Matthew 24:44

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

Therefore {G1223}{G5124} be {G1096} ye {G5210} also {G2532} ready {G2092}: for {G3754} in such {G3739} an hour {G5610} as ye think {G1380} not {G3756} the Son {G5207} of man {G444} cometh {G2064}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Therefore you too must always be ready, for the Son of Man will come when you are not expecting him.

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

Therefore be ye also ready; for in an hour that ye think not the Son of man cometh.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 24:44 serves as a direct and urgent exhortation from Jesus to His disciples, and by extension to all believers, to maintain a state of constant spiritual readiness. This verse underscores the absolute certainty of the Son of Man's return while simultaneously emphasizing the complete unpredictability of its timing, thereby demanding a vigilant and prepared lifestyle from His followers.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Matthew 24:44 is nestled within Jesus' profound Olivet Discourse, a comprehensive teaching on eschatology delivered on the Mount of Olives to His disciples. This discourse, spanning [Matthew 24](/matthew/24 "Matthew 24 - The Olivet Discourse") and [Matthew 25](/matthew/25 "Matthew 25 - Parables of the Kingdom"), directly addresses the disciples' questions regarding the signs of His coming and the end of the age (cf. [Matthew 24:3](/matthew/24-3 "Matthew 24:3 - Disciples' Questions")). Preceding this verse, Jesus has described various global and cosmic disturbances, false prophets, and increasing lawlessness, all leading to the "abomination of desolation" ([Matthew 24:15](/matthew/24-15 "Matthew 24:15 - The Abomination of Desolation")). Importantly, He then shifts from signs to the *timing* of His return, asserting 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 immediate context, [Matthew 24:42-43](/matthew/24-42-43 "Matthew 24:42-43 - Watchfulness Exhortation"), uses the analogy of a homeowner and a thief, directly setting up the imperative for readiness found in verse 44.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Olivet Discourse was delivered in Jerusalem, a city steeped in prophetic expectation of a Messiah who would establish an earthly kingdom. The disciples, reflecting common Jewish understanding, likely anticipated a visible, immediate, and triumphant arrival of the Messiah. Jesus' teaching, however, introduces a nuanced perspective: while His coming is certain, its timing is hidden, challenging their preconceived notions. The analogy of a "thief in the night" would have resonated with a culture where homes were vulnerable to unexpected break-ins, emphasizing the element of surprise. The call to "be ready" would have been understood as a practical, active state of preparedness, not merely a passive waiting, akin to a servant diligently managing affairs in the master's absence.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the Olivet Discourse and the broader New Testament. Foremost is the theme of **Eschatological Vigilance**, urging believers to live in constant anticipation of Christ's return, not knowing the hour ([Matthew 24:36](/matthew/24-36 "Matthew 24:36 - No One Knows the Day or Hour")). It also highlights the **Sovereignty of God** over future events, as only the Father knows the precise timing. The title "Son of Man" reinforces Jesus' **Messianic Authority** and His role as the ultimate judge and king, echoing the prophetic vision in [Daniel 7:13-14](/daniel/7-13-14 "Daniel 7:13-14 - The Son of Man's Dominion")). Finally, it underscores the **Urgency of Discipleship**, implying that readiness is demonstrated through faithful living, obedience, and diligent service, as further illustrated in the parables of the faithful servant ([Matthew 24:45-51](/matthew/24-45-51 "Matthew 24:45-51 - Parable of the Faithful and Unfaithful Servant")) and the ten virgins ([Matthew 25:1-13](/matthew/25-1-13 "Matthew 25:1-13 - Parable of the Ten Virgins")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **ready (Greek, _hétoimos_):** This word signifies being "adjusted" or "prepared." It implies a state of active preparedness, not merely a passive waiting. It suggests that one has made the necessary arrangements and is in a suitable condition for an anticipated event, emphasizing a proactive and ongoing spiritual posture.
* **think (Greek, _dokéō_):** Meaning "to think" or "to seem," this word highlights the human inability to predict the timing of the Son of Man's coming. The phrase "as ye think not" underscores the element of surprise and the futility of human speculation regarding the exact hour of Christ's return.
* **cometh (Greek, _érchomai_):** This verb denotes "to come or go" and, in this context, specifically refers to the arrival or advent of the Son of Man. It conveys the certainty of the event, regardless of the unknown timing, emphasizing the definitive nature of Christ's future return.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Therefore be ye also ready:"** This opening phrase serves as a direct imperative, a logical consequence derived from the preceding warnings about the unpredictable nature of the Lord's return. The "therefore" links it to the analogy of the thief in the night, urging an active state of preparedness. The command is personal ("ye also") and immediate.
* **"for in such an hour as ye think not":** This clause provides the crucial reason for the command to be ready. It explicitly states that the timing of the Son of Man's arrival will be completely unexpected from a human perspective. It will occur at a moment when people are not anticipating it, underscoring the element of surprise and the futility of trying to predict the exact time.
* **"the Son of man cometh."** This final clause declares the certain and inevitable event that necessitates the readiness. "The Son of man" is Jesus' preferred self-designation, emphasizing both His humanity and His divine authority, particularly in His eschatological role as judge and king. His "coming" is not a suggestion but a definitive statement of future reality.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 24:44 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its urgent message. The primary device is **Analogy**, specifically drawing upon the preceding comparison of Christ's return to a "thief in the night" ([Matthew 24:43](/matthew/24-43 "Matthew 24:43 - Parable of the Thief")). This analogy vividly illustrates the unexpected and unannounced nature of the event, thereby justifying the call for constant readiness. The verse also utilizes an **Imperative Mood** ("be ye also ready"), which functions as a direct command, underscoring the non-negotiable nature of this spiritual posture. Furthermore, the repeated use of the title "**Son of Man**" throughout the Olivet Discourse, including in this verse, serves as a significant literary and theological marker. It functions as a form of **Self-Designation** that evokes the prophetic imagery of [Daniel 7:13-14](/daniel/7-13-14 "Daniel 7:13-14 - The Son of Man's Dominion"), subtly foreshadowing Jesus' ultimate authority and role as judge. The structure of the verse itself, moving from command to rationale to the inevitable event, creates a sense of logical progression and compelling urgency.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 24:44 stands as a cornerstone for understanding Christian eschatology and ethical living. It establishes the theological truth that while the *fact* of Christ's return is certain, its *timing* is hidden, known only to the Father. This divine prerogative removes any basis for human speculation or complacency, shifting the focus from predicting the future to living faithfully in the present. The command to "be ready" is not about fear-driven preparation but about a lifestyle of active discipleship, marked by spiritual vigilance, moral purity, and diligent service, reflecting a deep trust in God's sovereign plan and a longing for His kingdom.

