Matthew 24:50

KJV

The lord of that servant shall come in a day when he looketh not for [him], and in an hour that he is not aware of,

KJV (with Strong's)

The lord {G2962} of that {G1565} servant {G1401} shall come {G2240} in {G1722} a day {G2250} when {G3739} he looketh {G4328} not {G3756} for him, and {G2532} in {G1722} an hour {G5610} that {G3739} he is {G1097} not {G3756} aware of {G1097},

Complete Jewish Bible

then his master will come on a day the servant does not expect, at a time he doesn't know;

Berean Standard Bible

The master of that servant will come on a day he does not expect and at an hour he does not anticipate.

American Standard Version

the lord of that servant shall come in a day when he expecteth not, and in an hour when he knoweth not,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 24:50 delivers a profound warning within the Olivet Discourse, asserting that the master of a negligent servant will return on an unexpected day and at an unforeseen hour. This verse, concluding the Parable of the Faithful and Wise Servant, underscores the critical importance of constant vigilance, faithful stewardship, and spiritual readiness for all who await the Lord's return, highlighting the severe consequences for those found unprepared.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Matthew 24:50 serves as the climactic conclusion to the Parable of the Faithful and Wise Servant (Matthew 24:45-51), which itself is a crucial component of Jesus' extensive eschatological discourse, commonly known as the [Olivet Discourse](/matthew/24-3 "Matthew 24:3 - The Olivet Discourse Begins"). This parable immediately follows Jesus' pronouncement that no one knows the exact time of His return, not even the angels or the Son, but only the Father (as stated in [Matthew 24:36](/matthew/24-36 "Matthew 24:36 - No One Knows the Day or Hour")). The parable vividly contrasts a diligent, trustworthy servant who faithfully manages his master's household in his absence with a wicked servant who presumes upon his master's delay, abuses his authority, and indulges in revelry. Verse 50 specifically describes the sudden and decisive return of the master, catching the disobedient servant completely off guard, thereby setting the stage for the severe judgment detailed in [Matthew 24:51](/matthew/24-51 "Matthew 24:51 - The Fate of the Unfaithful Servant").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The master-servant relationship was a fundamental social and economic structure in the ancient Near East and Roman world. A master (Gk. _kýrios_) would often leave his household or estate in the care of trusted servants (_doûloi_) while away on business or travel. The expectation was that these servants would manage affairs responsibly, ensuring the smooth operation and well-being of the household. The concept of an unexpected return was a realistic scenario, creating a practical imperative for consistent diligence. Furthermore, Jewish apocalyptic literature and prophetic traditions often spoke of a "Day of the Lord" that would come suddenly and unexpectedly, bringing judgment and salvation. Jesus taps into this cultural and theological understanding, reorienting the expectation towards His own future return, emphasizing the need for spiritual preparedness over mere temporal calculation.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Matthew's Gospel and the broader Olivet Discourse. Primarily, it reinforces the theme of the **Unexpectedness of Christ's Return**, a motif reiterated throughout [Matthew 24](/matthew/24 "Matthew 24 - The Olivet Discourse"). Because the timing is unknown, the verse implicitly calls for **Urgency of Vigilance and Readiness**, urging believers to live in a constant state of spiritual preparedness, faithfully carrying out their responsibilities. It highlights the theme of **Stewardship and Accountability**, as servants are entrusted with their master's resources and will be held accountable for their management upon his return. Finally, it foreshadows **Divine Judgment for Unpreparedness**, serving as a stern warning that those who disregard the master's eventual return and live carelessly or wickedly will face severe consequences, as seen in the fate of the "evil servant" in [Matthew 24:48-51](/matthew/24-48-51 "Matthew 24:48-51 - The Evil Servant's Reckoning").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Lord (Greek, _kýrios'_):** This term (G2962) signifies supreme authority, a controller, or master. In the context of the parable, it refers to the human master, but within the broader theological framework of the Olivet Discourse, it strongly alludes to Jesus Christ Himself as the returning Lord who holds ultimate authority and will execute judgment. The use of _kýrios_ elevates the stakes beyond a mere earthly master-servant relationship to a divine-human one.
