The Meaning of Luke 12:39 Explained

Luke 12:39

KJV: And this know, that if the goodman of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched, and not have suffered his house to be broken through.

YLT: 'And this know, that if the master of the house had known what hour the thief doth come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken through;

Darby: But this know, that if the master of the house had known in what hour the thief was coming, he would have watched, and not have suffered his house to be dug through.

ASV: But know this, that if the master of the house had known in what hour the thief was coming, he would have watched, and not have left his house to be broken through.

KJV Reverse Interlinear

And  this  know,  that  if  the goodman of the house  had known  what  hour  the thief  would come,  he would have watched,  and  not  have suffered  his  house  to be broken through. 

What does Luke 12:39 Mean?

Verse Meaning

Jesus chose another illustration of the importance of preparedness. He compared His return to the coming of a thief in this one. The point is that those whom He visited would not expect His return. This illustration gives a warning whereas the previous one provided encouragement. The previous one presented the possibility of delay, but the present one stresses sudden and unexpected arrival. [1]

Context Summary

Luke 12:35-48 - Ever On The Watch
The Lord leads our thoughts on to His advent, when He will call His servants to account. The day may pass into the evening, the evening into the night, and the night may even begin to wear away to the morning, but the faithful servants keep their watch. Their loins are girt to serve, and the house is radiant with their trimmed lights. Presently He comes, and He raises His slaves to sit at His table! They are henceforth His friends-and His highly honored friends-whom He serves with His own hands. The grandeur of the reward seems to have been too much for Peter to grasp, Luke 12:41. Surely it couldn't be for all. Yes, said our Lord in effect, to all who are faithful to their possibilities and use their position and gifts for others.
How abrupt and awful the contrast in Luke 12:45-48! The greater our responsibility, the greater our condemnation, if we fail. Retribution is the inevitable penalty of infidelity to trust; but it will be precisely proportioned to our knowledge of the Lord's will. There are degrees or grades in retribution as in glory. [source]

Chapter Summary: Luke 12

1  Jesus preaches to his apostles to avoid hypocrisy
13  and warns against covetousness, by the parable of the man who set up greater barns
22  We must not worry about earthly things,
31  but seek the kingdom of God;
33  give alms;
35  be ready at a knock to open to our Lord whensoever he comes
41  Jesus' disciples are to see to their charges,
49  and look for persecution
54  The people must take this time of grace;
57  because it is a fearful thing to die without reconciliation

Greek Commentary for Luke 12:39

The thief [ο κλεπτης]
The change here almost makes a new parable to illustrate the other, the parable of the housebreaking (Luke 12:39, Luke 12:40) to illustrate the parable of the waiting servants (Luke 12:35). This same language appears in Matthew 24:43. “The Master returning from a wedding is replaced by a thief whose study it is to come to the house he means to plunder at an unexpected time” (Bruce). The parallel in Matthew 24:43-51 with Luke 12:39-46 does not have the interruption by Peter. [source]
He would have watched [εγρηγορησεν αν]
Apodosis of second-class condition, determined as unfulfilled, made plain by use of αν — an with aorist indicative which is not repeated with ουκ απηκεν — ouk aphēken (first aorist active indicative of απιημι — aphiēmi κ — k aorist), though it is sometimes repeated (Matthew 24:43). [source]
What hour [ποίᾳ ὥρᾳ]
See on Matthew 24:42. [source]
Would come []
Lit., cometh. See on Matthew 24:43. [source]
Broken through []
See on Matthew 6:19. [source]

