither will Christ's return. The point is the element of surprise and the consequent need for constant vigilance, rather than a moral comparison between Christ and a thief. This metaphor is consistently used in the New Testament to stress preparedness, as seen in [1 Thessalonians 5:2](/1_thessalonians/5-2 "1 Thessalonians 5:2 - The Day of the Lord Comes Like a Thief") and [2 Peter 3:10](/2_peter/3-10 "2 Peter 3:10 - The Day of the Lord Will Come Like a Thief").

**What does it mean for a Christian to "watch" or be "ready" for Christ's return?**

Answer: To "watch" or be "ready" means to live a life of ongoing spiritual alertness and faithfulness, as if Christ could return at any moment. It involves more than just intellectual assent; it's a lifestyle. This includes actively pursuing holiness ([1 John 3:2-3](/1_john/3-2-3 "1 John 3:2-3 - Purify Oneself as He Is Pure")), diligently fulfilling one's God-given responsibilities ([Matthew 25:14-30](/matthew/25-14-30 "Matthew 25:14-30 - Parable of the Talents")), maintaining a vibrant prayer life ([Luke 21:36](/luke/21-36 "Luke 21:36 - Watch and Pray")), and staying rooted in God's Word. It's about living in a way that honors God daily, rather than sporadically, ensuring one is not caught off guard by spiritual complacency or unconfessed sin.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Matthew 24:43 speaks directly to the manner of Christ's second coming, its deeper Christ-centered fulfillment lies in how His first coming, His atoning work, and His ongoing intercession make our readiness possible and meaningful. The "thief in the night" imagery, while a warning, is ultimately transformed by the finished work of Christ. It is because Jesus, the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), willingly suffered and died on the cross, taking away the sin of the world, that believers can even *be* ready. His sacrifice provides the redemption and sanctification necessary for us to stand blameless before God ([Ephesians 1:7](/ephesians/1-7 "Ephesians 1:7 - Redemption Through His Blood")). Furthermore, His resurrection and ascension mean that He is now seated at the right hand of the Father, actively interceding for us ([Romans 8:34](/romans/8-34 "Romans 8:34 - Christ Intercedes for Us")), empowering us through the Holy Spirit to live lives of vigilance and obedience. Thus, our watchfulness is not a frantic effort to earn salvation, but a joyful response of love and gratitude to the One who has already secured our eternal hope. The "thief" will indeed come, but for those who are "in Christ," His coming will be the glorious consummation of their salvation, ushering them into His eternal presence ([Philippians 3:20-21](/philippians/3-20-21 "Philippians 3:20-21 - Our Citizenship is in Heaven")).

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 12:39

And this know, that if the goodman of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched, and not have suffered his house to be broken through.

Matthew 24:44

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

1 Thessalonians 5:2

For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.

1 Thessalonians 5:6

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

2 Peter 3:10

But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.

2 Peter 3:11

¶ [Seeing] then [that] all these things shall be dissolved, what manner [of persons] ought ye to be in [all] holy conversation and godliness,

Exodus 22:2

If a thief be found breaking up, and be smitten that he die, [there shall] no blood [be shed] for him.