* **servant (Greek, _doûlos'_):** The word (G1401) denotes a slave, bond-man, or one in a state of subjection or subserviency. This highlights the inherent relationship of obligation and duty. Believers are presented as those who belong to Christ and are called to serve Him, emphasizing their complete dependence and accountability to their Master. The term underscores the expectation of obedience and faithful service.
* **looketh not for (Greek, _prosdokáō'_ with _ou'_):** The verb _prosdokáō_ (G4328) means "to anticipate," "to await," or "to expect," often with a sense of hope or fear. Coupled with the negative particle _ou_ (G3756, "not"), "looketh not for" (οὐ προσδοκᾷ) describes a complete lack of expectation or anticipation. This is not merely ignorance of the exact time but a culpable absence of watchful readiness, indicating a mind and heart disengaged from the master's impending return.
* **aware of (Greek, _ginṓskō'_ with _ou'_):** The verb _ginṓskō_ (G1097) means "to know" in a deep, experiential sense, implying understanding and recognition. When combined with _ou_ (G3756, "not"), "not aware of" (οὐκ οἶδεν) signifies a lack of knowledge or ignorance. This phrase reinforces the element of surprise and the servant's unpreparedness, not just in terms of timing, but in a broader sense of failing to grasp the reality and implications of the master's certain return.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The lord of that servant shall come":** This opening clause establishes the central action: the master's return. The possessive "of that servant" immediately links the master's coming to the specific individual whose conduct is under scrutiny in the parable. The future tense "shall come" underscores the certainty of this event, not its possibility.
* **"in a day when he looketh not for [him]":** This specifies the manner of the master's return – it will be unexpected. The phrase "looketh not for [him]" (οὐ προσδοκᾷ) emphasizes the servant's failure to anticipate or be ready. It's not just that the day is unknown, but that the servant has actively ceased to expect or prepare for it, indicating a spiritual negligence.
* **"and in an hour that he is not aware of":** This second temporal phrase reiterates and intensifies the unexpectedness, adding the element of the precise "hour" (ὥρα). The phrase "not aware of" (οὐκ οἶδεν) further highlights the servant's ignorance and lack of knowledge regarding the specific timing, reinforcing the theme that the return will catch the unfaithful off guard, leaving no time for last-minute preparation or repentance.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 24:50 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its urgent message. **Foreshadowing** is prominent, as the parable's narrative of an earthly master's return directly foreshadows the future, unexpected return of Jesus Christ, the ultimate Master. The verse also utilizes **Irony** by depicting the "evil servant" as precisely the one who, despite being charged with managing the household, is least prepared for the master's arrival—a stark contrast to what one would expect from a diligent steward. The entire passage functions as a **Parable**, a narrative illustration designed to teach a spiritual truth, making the abstract concept of Christ's return and judgment tangible and relatable. Finally, there is a clear **Juxtaposition** between the expected diligence of a servant and the depicted negligence, which serves to highlight the severe consequences of spiritual apathy and unfaithfulness.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 24:50 profoundly shapes our understanding of divine sovereignty and human responsibility in the context of eschatology. It asserts the absolute certainty of Christ's return, yet simultaneously emphasizes the complete unknowability of its timing, a truth that places all believers in a perpetual state of hopeful anticipation and urgent preparedness. This tension between certainty and uncertainty is not meant to incite fear, but to cultivate a lifestyle of active faithfulness, diligent stewardship, and unwavering watchfulness. The verse underscores that God's timing is sovereign and beyond human prediction, demanding that our focus remain on faithful living in the present rather than speculative calculations about the future. It calls us to live as if every day could be the day of the Lord's return, thereby aligning our daily choices with eternal values and the Master's will.

