And if he shall come in the second watch, or come in the third watch, and find them so, blessed are those servants (κἂν ἐν τῇ δευτέρᾳ κἂν ἐν τῇ τῇ τρίτῃ φυλακῇ ἔλθῃ καὶ εὕρῃ οὕτως, μακάριοί εἰσιν οἱ δοῦλοι ἐκεῖνοι, kan en tē deutera kan en tē tritē phylakē elthē kai heurē houtōs, makarioi eisin hoi douloi ekeinoi)—Jesus extends the timing scenario to emphasize sustained watchfulness. The phylakē (φυλακή, watch) divided the night into periods for guard duty. The Romans used four watches (evening, midnight, cock-crowing, morning), while Jews traditionally used three.
The second watch (roughly 10 PM - 2 AM) and third watch (2 AM - 6 AM) represent the deepest, most difficult hours of the night when fatigue tempts servants to sleep. The conditional clause kan (κἂν, even if) with subjunctive verbs (elthē, ἔλθῃ, he comes; heurē, εὕρῃ, he finds) acknowledges uncertainty about timing. The adverb houtōs (οὕτως, so, in this manner) refers back to verse 37—still watching, still ready. Repeated blessing (makarioi, μακάριοι) emphasizes God's favor toward those who maintain vigilance regardless of delay. The parable warns against presuming Christ's return will align with our expectations or convenience.
Historical Context
Night watches were crucial in ancient warfare and household security. Guards who fell asleep on duty faced severe punishment, even death, because their negligence endangered the entire community. Jesus' hearers would immediately grasp the seriousness of maintaining vigilance through the difficult late-night hours. Early Christians expected Christ's imminent return (Romans 13:11-12, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18), but as time passed, some grew complacent (2 Peter 3:3-4). This parable addresses the danger of abandoning watchfulness due to apparent delay.
Questions for Reflection
What does sustained watchfulness through the second and third watches teach about enduring faithfulness despite apparent delay?
How should the uncertainty of Christ's return timing affect daily Christian living and long-term perseverance?
What spiritual disciplines and practices help maintain vigilance during the 'deep night' seasons of waiting?
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Analysis & Commentary
And if he shall come in the second watch, or come in the third watch, and find them so, blessed are those servants (κἂν ἐν τῇ δευτέρᾳ κἂν ἐν τῇ τῇ τρίτῃ φυλακῇ ἔλθῃ καὶ εὕρῃ οὕτως, μακάριοί εἰσιν οἱ δοῦλοι ἐκεῖνοι, kan en tē deutera kan en tē tritē phylakē elthē kai heurē houtōs, makarioi eisin hoi douloi ekeinoi)—Jesus extends the timing scenario to emphasize sustained watchfulness. The phylakē (φυλακή, watch) divided the night into periods for guard duty. The Romans used four watches (evening, midnight, cock-crowing, morning), while Jews traditionally used three.
The second watch (roughly 10 PM - 2 AM) and third watch (2 AM - 6 AM) represent the deepest, most difficult hours of the night when fatigue tempts servants to sleep. The conditional clause kan (κἂν, even if) with subjunctive verbs (elthē, ἔλθῃ, he comes; heurē, εὕρῃ, he finds) acknowledges uncertainty about timing. The adverb houtōs (οὕτως, so, in this manner) refers back to verse 37—still watching, still ready. Repeated blessing (makarioi, μακάριοι) emphasizes God's favor toward those who maintain vigilance regardless of delay. The parable warns against presuming Christ's return will align with our expectations or convenience.