* [Matthew 25:13](/matthew/25-13 "Matthew 25:13 - Watchfulness in the Parable of the Ten Virgins")
* [1 Thessalonians 5:6](/1_thessalonians/5-6 "1 Thessalonians 5:6 - Be Watchful and Sober")
* [2 Peter 3:10](/2_peter/3-10 "2 Peter 3:10 - The Day of the Lord as a Thief")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 24:44 is a timeless call to spiritual vigilance that resonates deeply with believers across generations. Knowing that the Son of Man will return at an hour we do not expect should profoundly shape our daily lives. It challenges us to live with intentionality, prioritizing our relationship with God and our obedience to His commands over worldly pursuits. Readiness implies a continuous state of spiritual health: maintaining a vibrant prayer life, diligently studying God's Word, actively repenting of sin, and faithfully serving others. It means living each day as if it were the day of His return, not out of fear, but out of eager anticipation and a desire to be found faithful. This readiness fosters a sense of urgency for evangelism, a commitment to justice, and a perseverance in holiness, knowing that our ultimate hope rests in His glorious appearing.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does "being ready" practically look like in my daily life, beyond mere intellectual assent?**
* **Am I living in a way that demonstrates active anticipation of Christ's return, or am I complacent?**
* **How does the unexpected nature of Christ's coming motivate me to prioritize spiritual growth and service?**
* **What areas of my life might I need to adjust or repent of to ensure I am truly "ready" for His return?**

### FAQ

**What does "the Son of Man" mean in this context?**
Answer: In [Matthew 24:44](/matthew/24-44 "Matthew 24:44 - Be Ready for the Son of Man's Coming"), "the Son of Man" is Jesus' most frequent self-designation in the Gospels. While it emphasizes His true humanity, in an eschatological context like the Olivet Discourse, it carries profound significance, linking Him to the divine, authoritative figure described in [Daniel 7:13-14](/daniel/7-13-14 "Daniel 7:13-14 - The Son of Man's Dominion"). Here, it refers to Jesus in His role as the returning Lord, the ultimate judge, and the one who will establish His eternal kingdom. His coming as the Son of Man signifies the culmination of God's redemptive plan.

**Why is the timing of Christ's return kept a secret?**
Answer: The New Testament consistently emphasizes that the precise timing of Christ's second coming is unknown to anyone except God the Father (cf. [Matthew 24:36](/matthew/24-36 "Matthew 24:36 - No One Knows the Day or Hour")). This secrecy serves a crucial theological and practical purpose. If the timing were known, it could lead to complacency or fanaticism. By keeping it unknown, God ensures that believers remain in a state of constant vigilance and active readiness, living each day as if it were the day of His return. This promotes faithful living, diligent service, and a continuous reliance on God's grace, rather than a last-minute scramble for righteousness.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 24:44, with its urgent call to readiness for the coming of the "Son of Man," finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment not only in the anticipation of His glorious second advent but also in the implications of His first coming. The Son of Man, who promises to "come," is the very same Jesus who first came in humility, born of a virgin ([Luke 2:7](/luke/2-7 "Luke 2:7 - Birth of Jesus")), lived a sinless life, and offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice for sin on the cross ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). His finished work on Calvary ([John 19:30](/john/19-30 "John 19:30 - It is Finished")) and His triumphant resurrection ([Romans 1:4](/romans/1-4 "Romans 1:4 - Jesus Declared Son of God by Resurrection")) are the foundational realities that empower and define our readiness. We are not called to prepare for an unknown deity, but for the one who has already conquered sin and death, and who now reigns at the right hand of the Father ([Hebrews 1:3](/hebrews/1-3 "Hebrews 1:3 - Christ's Exaltation")). Our readiness for His future coming is therefore rooted in our present faith in His past redemptive work and our ongoing communion with Him through the Holy Spirit ([Romans 8:9-11](/romans/8-9-11 "Romans 8:9-11 - Indwelling of the Spirit")). The promise that "the Son of Man cometh" is a guarantee of the ultimate triumph of His kingdom, offering a blessed hope ([Titus 2:13](/titus/2-13 "Titus 2:13 - Blessed Hope")) that motivates faithful living until He appears in glory ([Philippians 3:20-21](/philippians/3-20-21 "Philippians 3:20-21 - Our Citizenship 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

Matthew 25:10

And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut.

Matthew 24:42

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

Matthew 25:13

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

Luke 12:40

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

Philippians 4:5

Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord [is] at hand.

Matthew 24:27

For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.

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.