Luke 12:37
What does Luke 12:37 mean?
A plain-English look at Luke 12:37 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Luke 12:37 means
Jesus declares blessed the servants whom the lord finds watching. Astonishingly, He says the lord will gird himself, seat them at table, and come serve them. This reversal displays the heart of Christ, who delights to honor faithful servants with intimate fellowship and gracious service. It hints at the messianic banquet and His servant-hearted kingship. Watchfulness is not grim waiting but hope-filled readiness that culminates in joy. The blessing affirms that no vigilant obedience is wasted; the Master Himself will share His joy with His people.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Blessed 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 sit down to meat, and shall come and serve them.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Blessed 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.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Blessed 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 sit down to meat, and shall come and serve them.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Happy are those servants who are watching when the lord comes; truly I say to you, he will make himself their servant and, placing them at the table, he will come out and give them food.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862`Happy those servants, whom the lord, having come, shall find watching; verily I say to you, that he will gird himself, and will cause them to recline (at meat), and having come near, will minister to them;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Blessed are those servants whom the Lord, when he cometh, shall find watching. Amen I say to you that he will gird himself and make them sit down to meat and passing will minister unto them.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Blessed are those bondmen whom the lord [on] coming shall find watching; verily I say unto you, that he will gird himself and make them recline at table, and coming up will serve them.
Context
Having urged alertness, Jesus now reveals the unexpected generosity of the returning lord. This promises reward that far surpasses duty and frames watchfulness as a pathway to communion and honor. The next verse continues the promise, extending it across uncertain timings (second or third watch), emphasizing that perseverance in vigilance, even late into the night, will be blessed.
v.36and be ye yourselves like unto men looking for their lord, when he shall return from the marriage feast; that, when he cometh and knocketh, they may straightway open unto him.
v.37This passage
v.38And if he shall come in the second watch, and if in the third, and find them so, blessed are those servants.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 2 Peter 1:11
for thus shall be richly supplied unto you the entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
- Philippians 1:23
But I am in a strait betwixt the two, having the desire to depart and be with Christ; for it is very far better:
- Matthew 24:42
Watch therefore: for ye know not on what day your Lord cometh.
- Luke 21:36
But watch ye at every season, making supplication, that ye may prevail to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.
- Revelation 14:13
And I heard a voice from heaven saying, Write, Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from henceforth: yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labors; for their works follow with them.
- Matthew 24:45
Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath set over his household, to give them their food in due season?
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