Matthew 24:48

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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};

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 24:48, situated within Jesus's Olivet Discourse, introduces the mindset of the "evil servant" whose internal conviction that his master's return is delayed leads to profound spiritual complacency and neglect of duty. This verse serves as a critical warning against the dangers of presumption regarding God's timing and the subsequent erosion of faithful stewardship, highlighting how an inner disposition can dictate outward unfaithfulness and invite severe consequences.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral part of Jesus's eschatological discourse, delivered on the Mount of Olives in response to the disciples' questions about the signs of His coming and the end of the age (cf. [Matthew 24:3](/matthew/24-3 "Matthew 24:3 - Disciples Ask About the End")). Following a series of warnings about deception and tribulation, Jesus shifts to emphasize the imperative of readiness through parables. Matthew 24:48 specifically introduces the antithesis to the "faithful and wise servant" described in [Matthew 24:45-47](/matthew/24-45-47 "Matthew 24:45-47 - The Faithful and Wise Servant"), setting the stage for the evil servant's subsequent actions of abusing his authority and fellow servants, detailed in [Matthew 24:49-51](/matthew/24-49-51 "Matthew 24:49-51 - The Evil Servant's Actions and Judgment"). The parable underscores the immediate relevance of Jesus's teachings to the daily conduct of His followers, regardless of the perceived timing of His return.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The master-servant relationship was a fundamental social structure in the ancient world. Masters often entrusted significant responsibilities to trusted servants or stewards, particularly during extended absences. These servants were expected to manage the household, distribute provisions, and maintain order, with the understanding that they would be held accountable upon the master's return. The concept of a master's "delay" (Greek: _chronízō_) would have been a familiar scenario, testing the integrity and diligence of the entrusted servant. Culturally, the expectation of a master's return was a powerful motivator for faithful service, and its perceived postponement could lead to a breakdown of discipline and responsibility, mirroring the spiritual complacency Jesus warns against.
* **Key Themes:** Matthew 24:48 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the Olivet Discourse and the broader Gospel of Matthew. It highlights the theme of **Spiritual Vigilance and Readiness**, contrasting sharply with the "evil servant's" assumption that the master's prolonged absence equates to an indefinite postponement, thus negating the need for watchfulness. The phrase "say in his heart" emphasizes the theme of **Internal Disposition and Its Outward Manifestation**, revealing that true spiritual health begins with one's inner convictions and attitudes towards God's sovereignty and timing. Furthermore, the verse underscores the theme of **Accountability and Stewardship**, as the servant's belief in delayed judgment directly leads to irresponsible and abusive behavior, serving as a stark warning about the consequences of neglecting one's entrusted duties. This parable, alongside others like the [Parable of the Ten Virgins](/matthew/25-1-13 "Matthew 25:1-13 - The Parable of the Ten Virgins") and the [Parable of the Talents](/matthew/25-14-30 "Matthew 25:14-30 - The Parable of the Talents"), consistently calls for active, faithful waiting rather than passive, complacent idleness.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **evil (Greek, _kakós'_):** This word describes something intrinsically worthless, depraved, or injurious. Here, it characterizes the servant's moral nature, not just his actions. It suggests a fundamental corruption or unworthiness that underlies his behavior, rather than merely a mistake or lapse in judgment. The servant's "evil" is rooted in his character, which manifests in his internal thought and subsequent actions.
* **servant (Greek, _doûlos'_):** Referring to a slave or bond-servant, this term denotes a person in a state of subjection or subserviency. In a spiritual context, it highlights the believer's absolute allegiance and responsibility to Christ, their Master. The "evil servant" is one who, despite being in a position of trust and service, acts contrary to the very nature of his calling, failing to acknowledge his master's ultimate authority and impending return.
* **delayeth (Greek, _chronízō'_):** Derived from the word for "time" (_chronos_), this verb means "to take time," "to linger," or "to tarry." It describes the servant's *perception* that his master's return is taking a long time, leading him to conclude it is indefinitely postponed. Crucially, the word itself does not imply that the master is actually late or negligent, but rather captures the servant's subjective interpretation of the master's prolonged absence. This perception becomes the catalyst for the servant's unfaithful behavior.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But and if that evil servant shall say in his heart,"**: This initial clause introduces the hypothetical scenario of a servant characterized by intrinsic depravity ("evil"). The phrase "say in his heart" is a Hebraism (a common idiom in Semitic languages) signifying a deep-seated conviction, a settled internal resolve, or a secret deliberation, rather than a mere fleeting thought or spoken word. It reveals the true source of the servant's subsequent unfaithfulness: an inner attitude and belief that shapes his actions. His "heart" is the seat of his will, intentions, and moral character.
* **"My lord delayeth his coming;"**: This second clause reveals the specific content of the evil servant's internal conviction. He presumes that his master's return is not imminent but is "delayed" or "tarrying." This perception of prolonged absence leads him to believe that he has ample time before accountability, thus justifying his neglect of duties and abuse of authority. This internal rationalization is the critical error, as it undermines the very foundation of faithful stewardship and readiness.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. The overarching device is **Parable**, as Matthew 24:48 is part of Jesus's larger narrative illustration designed to teach a spiritual truth. Within this, there is strong **Symbolism**: the "master" clearly symbolizes Christ, and the "servant" represents a disciple or believer entrusted with responsibilities during Christ's absence. The phrase "say in his heart" is a profound **Hebraism**, indicating a deep, settled conviction or internal monologue rather than a spoken word, emphasizing the internal source of the servant's unfaithfulness. The entire scenario functions as a **Contrast** to the preceding description of the "faithful and wise servant," highlighting the two divergent responses to the master's perceived delay. Finally, the verse uses **Foreshadowing**, as the internal thought of the evil servant directly anticipates and explains his subsequent wicked actions detailed in the following verses.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 24:48 profoundly impacts our understanding of Christian eschatology and discipleship. It underscores that the timing of Christ's return, while uncertain to us, is not a license for complacency but a call to constant vigilance and faithful stewardship. The "evil servant's" internal rationalization exposes the danger of presuming upon God's grace or misinterpreting His patience as indifference. True faith is characterized by an enduring readiness, motivated by love and obedience, rather than fear of immediate judgment or the absence of the Master. This verse reminds believers that accountability is certain, and our present actions are weighed against the reality of Christ's eventual return.

