Matthew 25:13

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

Watch {G1127} therefore {G3767}, for {G3754} ye know {G1492} neither {G3756} the day {G2250} nor {G3761} the hour {G5610} wherein {G1722}{G3739} the Son {G5207} of man {G444} cometh {G2064}.

Complete Jewish Bible

So stay alert, because you know neither the day nor the hour.

Berean Standard Bible

Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.

American Standard Version

Watch therefore, for ye know not the day nor the hour.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 25:13 serves as a pivotal concluding exhortation to the Parable of the Ten Virgins, emphasizing the critical importance of spiritual vigilance and readiness for the unknown timing of Christ's return. Jesus' direct command to "watch" underscores the necessity for believers to maintain a state of continuous preparedness, acknowledging that the precise day and hour of the Son of Man's coming remain hidden from human knowledge, thereby demanding constant faithfulness rather than speculative anticipation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Matthew 25:13 functions as the climactic summary and direct application of the preceding Parable of the Ten Virgins found in [Matthew 25:1-12](/matthew/25-1-12 "The Parable of the Ten Virgins"). This parable, illustrating the distinction between prepared and unprepared individuals awaiting the bridegroom's arrival, is itself an integral part of Jesus' extensive eschatological discourse, often referred to as the Olivet Discourse, spanning [Matthew 24-25](/matthew/24 "The Olivet Discourse"). Within this broader discourse, Jesus systematically addresses questions regarding the signs of the end times, the nature of His second coming, and the imperative for His followers to live in a state of constant readiness. The verse's position immediately following the parable ensures that its urgent call to watchfulness is understood as the primary takeaway from the narrative's vivid illustration of spiritual diligence versus complacency.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting of Jesus' teaching is Jerusalem, shortly before His crucifixion, delivered on the Mount of Olives to His disciples. The parable itself draws on familiar Jewish wedding customs, where a bridegroom would arrive unexpectedly at night to take his bride, accompanied by her bridesmaids, to the wedding feast. The need for lamps and oil reflects the practical realities of nighttime travel and celebration in ancient Israel. The "day nor the hour" reference speaks to a common human desire to know future events, a desire that Jesus consistently redirects toward faithful living in the present. This cultural backdrop highlights the social expectation of readiness and the severe consequences of being unprepared, making the spiritual analogy all the more potent for Jesus' original audience.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully reinforces several major theological and narrative themes prevalent in Matthew's Gospel and the broader Olivet Discourse. The most prominent is the theme of **Vigilance and Readiness**, urging believers to live in continuous spiritual alertness, akin to the wise virgins who maintained their oil supply, as seen in [Matthew 25:4](/matthew/25-4 "The Wise Virgins' Preparedness"). Closely related is the **Uncertainty of Timing** for Christ's return; Jesus explicitly states that "ye know neither the day nor the hour," a truth He reiterates in [Matthew 24:36](/matthew/24-36 "Only the Father Knows the Day and Hour"). This deliberate withholding of specific timing prevents idle speculation and instead compels ongoing faithfulness. The verse also underscores the **Second Coming of Christ**, referring to "the Son of man cometh," a title Jesus frequently used for Himself, carrying connotations of both His humanity and His divine authority as the coming judge and king, as foreshadowed in [Daniel 7:13-14](/daniel/7-13-14 "The Son of Man Coming with Clouds"). Finally, the implicit theme of **Accountability** permeates the discourse, as those found unprepared, like the foolish virgins who were shut out of the feast in [Matthew 25:12](/matthew/25-12 "The Foolish Virgins Shut Out"), will face dire consequences.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Watch (Greek, _grēgoreúō'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to keep awake," this verb signifies more than mere physical wakefulness. It denotes spiritual alertness, vigilance, and attentiveness. In this context, it implies a conscious, active state of readiness, a watchful expectation that influences one's conduct and spiritual condition, rather than a passive waiting. It is a call to be spiritually prepared and discerning.
* **know (Greek, _eídō'_):** While primarily meaning "to see," in its perfect tense (as used here), _eídō_ carries the strong implication "to know" or "to be aware." The negative "ye know neither" emphasizes humanity's absolute ignorance regarding the precise timing of the Son of Man's return. This lack of knowledge is not a deficiency but a divine design, intended to foster constant vigilance rather than last-minute preparation.
* **cometh (Greek, _érchomai'_):** This primary verb means "to come or go" and is used broadly in both literal and figurative senses. Here, it specifically refers to the future advent or return of the "Son of Man." The present tense, though referring to a future event, conveys a sense of certainty and imminence, reinforcing the urgency of the command to watch. It points to the definitive, personal, and transformative arrival of Christ.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Watch therefore,"**: This opening imperative, linked by "therefore" (G3767, _oûn_), directly connects to the preceding parable. It is a command to be spiritually awake, vigilant, and prepared. The urgency is palpable, demanding active participation in one's spiritual life rather than passive waiting or complacency. It is the core exhortation derived from the parable's narrative.
* **"for ye know neither the day nor the hour"**: This clause provides the crucial rationale for the command to watch. The conjunction "for" (G3754, _hóti_) introduces the reason: humanity's inherent ignorance of the precise timing of Christ's return. The double negative "neither...nor" (G3756 _ou_ and G3761 _oudé_) emphasizes the absolute lack of knowledge concerning both the specific "day" (G2250, _hēméra_, a period of time) and the exact "hour" (G5610, _hṓra_, a precise moment). This divine secrecy precludes any form of chronological prediction and necessitates continuous readiness.
* **"wherein the Son of man cometh."**: This final clause identifies the momentous event for which vigilance is required: the coming of the "Son of Man." "Wherein" (G1722 _en_ and G3739 _hós_) refers to the time of this coming. "Son of Man" (G5207 _huiós_ and G444 _ánthrōpos_) is Jesus' preferred self-designation, highlighting His true humanity while simultaneously alluding to His divine authority and future role as judge and king, as prophesied in Old Testament texts. This coming is the ultimate, definitive event that demands constant watchfulness.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 25:13, though brief, employs several potent literary devices. The most prominent is **Imperative Mood**, seen in the opening command "Watch," which conveys directness and urgency, leaving no ambiguity about the expected response from the audience. This is an authoritative command from Jesus. The verse also functions as an **Exhortation**, providing a moral and spiritual appeal to diligence based on the preceding narrative. Furthermore, the phrase "Son of man cometh" serves as a powerful instance of **Foreshadowing**, pointing to the future, climactic event of Christ's Second Coming, which is the ultimate fulfillment of the eschatological themes discussed in the Olivet Discourse. The entire verse, by drawing a direct conclusion from the [Parable of the Ten Virgins](/matthew/25-1-12 "The Parable of the Ten Virgins"), implicitly utilizes **Allegory**, where the elements of the parable (bridegroom, virgins, oil, lamps) are understood to represent spiritual realities related to Christ's return and the readiness of His followers.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 25:13 encapsulates a profound theological truth: the tension between the certainty of Christ's return and the uncertainty of its timing. This tension is not meant to induce fear or speculation, but rather to cultivate a lifestyle of active, continuous faithfulness. The command to "watch" is not merely about passive waiting, but about living a life that is consistently aligned with God's will, characterized by spiritual diligence, moral purity, and active service. This vigilance is rooted in the understanding that our ultimate accountability is to the returning Christ, the Son of Man, who will judge all humanity. The hidden timing serves as a constant motivator for present obedience and preparedness, ensuring that believers are always ready to meet their Lord, whether through death or His glorious advent.

