BibleWord.ai› Bible› Luke› Chapter 12› Verse 39

Luke 12:39

New Testament Gospel ASV (1901)

What does Luke 12:39 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “But know this, that if the master of the house had known in what hour the thief was coming, he would have watched, and not have left his house to be broken through.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

But know this, that if the master of the house had known in what hour the thief was coming, he would have watched, and not have left his house to be broken through.
Luke 12:39 — American Standard Version

Context — Luke 12

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
36and be ye yourselves like unto men looking for their lord, when he shall return from the marriage feast; that, when he cometh and knocketh, they may straightway open unto him.
37Blessed 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.
38And if he shall come in the second watch, and if in the third, and find [them] so blessed are those [servants].
39But know this, that if the master of the house had known in what hour the thief was coming, he would have watched, and not have left his house to be broken through.
40Be ye also ready: for in an hour that ye think not the Son of man cometh.
41And Peter said, Lord, speakest thou this parable unto us, or even unto all?
42And the Lord said, Who then is the faithful and wise steward, whom his lord shall set over his household, to give them their portion of food in due season?
← Luke 12:38Luke 12:40 →
← Full Chapter 12 Luke Overview

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“And this know, etc.] The Ethiopic version reads, “this only know”; only take notice of this one thing, and it may be of some use to direct you in your conduct how to behave during the absence of your Lord, until the time he shall come again: that if the good man of the house had known what hour the thief would come; that is, if the owner, or master of the house, whose the goods in the house are, could by any means know what time of the night the thief would come to break into his house, in order to plunder it, and carry off his goods: he would have watched; either he himself in person, or he would have set a watch about his house, or in it: and not have suffered his house to be broken…”
Read attributed excerpt →
Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“See the notes at Matthew 24:42-51. Second watch - See the notes at Matthew 14:25. return to 'Top of Page'”
Read attributed excerpt →
Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“Mat 24:43, Mat 24:44; Th1 5:2, Th1 5:3; Pe2 3:10; Rev 3:3, Rev 16:15 Luke 12:40”
Read attributed excerpt →

Related study paths

Read Luke 12 in contextBrowse Greek word studiesOpen this verse in the study reader

Sources and verification