Matthew 24:48

But and if that evil servant shall say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming;

But and {G1161} if {G1437} that {G1565} evil {G2556} servant {G1401} shall say {G2036} in {G1722} his {G846} heart {G2588}, My {G3450} lord {G2962} delayeth {G5549} his coming {G2064};

But if that servant is wicked and says to himself, `My master is taking his time';

But suppose that servant is wicked and says in his heart, ‘My master will be away a long time.’

But if that evil servant shall say in his heart, My lord tarrieth;

Matthew 24:48 is a pivotal verse within Jesus's Olivet Discourse, specifically part of the parable of the faithful and evil servant. This verse introduces the negative mindset of the "evil servant," whose internal conviction about his master's delayed return leads to grave consequences.

Context

This verse is found within a larger section of Matthew 24 (and parallel passages in Mark 13 and Luke 21) where Jesus is answering his disciples' questions about the signs of his coming and the end of the age. After describing various signs and warnings, Jesus shifts to emphasize the need for constant readiness. The parable of the faithful and wise servant (beginning at Matthew 24:45) contrasts two types of servants based on their response to the master's prolonged absence. Verse 48 focuses on the critical error of the unfaithful servant, whose actions stem from a deeply rooted internal belief.

Key Themes

  • Spiritual Complacency: The core issue is the servant's assumption that the master's return is distant, leading to a relaxed or negligent attitude towards his duties. This highlights the danger of spiritual apathy.
  • Internal Disposition: The phrase "say in his heart" underscores that the problem isn't just outward disobedience but an inner conviction or belief that shapes behavior. It's a settled mindset that justifies unfaithfulness.
  • Lack of Accountability: A belief in delayed accountability often leads to irresponsibility and abuse of authority, as seen in the subsequent actions of this servant (Matthew 24:49).
  • The Call to Readiness: This verse serves as a stark warning, contrasting sharply with Jesus's consistent call for believers to remain watchful and prepared for His unexpected return.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "say in his heart" translates the Greek eipe en te kardia autou (εἶπεν ἐν τῇ καρδίᾳ αὐτοῦ). This is a Hebraism, common in the Old Testament, signifying a deep-seated thought, a settled conviction, or a secret deliberation rather than just a casual thought or spoken word. It reveals the servant's true character and the source of his subsequent evil actions.

The word "delayeth" comes from the Greek chronizei (χρονίζει), which means "to take a long time," "to tarry," or "to delay." It emphasizes the servant's perception of a prolonged absence, which he misinterprets as an indefinite postponement, rather than a master who is truly late or negligent.

Practical Application

Matthew 24:48 serves as a timeless warning against spiritual complacency and neglecting our responsibilities as followers of Christ. For believers, this verse underscores the importance of:

  1. Living in Constant Readiness: Regardless of our personal perception of the timing of Christ's return, we are called to live as if He could come at any moment, fulfilling our spiritual duties and serving Him faithfully.
  2. Guarding Our Hearts: Our internal beliefs and attitudes profoundly impact our outward actions. This verse reminds us to examine our hearts for any complacency or presumption regarding God's timeline or our accountability to Him.
  3. Faithful Stewardship: As servants of God, we are entrusted with various gifts, resources, and responsibilities. The "evil servant's" error was assuming he could abuse his position because the master was not immediately present to hold him accountable. This calls us to faithful stewardship in all areas of life.
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.

  • Matthew 18:32

    Then his lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst me:

  • 2 Peter 3:3

    ¶ Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts,

  • 2 Peter 3:5

    For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water:

  • Isaiah 32:6

    For the vile person will speak villany, and his heart will work iniquity, to practise hypocrisy, and to utter error against the LORD, to make empty the soul of the hungry, and he will cause the drink of the thirsty to fail.

  • Luke 12:45

    But and if that servant say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming; and shall begin to beat the menservants and maidens, and to eat and drink, and to be drunken;

  • Mark 7:21

    For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders,

  • Deuteronomy 9:4

    Speak not thou in thine heart, after that the LORD thy God hath cast them out from before thee, saying, For my righteousness the LORD hath brought me in to possess this land: but for the wickedness of these nations the LORD doth drive them out from before thee.
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