Matthew 24:46

Blessed [is] that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing.

Blessed {G3107} is that {G1565} servant {G1401}, whom {G3739} his {G846} lord {G2962} when he cometh {G2064} shall find {G2147} so {G3779} doing {G4160}.

It will go well with that servant if he is found doing his job when his master comes.

Blessed is that servant whose master finds him doing so when he returns.

Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing.

Context of Matthew 24:46

Matthew 24:46 is part of Jesus' extensive discourse known as the Olivet Discourse, delivered to His disciples on the Mount of Olives. In this pivotal teaching (Matthew chapters 24-25), Jesus answers their questions concerning the destruction of the Temple and the signs of His coming and the end of the age. Following prophecies about future events and warnings against deception, Jesus shifts to emphasize the attitude and conduct of His followers during the period awaiting His return. This verse is specifically drawn from the Parable of the Faithful and Wise Servant (Matthew 24:45-51), which immediately follows the call to watchfulness and precedes other parables illustrating the need for readiness, such as the Parable of the Ten Virgins and the Parable of the Talents.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Faithful Stewardship: The verse highlights the importance of being a diligent and responsible steward of the tasks, resources, and spiritual gifts entrusted by the Lord. It implies that true blessedness comes from using what has been given to serve Him and others, not just for personal gain.
  • Vigilance and Readiness: Central to the Olivet Discourse, this verse underscores the necessity of constant preparedness for the Lord's return. Since the exact time of His coming is unknown, believers are called to live in a state of active readiness, performing their duties as if He could appear at any moment. This echoes the call to "watch" in Mark 13:37.
  • Reward for Obedience: The term "blessed" signifies divine approval, favor, and resulting happiness. It promises a positive outcome for those who are found faithfully serving when the Lord returns. This blessing is not merely a future reward but also a present joy in knowing one is living in accordance with God's will.
  • Accountability: Implicit in the master-servant relationship is the concept of accountability. Every servant will give an account of their actions and how they managed what was entrusted to them. This verse speaks to the Lord's expectation that His followers will be found busy with His work.

Linguistic Insights

  • "Blessed" (Greek: makarios): This word signifies a state of profound happiness, good fortune, or divine favor, often associated with those who receive God's approval. It's the same term used in the Beatitudes (Matthew 5:3-11), pointing to a deep spiritual well-being that transcends earthly circumstances.
  • "Servant" (Greek: doulos): More accurately translated as "bondservant" or "slave," this term emphasizes a relationship of complete dedication and submission to a master. It highlights that believers are not merely casual employees but individuals fully committed to their Lord's will and purpose.
  • "When he cometh" (Greek: erchomai): This verb denotes the act of coming, and in this context, it specifically refers to the Second Coming of Jesus Christ, a central theme of eschatology.

Practical Application

Matthew 24:46 provides a powerful call to purposeful living for every believer. It encourages us not to be idle or complacent while awaiting Christ's return, but to be actively engaged in the work He has given us to do. This includes:

  • Diligence in Daily Duties: Faithfulness in our vocations, family responsibilities, and community roles can be an act of worship and stewardship.
  • Spiritual Preparedness: Cultivating a vibrant spiritual life through prayer, Bible study, and fellowship, ensuring our lamps are trimmed and burning.
  • Active Service: Engaging in acts of love, justice, and mercy, sharing the Gospel, and building up the body of Christ. The "so doing" implies carrying out the master's will, which for Christians involves making disciples and living out Christ's teachings.
  • Living with an Eternal Perspective: Understanding that our present actions have eternal consequences and that our faithfulness will be acknowledged and rewarded by the Lord Himself, as promised in 1 Corinthians 4:2.

The blessedness spoken of in this verse is a profound encouragement to live with integrity, purpose, and devoted service, knowing that our Lord sees and values our labor of love.

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.

  • 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.

  • Luke 12:43

    Blessed [is] that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing.

  • Luke 12:37

    Blessed [are] those servants, whom the lord when he cometh shall find watching: verily I say unto you, that he shall gird himself, and make them to sit down to meat, and will come forth and serve them.

  • Revelation 2:19

    I know thy works, and charity, and service, and faith, and thy patience, and thy works; and the last [to be] more than the first.

  • Matthew 25:34

    Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:

  • 2 Timothy 4:6

    For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand.

  • 2 Timothy 4:8

    Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

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