Luke 12:43
What does Luke 12:43 mean?
A plain-English look at Luke 12:43 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Luke 12:43 means
Blessed is the servant whom the master finds actively fulfilling his charge when he returns. The beatitude honors consistent, ordinary obedience over showy displays. Readiness means being found at one’s post, doing the assigned work with integrity. The blessing assures that the Lord notices faithfulness in the unseen rhythms of service and will commend it. The moment of return reveals character formed over time, not a last-minute scramble.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Happy is that servant who, when his lord comes, is doing so.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Happy that servant, whom his lord, having come, shall find doing so;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Blessed is that servant whom, when his lord shall come, he shall find so doing.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Blessed is that bondman whom his lord [on] coming shall find doing thus;
Context
Following the portrait of the faithful steward, Jesus now affirms the outcome: such service will be rewarded. This sets the pattern for the contrast in the next verse, where He promises significant promotion—being set over all the master’s possessions—before unveiling the sobering fate of the abusive, negligent servant who misuses authority under the illusion of delay.
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