Matthew 25:13
Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.
Original Language Analysis
Γρηγορεῖτε
Watch
G1127
Γρηγορεῖτε
Watch
Strong's:
G1127
Word #:
1 of 17
to keep awake, i.e., watch (literally or figuratively)
οὖν
therefore
G3767
οὖν
therefore
Strong's:
G3767
Word #:
2 of 17
(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly
ὅτι
for
G3754
ὅτι
for
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
3 of 17
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
οἴδατε
ye know
G1492
οἴδατε
ye know
Strong's:
G1492
Word #:
5 of 17
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἡμέραν
the day
G2250
ἡμέραν
the day
Strong's:
G2250
Word #:
7 of 17
day, i.e., (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but several days were usually reckoned by the jews as inclusive of
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ᾗ
G3739
ᾗ
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
12 of 17
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
υἱὸς
the Son
G5207
υἱὸς
the Son
Strong's:
G5207
Word #:
14 of 17
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 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 21:36Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.1 Corinthians 16:13Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.1 Peter 5:8Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:Matthew 24:50The lord of that servant shall come in a day when he looketh not for him, and in an hour that he is not aware of,Acts 20:31Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears.1 Peter 4:7But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer.2 Timothy 4:5But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.
Historical Context
The foolish virgins' exclusion ('I know you not,' v. 12) is shocking—they participated in wedding preparations but were ultimately rejected. This warns against false assurance. True readiness means genuine conversion evidenced by the Spirit's indwelling (oil), not mere external religious participation (lamps).
Questions for Reflection
- How does the unknown timing of Christ's return affect your daily walk?
- What does 'watching' require beyond external religious activity?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The parable's conclusion 'Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh' reiterates the Olivet discourse's central theme. 'Watch' means spiritual vigilance and readiness. The unknown timing ('neither day nor hour') prevents complacency and calculation. The five foolish virgins weren't ready when the bridegroom came—external religion without genuine faith. Watching requires authentic relationship with Christ, not mere ritual observance.