Matthew 24:46
Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing.
Original Language Analysis
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
2 of 12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
δοῦλος
servant
G1401
δοῦλος
servant
Strong's:
G1401
Word #:
3 of 12
a slave (literal or figurative, involuntary or voluntary; frequently, therefore in a qualified sense of subjection or subserviency)
ἐκεῖνος
is that
G1565
ἐκεῖνος
is that
Strong's:
G1565
Word #:
4 of 12
that one (or (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed
ὃν
whom
G3739
ὃν
whom
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
5 of 12
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
ἐλθὼν
when he cometh
G2064
ἐλθὼν
when he cometh
Strong's:
G2064
Word #:
6 of 12
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κύριος
lord
G2962
κύριος
lord
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
8 of 12
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
αὐτοῦ
his
G846
αὐτοῦ
his
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
9 of 12
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
Cross References
Revelation 16:15Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame.Luke 12:43Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing.Luke 12:37Blessed 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 to sit down to meat, and will come forth and serve them.
Historical Context
Ancient masters often traveled for extended periods, leaving estates in stewards' hands. The return could be sudden and unannounced—precisely Jesus's point. The early church expected Christ's imminent return, motivating vigilant service. As centuries passed, the test intensified: can we maintain watchfulness across millennia? The 'blessed' servant is the one still faithfully serving in generation 70 of the master's absence.
Questions for Reflection
- If Christ returned today, what 'doing' would He find you engaged in—faithfulness or self-indulgence?
- How do you maintain motivation to serve faithfully when the Master's return has been 'delayed' 2,000 years?
- What rewards and commendation from Christ are you hoping to receive when He finds you at work?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing—The Greek makarios (μακάριος) means supremely blessed, happy, fortunate. This blessing depends entirely on being found poiōn (ποιῶν = doing/practicing) at the moment of the master's return. Not merely having done in the past, but actively engaged in faithful service when Christ appears.
The emphasis falls on heurēsei (εὑρήσει = shall find)—what will Christ discover when He returns? A servant on task or on vacation? Feeding the household or feeding himself? The Lord's coming tests character: are we faithful because we love the master, or only when supervised? The blessing isn't earning salvation, but the approval and reward of hearing 'well done, good and faithful servant' (Matthew 25:21).