Bible Strands
Luke 12:40
You also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour you do not expect.”
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Jesus addresses his disciples directly, concluding a parable about a thief (v. 39). Peter's follow-up question in v. 41 confirms the audience is the Twelve.
The words — ἕτοιμοι (hetoimoi) is the adjective "ready," a state of being equipped rather than a single act. ὥρᾳ (hōra) narrows the timing to a specific hour, not a general season.
The thread — Matthew 24:44 is nearly verbatim; Matthew 25:13 and 1 Thessalonians 5:6 carry the same watchfulness motif.
Why it lands — The obligation is continuous preparedness, not a one-time decision, because the timing is fixed but unknown to the reader.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not.
Cross-references
- 1 Thessalonians 5:6 So then, let us not sleep as the others do, but let us remain awake and sober.
- Matthew 25:13 Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.
- Matthew 24:44 For this reason, you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour you do not expect.
- Romans 13:11 And do this, understanding the occasion. The hour has come for you to wake up from your slumber, for our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed.
- 2 Peter 3:12 as you anticipate and hasten the coming of the day of God, when the heavens will be destroyed by fire and the elements will melt in the heat.
- Revelation 19:7 Let us rejoice and be glad and give Him the glory. For the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His bride has made herself ready.
- Matthew 24:42 Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day on which your Lord will come.
- Mark 13:33 Be on your guard and stay alert! For you do not know when the appointed time will come.
- Luke 21:34 But watch yourselves, or your hearts will be weighed down by dissipation, drunkenness, and the worries of life—and that day will spring upon you suddenly like a snare.
- Romans 13:14 Instead, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the desires of the flesh.