Devine Scripture

Matthew 24:45

What does Matthew 24:45 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 24:45 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 24:45 means

Jesus poses a rhetorical question to introduce the parable of the faithful and wise servant: "Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath set over his household, to give them their food in due season?" This question defines the ideal servant as one entrusted with significant responsibility—caring for the master's household and providing for their needs at the proper time. It highlights the qualities of faithfulness, wisdom, and diligent service expected of those who await Christ's return, particularly those in positions of spiritual leadership.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath set over his household, to give them their food in due season?

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season?

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath set over his household, to give them their food in due season?

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Who is the true and wise servant, whom his lord has put over those in his house, to give them their food at the right time?

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

`Who, then, is the servant, faithful and wise, whom his lord did set over his household, to give them the nourishment in season?

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Who, thinkest thou, is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath appointed over his family, to give them meat in season?

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

Who then is the faithful and prudent bondman whom his lord has set over his household, to give them food in season?

Context

This verse introduces a new parable, shifting from the general call to readiness to a specific illustration of what that readiness looks like in terms of faithful service. This rhetorical question sets the stage for defining the ideal behavior of a servant entrusted with responsibility, immediately preceding the blessed outcome for such a servant.

v.44Therefore be ye also ready; for in an hour that ye think not the Son of man cometh.

v.45This passage

v.46Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Luke 19:17

    And he said unto him, Well done, thou good servant: because thou wast found faithful in a very little, have thou authority over ten cities.

  • Matthew 7:24

    Every one therefore that heareth these words of mine, and doeth them, shall be likened unto a wise man, who built his house upon the rock:

  • 1 Corinthians 3:1

    And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, as unto babes in Christ.

  • 1 Peter 5:1

    The elders therefore among you I exhort, who am a fellow-elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, who am also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed:

  • Matthew 10:16

    Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.

  • Revelation 2:13

    I know where thou dwellest, even where Satan’s throne is; and thou holdest fast my name, and didst not deny my faith, even in the days of Antipas my witness, my faithful one, who was killed among you, where Satan dwelleth.

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