Luke Chapter 12 · Verse 40
Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 15
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
οὖν
therefore
G3767
οὖν
therefore
Strong's:
G3767
Word #:
3 of 15
(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly
γίνεσθε
Be
G1096
γίνεσθε
Be
Strong's:
G1096
Word #:
4 of 15
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
ὅτι
for
G3754
ὅτι
for
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
6 of 15
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
ᾗ
G3739
ᾗ
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
7 of 15
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
δοκεῖτε
when ye think
G1380
δοκεῖτε
when ye think
Strong's:
G1380
Word #:
10 of 15
compare the base of g1166) of the same meaning; to think; by implication, to seem (truthfully or uncertainly)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
υἱὸς
the Son
G5207
υἱὸς
the Son
Strong's:
G5207
Word #:
12 of 15
a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship
Cross References
1 Thessalonians 5:6Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober.Revelation 19:7Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready.Romans 13:11And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed.Romans 13:14But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.Matthew 25:13Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.Matthew 24:44Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.Matthew 24:42Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come.
Historical Context
This summary statement concludes the watchfulness parables and transitions to Peter's question about audience (verse 41). The early church lived in constant expectation of Christ's imminent return (Romans 13:11, James 5:8-9, 1 Peter 4:7). However, as time passed, some began mocking the promise (2 Peter 3:3-4), while others set dates and created speculation. Jesus' teaching cuts against both extremes: maintain constant readiness because the timing is genuinely unknown and may surprise even the faithful. The Son of Man title recalls Daniel 7's vision of one "like the Son of man" receiving eternal dominion—Jesus will return in glory and judgment.
Questions for Reflection
- What does perpetual readiness look like practically in daily Christian living, work, and relationships?
- How does the certainty of Christ's return combined with uncertainty about timing shape Christian priorities and values?
- What attitudes or behaviors indicate that someone is unprepared for Christ's unexpected return?
Analysis & Commentary
Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not (καὶ ὑμεῖς γίνεσθε ἕτοιμοι, ὅτι ᾗ ὥρᾳ οὐ δοκεῖτε ὁ υἱὸς τοῦ ἀνθρώπου ἔρχεται, kai hymeis ginesthe hetoimoi, hoti hē hōra ou dokeite ho huios tou anthrōpou erchetai)—The inferential conjunction oun (therefore, in some manuscripts) draws the conclusion from the previous illustrations. The imperative ginesthe (γίνεσθε, be, become) is present tense, commanding continuous state of readiness. The adjective hetoimoi (ἕτοιμοι, ready, prepared) appears frequently in eschatological contexts (Matthew 24:44, 25:10).
The causal clause explains why readiness is essential: the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not. The title "Son of man" (ho huios tou anthrōpou, ὁ υἱὸς τοῦ ἀνθρώπου) combines Daniel 7:13-14's messianic figure with Jesus' self-designation, emphasizing His authoritative return in glory. The present tense erchetai (ἔρχεται, is coming) expresses certainty—not "if" or "might" but "is coming." The phrase hē hōra ou dokeite (ᾗ ὥρᾳ οὐ δοκεῖτε, the hour you think not) indicates the return will contradict human expectation and calculation. Speculative date-setting or presuming delay both lead to unpreparedness.