Bible Strands
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.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Jesus addresses his disciples in the Olivet Discourse, immediately after the parable of the thief (v. 43) and before the parable of the faithful servant (v. 45).
The words — ἕτοιμοι (hetoimoi), "ready," is the predicate adjective to γίνεσθε (ginesthe), "become," so the command is not a static "be ready" but an entry into a sustained state of readiness. The relative adverb ᾗ (hē) in ᾗ ὥρᾳ means "at the time," grounding the surprise in temporal unpredictability rather than any spatial or visible sign.
The thread — Matthew 24:42 and 25:13 repeat the "keep watch because you do not know the day or hour" formula; Matthew 25:10 shows the practical consequence: those who were ready entered with the bridegroom, those who were not were shut out.
Why it lands — The verse removes the possibility of timing one's response to a known date; readiness is the standing condition, not a reaction to a signal.
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
Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.
Cross-references
- Matthew 25:10 But while they were on their way to buy it, the bridegroom arrived. Those who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet, and the door was shut.
- Matthew 24:42 Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day on which your Lord will come.
- Matthew 25:13 Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.
- Luke 12:40 You also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour you do not expect.”
- Philippians 4:5 Let your gentleness be apparent to all. The Lord is near.
- Matthew 24:27 For just as the lightning comes from the east and flashes as far as the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.
- 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.
- James 5:9 Do not complain about one another, brothers, so that you will not be judged. Look, the Judge is standing at the door!