* [Mark 13:35-37](/mark/13-35-37 "The Call to Watchfulness in Mark")
* [Luke 12:35-40](/luke/12-35-40 "Be Ready for the Master's Return")
* [1 Thessalonians 5:1-6](/1_thessalonians/5-1-6 "The Day of the Lord and Vigilance")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 25:13 stands as a timeless call to spiritual sobriety and active discipleship. In a world often preoccupied with immediate gratification and temporal concerns, this verse redirects our focus to eternal realities and the ultimate accountability before Christ. It challenges us to examine the "oil" in our lamps – the state of our relationship with God, our obedience to His Word, and our active participation in His kingdom work. True watchfulness means cultivating a deep, abiding intimacy with Christ, allowing His Spirit to transform us daily, and living with an eternal perspective that shapes our choices, priorities, and relationships. It is a warning against spiritual apathy, procrastination, and the deceptive comfort of assuming "there's always tomorrow." Instead, it compels us to live each day as if it were the day of the Lord's return, fostering a life of integrity, fervent prayer, and compassionate service.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does "watching" practically look like in my daily life, beyond merely intellectual assent to Christ's return?**
* **In what areas of my life might I be spiritually complacent or unprepared, and what steps can I take to cultivate greater vigilance?**
* **How does the uncertainty of Christ's return motivate or challenge my current priorities and use of time and resources?**
* **Considering the Parable of the Ten Virgins, what "oil" do I need to replenish or acquire to ensure my lamp is full?**

### FAQ
**Does "ye know neither the day nor the hour" mean we should not study prophecy or look for signs of Christ's return?**

Answer: No, it does not mean we should ignore prophecy or signs. Jesus himself provided extensive details about the signs of the end times in [Matthew 24](/matthew/24 "The Olivet Discourse") and elsewhere. The phrase "ye know neither the day nor the hour" primarily emphasizes that no one knows the *exact* moment of His return, preventing precise date-setting or speculative predictions. The purpose is not to discourage study, but to foster constant vigilance and readiness, rather than a last-minute scramble based on a predicted date. We are called to be discerning of the "signs of the times" (as in [Matthew 16:3](/matthew/16-3 "Discerning the Signs of the Times")), but always with the understanding that the precise timing remains God's prerogative, as stated in [Acts 1:7](/acts/1-7 "The Father's Authority Over Times and Seasons").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 25:13, with its urgent call to "Watch... for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh," finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment not merely in the anticipation of a future event, but in the very person and work of Jesus Christ. The "Son of Man" is not an anonymous figure, but the incarnate Son of God, who first "came" in humility to suffer and die for the sins of the world, offering salvation to all who believe (as prophesied in [Isaiah 53:5-6](/isaiah/53-5-6 "Suffering Servant Prophecy") and fulfilled in [John 1:29](/john/1-29 "Jesus, the Lamb of God")). His first coming inaugurated the kingdom of God, and His ascension to the Father ensures His future, glorious return (as described in [Acts 1:9-11](/acts/1-9-11 "Jesus' Ascension and Promise of Return")). Therefore, watching for the Son of Man's coming is fundamentally about living in light of His accomplished work on the cross and His promised return. Our vigilance is not born of fear, but of love and gratitude for the One who secured our salvation. It means living a life submitted to His Lordship, empowered by His Spirit, and actively participating in His mission, knowing that He will indeed return to gather His elect and establish His eternal kingdom, as promised in [Revelation 22:20](/revelation/22-20 "Maranatha! Come, Lord Jesus!"). The uncertainty of the hour ensures that every moment is an opportunity to honor the One who gave His life for us.

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 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.

1 Thessalonians 5:6

¶ Therefore let us not sleep, as [do] others; but let us watch and be sober.

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 21:36

Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.

Mark 13:33

Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is.

Mark 13:37

And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch.