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.

Blessed {G3107} are those {G1565} servants {G1401}, whom {G3739} the lord {G2962} when he cometh {G2064} shall find {G2147} watching {G1127}: verily {G281} I say {G3004} unto you {G5213}, that {G3754} he shall gird himself {G4024}, and {G2532} make {G347} them {G846} to sit down to meat {G347}, and {G2532} will come forth {G3928} and serve {G1247} them {G846}.

Happy the slaves whom the master finds alert when he comes! Yes! I tell you he will put on his work clothes, seat them at the table, and come serve them himself!

Blessed are those servants whom the master finds on watch when he returns. Truly I tell you, he will dress himself to serve and will have them recline at the table, and he himself will come and wait on them.

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 sit down to meat, and shall come and serve them.

Commentary

Luke 12:37 is a profound verse from Jesus' teachings, part of a larger discourse on vigilance, readiness, and the true nature of discipleship. It offers a powerful promise of blessing and honor for those who remain watchful for their Lord's return.

Context

This verse is nestled within a section of Luke's Gospel (Luke 12:35-48) where Jesus emphasizes the importance of spiritual alertness and preparedness for His Second Coming. Immediately preceding this verse, Jesus instructs His disciples to have their "loins girded about, and your lights burning" (Luke 12:35), likening them to servants awaiting their master's return from a wedding feast. The broader context of Luke 12 includes warnings against anxiety over material possessions and a call to seek God's kingdom above all else, making spiritual readiness a central theme.

Key Themes

  • Vigilance and Readiness: The core message is the importance of being spiritually awake and prepared for the Lord's unexpected arrival. The term "watching" (Greek: grēgoreō) implies active alertness, not passive waiting.
  • Divine Blessing and Reward: Jesus declares "blessed" those servants who are found ready. This blessing is not merely an absence of punishment but a profound declaration of divine favor and ultimate happiness.
  • The Master's Humility and Service: The most striking element is the reversal of roles. Instead of the servants serving the master upon his return, the master "shall gird himself, and make them to sit down to meat, and will come forth and serve them." This imagery portrays an astonishing act of humility and honor bestowed upon faithful servants, reminiscent of Jesus' own example of humble service, such as washing His disciples' feet. It speaks to the incredible reward awaiting those who are found faithful.
  • The Ultimate Banquet: The "meat" and being made "to sit down" evokes the imagery of a celebratory feast, symbolizing the joyous communion and fellowship that faithful believers will experience with Christ in His kingdom.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "shall gird himself" (Greek: perizōnnymi) traditionally refers to a servant preparing for service by tucking up their long robes. Here, Jesus uses this very action to describe the master, signifying an unparalleled act of self-abasement and dedicated service to His faithful followers. This deliberate role reversal underscores the extraordinary nature of the divine reward.

Practical Application

Luke 12:37 calls believers to live a life of active and expectant faith. It encourages us not to become complacent or distracted by worldly concerns but to remain spiritually vigilant, always ready for Christ's return. The promise of the Master serving His faithful servants provides immense encouragement and motivation, highlighting the incredible honor and intimacy that awaits those who diligently serve Him. It reminds us that our present faithfulness leads to an unimaginable future reward and communion with our Lord.

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Cross-References

  • 2 Peter 3:14 (9 votes)

    Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.

  • Matthew 24:42 (6 votes)

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

  • John 13:4 (6 votes)

    He riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself.

  • John 13:5 (6 votes)

    After that he poureth water into a bason, and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe [them] with the towel wherewith he was girded.

  • Philippians 1:23 (4 votes)

    For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better:

  • 1 Corinthians 2:9 (4 votes)

    But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.

  • John 12:26 (4 votes)

    If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will [my] Father honour.