Matthew 24:42

Modern

Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day on which your Lord will come.

Traditional

Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come.

Literal

Therefore watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord comes.

Latin

Vigilate ergo, quia nescitis qua hora Dominus vester venturus sit.

Greek

English

Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day on which your Lord will come.

keep watch: This means to actively and energetically obey the Lord with a single focus (see Matthew 25:13; 26:38–41).

Jesus now applied his prophecies (Matthew 24:1–36) to his disciples so they would stay faithful and be ready for his second coming.

Theme notes and profiles

Luke 21:36
So keep watch at all times, and pray that you may have the strength to escape all that is about to happen and to stand before the Son of Man.”
1 Thessalonians 5:6
So then, let us not sleep as the others do, but let us remain awake and sober.
Matthew 25:13
Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.
Revelation 16:15
“Behold, I am coming like a thief. Blessed is the one who remains awake and clothed, so that he will not go naked and let his shame be exposed.”
Matthew 24:36
No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.
1 Corinthians 16:13
Be on the alert. Stand firm in the faith. Be men of courage. Be strong.
Luke 12:35–40
Be dressed for service and keep your lamps burning.
Matthew 24:44
For this reason, you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour you do not expect.
Romans 13:11
And do this, understanding the occasion. The hour has come for you to wake up from your slumber, for our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed.
Matthew 26:38–41
Then He said to them, “My soul is consumed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with Me.”
1 Peter 5:8
Be sober-minded and alert. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.
Revelation 3:2–3
Wake up and strengthen what remains, which is about to die; for I have found your deeds incomplete in the sight of My God.