* [Matthew 25:13](/matthew/25-13 "Matthew 25:13 - Be Watchful") - "Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh."
* [Luke 12:45-46](/luke/12-45-46 "Luke 12:45-46 - The Unfaithful Servant") - "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; The lord of that servant will come in a day when he looketh not for him, and at an hour when he is not aware, and will cut him in sunder, and will appoint him his portion with the unbelievers."
* [2 Peter 3:3-4](/2_peter/3-3-4 "2 Peter 3:3-4 - Scoffers Will Come") - "Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 24:48 serves as a potent mirror for self-examination, urging believers to scrutinize their inner attitudes toward Christ's return and their ongoing responsibilities. The "evil servant's" error was not merely in his actions, but in the heart-level conviction that preceded them—a belief that the Master's delay granted him freedom from accountability. This challenges us to consider if we, too, might be subtly nurturing a similar complacency, perhaps by prioritizing worldly pursuits over spiritual duties, or by neglecting our God-given gifts and callings because we perceive the "day of reckoning" as distant. True faithfulness is not contingent on an immediate deadline but on a constant awareness of Christ's lordship and the certainty of His return, inspiring diligent stewardship and loving service in the present moment. Our readiness is not about predicting the timing, but about cultivating a heart that is always prepared to welcome the Master, having faithfully discharged the duties He entrusted to us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does my personal expectation (or lack thereof) of Christ's return influence my daily decisions and priorities?**
* **In what areas of my life might I be tempted to act as if my "Lord delayeth His coming," leading to spiritual complacency or neglect?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate a heart of constant readiness and faithful stewardship, regardless of the timing of Christ's return?**

### FAQ
**What does "say in his heart" mean in this context?**

Answer: The phrase "say in his heart" (Greek: _eipe en te kardia autou_) is a powerful Hebraism, common in the Old Testament, that signifies a deep-seated, settled conviction or a secret, internal deliberation, rather than merely a casual thought or a spoken word. It reveals the servant's true character and the underlying source of his subsequent unfaithful actions. It means he has convinced himself, at the deepest level of his being, that his master will not return anytime soon, thus justifying his irresponsible behavior.

**Is this parable only about the end times?**

Answer: While the parable of the faithful and evil servant is set within Jesus's eschatological discourse concerning His second coming, its principles extend far beyond a narrow focus on the end times. It speaks to the ongoing responsibility of every believer to live faithfully in Christ's perceived absence, exercising good stewardship over the gifts, resources, and callings entrusted to them. The "master's return" can also symbolize any moment of divine accountability in a believer's life, whether it's a personal crisis, a call to deeper commitment, or the ultimate judgment. The core message is about living in constant readiness and obedience, regardless of the specific timing of future events, as seen throughout [Matthew 24](/matthew/24 "Matthew 24 - The Olivet Discourse") and [Matthew 25](/matthew/25 "Matthew 25 - Parables of Readiness").

**Does "delayeth" imply Christ is actually late?**

Answer: No, the word "delayeth" (Greek: _chronízō_) in this context reflects the *servant's perception* or *assumption* that his master's return is taking a long time, leading him to conclude it is indefinitely postponed. It is not a statement about God's actual timing or a divine tardiness. God's timing is perfect, and what might seem like a delay to human perception is part of His sovereign plan, often for purposes of patience and salvation, as illuminated in passages like [2 Peter 3:9](/2_peter/3-9 "2 Peter 3:9 - The Lord's Patience"). The servant's error lies in misinterpreting this perceived "delay" as an excuse for unfaithfulness, rather than an ongoing opportunity for diligent service.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 24:48, with its stark portrayal of the "evil servant," finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment not only in the anticipation of Jesus's glorious second coming but also in the very nature of His redemptive work. The "Lord" who "delayeth his coming" is none other than Jesus Christ, who, having completed His earthly ministry and ascended to the right hand of the Father, has promised to return (cf. [John 14:1-3](/john/14-1-3 "John 14:1-3 - Jesus Promises His Return")). The "evil servant's" heart, characterized by depravity and a self-serving presumption, stands in stark contrast to the perfect obedience and sacrificial love of Christ, who came not to be served but to serve and to give His life as a ransom for many (cf. [Mark 10:45](/mark/10-45 "Mark 10:45 - The Son of Man Came to Serve")). Our own hearts, naturally prone to spiritual complacency and self-justification, are precisely what Christ came to redeem. It is through His atoning sacrifice that our "evil" hearts can be transformed and empowered by the Holy Spirit to live as faithful servants, eagerly awaiting His return, not out of fear of judgment, but out of love and gratitude for the Master who first loved us (cf. [Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God's Love While We Were Still Sinners")). Our ability to remain vigilant and faithful, even in the perceived "delay," is not born of our own strength but is a fruit of Christ's indwelling Spirit, enabling us to be the wise and faithful stewards He calls us to be until He comes again (cf. [Philippians 2:13](/philippians/2-13 "Philippians 2:13 - God Works In You")).

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 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.