* [Mark 13:35-37](/mark/13-35-37 "Mark 13:35-37 - Be on Guard, Watch")
* [Luke 12:40](/luke/12-40 "Luke 12:40 - You Also Must Be Ready")
* [1 Thessalonians 5:2-6](/1_thessalonians/5-2-6 "1 Thessalonians 5:2-6 - The Day of the Lord Will Come Like a Thief")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 24:50 stands as a timeless and urgent call to spiritual preparedness and diligent stewardship for all who profess faith in Christ. It challenges us to move beyond passive belief to active, consistent obedience, recognizing that our lives are a stewardship entrusted to us by the Master. The unexpected nature of the Lord's return means that complacency is a dangerous spiritual posture. Instead, we are called to live with an eternal perspective, prioritizing spiritual growth, faithful service, and righteous living over worldly distractions and fleeting pleasures. Our daily choices, our use of resources, our relationships, and our commitment to the Great Commission are all part of the "work" we are to be found doing when the Lord returns. This verse compels us to cultivate a heart that genuinely longs for His appearing, not out of fear, but out of love and a desire to be found pleasing in His sight.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of my life am I prone to spiritual complacency, and how can I cultivate greater vigilance?**
* **Am I faithfully stewarding the gifts, resources, and opportunities God has entrusted to me, as if Christ could return today?**
* **How does the certainty of Christ's unexpected return influence my daily priorities and long-term goals?**
* **What practical steps can I take to live more consistently in a state of readiness for the Lord's coming?**

### FAQ
**What does "looketh not for him" and "not aware of" imply about the servant's state?**

Answer: These phrases (from the Greek _ou prosdoka_ and _ouk oiden_) are crucial. They imply more than just ignorance of the precise timing; they reveal a culpable lack of expectation and spiritual awareness. The servant is not merely uninformed, but has ceased to anticipate or prepare for the master's return. This suggests a deliberate choice to live as if the master's coming is irrelevant or indefinitely delayed, leading to negligence and abuse of responsibility. It speaks to a spiritual apathy and a failure to live in light of the Master's certain, though unannounced, return, as emphasized throughout [Matthew 24](/matthew/24 "Matthew 24 - The Olivet Discourse").

**Does this verse suggest we should live in fear of Christ's return?**

Answer: No, the primary intent of this verse is not to instill fear in faithful believers, but to motivate vigilance and faithful living. For those who are diligently serving and awaiting their Lord, His return is a joyous expectation, a time of reward and vindication, as seen in the contrast with the faithful servant in [Matthew 24:45-47](/matthew/24-45-47 "Matthew 24:45-47 - The Faithful and Wise Servant"). The warning is directed at those who are unfaithful, negligent, or actively wicked, presuming upon God's patience. For them, the unexpected return brings judgment, not joy. The call is to live in such a way that the Lord's return is a welcome event, not a terrifying surprise, echoing the sentiment in [1 John 2:28](/1_john/2-28 "1 John 2:28 - Abide in Him, So That When He Appears We May Not Shrink Away").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 24:50, while part of a parable, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the returning Lord, the Master whose absence necessitates faithful stewardship and whose sudden arrival will bring both judgment and reward. The "lord" of the parable is a clear type of Christ, who, having completed His redemptive work on the cross and ascended to the Father, has entrusted His disciples with the task of advancing His kingdom until His return. His first coming, marked by humility and sacrifice as the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), foreshadows His second coming in power and glory as the [King of kings and Lord of lords](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings and Lord of Lords"). The unexpected nature of His return, as highlighted in this verse, underscores the unique nature of His divine sovereignty and the necessity of a faith that is constantly active and expectant. Believers are called to live not just in anticipation of a future event, but in the present reality of His reign, empowered by the [Holy Spirit](/john/14-26 "John 14:26 - The Holy Spirit, the Helper") to be faithful stewards of the [gospel of grace](/acts/20-24 "Acts 20:24 - The Gospel of God's Grace") and His kingdom resources until He comes again to [gather His elect](/matthew/24-31 "Matthew 24:31 - Gathering the Elect") and [judge the living and the dead](/2_timothy/4-1 "2 Timothy 4:1 - Christ Jesus, Who Is to Judge the Living and the Dead").

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

Revelation 3:3

Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee.

1 Thessalonians 5:2

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

1 Thessalonians 5:3

For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.

Matthew 24:42

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

Matthew 24:44

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

Proverbs 29:1

¶ He, that being often reproved hardeneth [his] neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.