Reverse Greek Commentary Search for Luke 12:39

Luke 12:39 The thief [ο κλεπτης]
The change here almost makes a new parable to illustrate the other, the parable of the housebreaking (Luke 12:39, Luke 12:40) to illustrate the parable of the waiting servants (Luke 12:35). This same language appears in Matthew 24:43. “The Master returning from a wedding is replaced by a thief whose study it is to come to the house he means to plunder at an unexpected time” (Bruce). The parallel in Matthew 24:43-51 with Luke 12:39-46 does not have the interruption by Peter. [source]
1 Thessalonians 5:2 As a thief [ὡς κλέπτης]
Comp. Matthew 24:43; Luke 12:39; 2 Peter 3:10; Revelation 16:15, and see on Revelation 3:3. [source]
1 Thessalonians 5:2 As a thief in the night [ως κλεπτης εν νυκτι]
As a thief at night, suddenly and unexpectedly. Reminiscence of the word of Jesus (Matthew 24:43; Luke 12:39), used also in 2 Peter 3:10; Revelation 3:3; Revelation 16:15. Cometh (ερχεται — erchetai). Prophetic or futuristic present tense. [source]
2 Peter 3:10 As a thief [ως κλεπτης]
That is suddenly, without notice. This very metaphor Jesus had used (Luke 12:39; Matthew 24:43) and Paul after him (1 Thessalonians 5:2) and John will quote it also (Revelation 3:3; Revelation 16:15).In the which (εν ηι — en hēi). The day when the Lord comes.Shall pass away Future middle of παρερχομαι — parerchomai old verb, to pass by.With a great noise (ροιζηδον — roizēdon). Late and rare adverb (from ροιζεω ροιζος — roizeōτα στοιχεια — roizos) - Lycophron, Nicander, here only in N.T., onomatopoetic, whizzing sound of rapid motion through the air like the flight of a bird, thunder, fierce flame.The elements Old word (from λυτησεται — stoichos a row), in Plato in this sense, in other senses also in N.T. as the alphabet, ceremonial regulations (Hebrews 5:12; Galatians 4:3; Galatians 5:1; Colossians 2:8).Shall be dissolved (λυω — luthēsetai). Future passive of στοιχεια — luō to loosen, singular because καυσουμενα — stoicheia is neuter plural.With fervent heat Present passive participle of καυσος — kausoō late verb (from καυσομενα — kausos usually medical term for fever) and nearly always employed for fever temperature. Mayor suggests a conflagration from internal heat. Bigg thinks it merely a vernacular (Doric) future for καιω — kausomena (from κατακαησεται — kaiō to burn).Shall be burned up (κατακαιω — katakaēsetai). Repeated in 2 Peter 3:12. Second future passive of the compound verb ευρετησεται — katakaiō to burn down (up), according to A L. But Aleph B K P read ευρισκω — heurethēsetai (future passive of heuriskō to find) “shall be found.” There are various other readings here. The text seems corrupt. [source]
Revelation 16:15 As a thief []
Compare Matthew 24:43; Luke 12:39; 1 Thessalonians 5:2, 1 Thessalonians 5:4; 2 Peter 3:10. [source]
Revelation 3:3 Therefore [ουν]
Resumptive and coordinating as in Revelation 1:19; Revelation 2:5.Thou hast received (ειληπας — eilēphas). Perfect active indicative of λαμβανω — lambanō “as a permanent deposit” (Vincent).Didst hear First aorist active indicative, the act of hearing at the time.And keep it (και τηρει — kai tērei). Present active imperative of τηρεω — tēreō “hold on to what thou hast.”And repent First aorist active imperative of μετανοεω — metanoeō “Turn at once.”If therefore thou shalt not watch (εαν ουν μη γρηγορησηις — ean oun mē grēgorēsēis). Condition of third class with εαν μη — ean mē and the first aorist (ingressive) active subjunctive of γρηγορεω — grēgoreō “if then thou do not wake up.”I will come Certainly future active here, though probably aorist subjunctive in Revelation 2:25.As a thief (ως κλεπτης — hōs kleptēs). As Jesus had already said (Matthew 24:43; Luke 12:39), as Paul had said (1 Thessalonians 5:2), as Peter had said (2 Peter 3:10), as Jesus will say again (Revelation 16:15).Thou shalt not know Strong double negative ου μη — ou mē with second aorist active subjunctive of γινωσκω — ginōskō though some MSS. have the future middle indicative γνωσηι — gnōsēi hour A rare classical idiom (accusative) surviving in the Koiné rather than the genitive of time, somewhat like John 4:52; Acts 20:16 (Robertson, Grammar, p. 470f.). Indirect question with ποιαν — poian f0). [source]
Revelation 3:3 Didst hear [ηκουσας]
First aorist active indicative, the act of hearing at the time.And keep it (και τηρει — kai tērei). Present active imperative of τηρεω — tēreō “hold on to what thou hast.”And repent First aorist active imperative of μετανοεω — metanoeō “Turn at once.”If therefore thou shalt not watch (εαν ουν μη γρηγορησηις — ean oun mē grēgorēsēis). Condition of third class with εαν μη — ean mē and the first aorist (ingressive) active subjunctive of γρηγορεω — grēgoreō “if then thou do not wake up.”I will come Certainly future active here, though probably aorist subjunctive in Revelation 2:25.As a thief (ως κλεπτης — hōs kleptēs). As Jesus had already said (Matthew 24:43; Luke 12:39), as Paul had said (1 Thessalonians 5:2), as Peter had said (2 Peter 3:10), as Jesus will say again (Revelation 16:15).Thou shalt not know Strong double negative ου μη — ou mē with second aorist active subjunctive of γινωσκω — ginōskō though some MSS. have the future middle indicative γνωσηι — gnōsēi hour A rare classical idiom (accusative) surviving in the Koiné rather than the genitive of time, somewhat like John 4:52; Acts 20:16 (Robertson, Grammar, p. 470f.). Indirect question with ποιαν — poian f0). [source]
Revelation 3:3 I will come [ηχω]
Certainly future active here, though probably aorist subjunctive in Revelation 2:25.As a thief (ως κλεπτης — hōs kleptēs). As Jesus had already said (Matthew 24:43; Luke 12:39), as Paul had said (1 Thessalonians 5:2), as Peter had said (2 Peter 3:10), as Jesus will say again (Revelation 16:15).Thou shalt not know Strong double negative ου μη — ou mē with second aorist active subjunctive of γινωσκω — ginōskō though some MSS. have the future middle indicative γνωσηι — gnōsēi hour A rare classical idiom (accusative) surviving in the Koiné rather than the genitive of time, somewhat like John 4:52; Acts 20:16 (Robertson, Grammar, p. 470f.). Indirect question with ποιαν — poian f0). [source]
Revelation 3:3 As a thief [ως κλεπτης]
As Jesus had already said (Matthew 24:43; Luke 12:39), as Paul had said (1 Thessalonians 5:2), as Peter had said (2 Peter 3:10), as Jesus will say again (Revelation 16:15). [source]
Revelation 3:3 And repent [και μετανοησον]
First aorist active imperative of μετανοεω — metanoeō “Turn at once.”If therefore thou shalt not watch (εαν ουν μη γρηγορησηις — ean oun mē grēgorēsēis). Condition of third class with εαν μη — ean mē and the first aorist (ingressive) active subjunctive of γρηγορεω — grēgoreō “if then thou do not wake up.”I will come Certainly future active here, though probably aorist subjunctive in Revelation 2:25.As a thief (ως κλεπτης — hōs kleptēs). As Jesus had already said (Matthew 24:43; Luke 12:39), as Paul had said (1 Thessalonians 5:2), as Peter had said (2 Peter 3:10), as Jesus will say again (Revelation 16:15).Thou shalt not know Strong double negative ου μη — ou mē with second aorist active subjunctive of γινωσκω — ginōskō though some MSS. have the future middle indicative γνωσηι — gnōsēi hour A rare classical idiom (accusative) surviving in the Koiné rather than the genitive of time, somewhat like John 4:52; Acts 20:16 (Robertson, Grammar, p. 470f.). Indirect question with ποιαν — poian f0). [source]

