Bible Strands
Matthew 25:13
Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Jesus addresses the unprepared servants and the disciples at the conclusion of the parable of the ten virgins, immediately after the bridegroom rejects those who were unprepared and shuts the door.
The words — Γρηγορεῖτε (Grēgoreite) issues a direct command to "keep watch," while οὐκ (ouk) and οὐδὲ (oude) coordinate to negate knowledge of both "the day" (ἡμέραν) and the hour.
The thread — The identical watch command appears in Matthew 24:42, while Revelation 16:15 and 1 Thessalonians 5:6 repeat the parallel warning to stay awake rather than sleep.
Why it lands — The text commands active vigilance because the timing of the event remains outside human knowledge, requiring readiness rather than calendar calculation.
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
Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.
Cross-references
- Matthew 24:42 Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day on which your Lord will come.
- Revelation 16:15 “Behold, I am coming like a thief. Blessed is the one who remains awake and clothed, so that he will not go naked and let his shame be exposed.”
- 1 Thessalonians 5:6 So then, let us not sleep as the others do, but let us remain awake and sober.
- Luke 21:36 So keep watch at all times, and pray that you may have the strength to escape all that is about to happen and to stand before the Son of Man.”
- 1 Corinthians 16:13 Be on the alert. Stand firm in the faith. Be men of courage. Be strong.
- Mark 13:33 Be on your guard and stay alert! For you do not know when the appointed time will come.
- 1 Peter 5:8 Be sober-minded and alert. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.
- Matthew 24:50 The master of that servant will come on a day he does not expect and at an hour he does not anticipate.
- 2 Timothy 4:5 But you, be sober in all things, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.
- Acts 20:31 Therefore be alert and remember that for three years I never stopped warning each of you night and day with tears.