Matthew 24:43 Meaning and Explanation
“But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →A householder who knew when a thief was coming would have stayed awake to guard his house.
What Does Matthew 24:43 Mean?
Jesus illustrates watchfulness with a brief parable: if the master of a house had known when a thief would come, he would have stayed awake and prevented the break-in. The unknown hour is exactly what makes constant vigilance necessary.
The comparison is not that the Lord is a thief, but that his coming, like the thief's, is unannounced. Therefore the wise householder keeps watch at all times rather than gambling on a safe hour. Jesus presses his hearers to a readiness that never lets down its guard, so that the day of his coming finds the house of their lives secure and prepared.
Frequently Asked Questions About Matthew 24:43
What does Matthew 24:43 mean?
A householder who knew when a thief was coming would have stayed awake to guard his house.