What do the individual words in Luke 12:39 mean?

This however know that if had known the master of the house in what hour thief is coming he would have watched not - and he would have allowed to be broken into the house of him
Τοῦτο δὲ γινώσκετε ὅτι εἰ ᾔδει οἰκοδεσπότης ποίᾳ ὥρᾳ κλέπτης ἔρχεται (ἐγρηγόρησεν) οὐκ ἂν (καὶ) ἀφῆκεν διορυχθῆναι τὸν οἶκον αὐτοῦ

Τοῦτο  This 
Parse: Demonstrative Pronoun, Accusative Neuter Singular
Root: οὗτος  
Sense: this.
δὲ  however 
Parse: Conjunction
Root: δέ  
Sense: but, moreover, and, etc.
γινώσκετε  know 
Parse: Verb, Present Imperative Active, 2nd Person Plural
Root: γινώσκω  
Sense: to learn to know, come to know, get a knowledge of perceive, feel.
ὅτι  that 
Parse: Conjunction
Root: ὅτι  
Sense: that, because, since.
ᾔδει  had  known 
Parse: Verb, Pluperfect Indicative Active, 3rd Person Singular
Root: οἶδα  
Sense: to see.
οἰκοδεσπότης  master  of  the  house 
Parse: Noun, Nominative Masculine Singular
Root: οἰκοδεσπότης  
Sense: master of the house, householder.
ποίᾳ  in  what 
Parse: Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun, Dative Feminine Singular
Root: ποία 
Sense: of what sort or nature.
ὥρᾳ  hour 
Parse: Noun, Dative Feminine Singular
Root: ὥρα  
Sense: a certain definite time or season fixed by natural law and returning with the revolving year.
κλέπτης  thief 
Parse: Noun, Nominative Masculine Singular
Root: κλέπτης  
Sense: an embezzler, pilferer.
ἔρχεται  is  coming 
Parse: Verb, Present Indicative Middle or Passive, 3rd Person Singular
Root: ἔρχομαι  
Sense: to come.
(ἐγρηγόρησεν)  he  would  have  watched 
Parse: Verb, Aorist Indicative Active, 3rd Person Singular
Root: γρηγορέω  
Sense: to watch.
ἂν  - 
Parse: Particle
Root: ἄν  
Sense: has no exact English equivalent, see definitions under AV.
ἀφῆκεν  he  would  have  allowed 
Parse: Verb, Aorist Indicative Active, 3rd Person Singular
Root: ἀφίημι 
Sense: to send away.
διορυχθῆναι  to  be  broken  into 
Parse: Verb, Aorist Infinitive Passive
Root: διορύσσω  
Sense: to dig through: a house.
οἶκον  house 
Parse: Noun, Accusative Masculine Singular
Root: οἶκος  
Sense: a house.
αὐτοῦ  of  him 
Parse: Personal / Possessive Pronoun, Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Root: αὐτός  
Sense: himself, herself, themselves, itself.