Matthew 25:13
New International Version
“Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.

New Living Translation
“So you, too, must keep watch! For you do not know the day or hour of my return.

English Standard Version
Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour.

Berean Standard Bible
Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.

Berean Literal Bible
Therefore watch, for you do not know the day, nor the hour.

King James Bible
Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.

New King James Version
“Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming.

New American Standard Bible
Be on the alert then, because you do not know the day nor the hour.

NASB 1995
“Be on the alert then, for you do not know the day nor the hour.

NASB 1977
“Be on the alert then, for you do not know the day nor the hour.

Legacy Standard Bible
Therefore, stay awake, for you do not know the day nor the hour.

Amplified Bible
Therefore, be on the alert [be prepared and ready], for you do not know the day nor the hour [when the Son of Man will come].

Christian Standard Bible
“Therefore be alert, because you don’t know either the day or the hour.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
“Therefore be alert, because you don’t know either the day or the hour.

American Standard Version
Watch therefore, for ye know not the day nor the hour.

Contemporary English Version
So, my disciples, always be ready! You don't know the day or the time when all this will happen.

English Revised Version
Watch therefore, for ye know not the day nor the hour.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
"So stay awake, because you don't know the day or the hour.

Good News Translation
And Jesus concluded, "Watch out, then, because you do not know the day or the hour.

International Standard Version
So keep on watching, because you don't know the day or the hour."

Majority Standard Bible
Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour when the Son of Man comes.

NET Bible
Therefore stay alert, because you do not know the day or the hour.

New Heart English Bible
Watch therefore, for you do not know the day nor the hour.

Webster's Bible Translation
Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of man cometh.

Weymouth New Testament
"Keep awake therefore; for you know neither the day nor the hour.

World English Bible
Watch therefore, for you don’t know the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
Watch therefore, for you have not known the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man comes.

Berean Literal Bible
Therefore watch, for you do not know the day, nor the hour.

Young's Literal Translation
'Watch therefore, for ye have not known the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man doth come.

Smith's Literal Translation
Watch, therefore, for ye know not the day, neither the hour, in which the Son of man comes.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Watch ye therefore, because you know not the day nor the hour.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And so you must be vigilant, because you do not know the day or the hour.

New American Bible
Therefore, stay awake, for you know neither the day nor the hour.

New Revised Standard Version
Keep awake therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Be alert, therefore, for you do not know, that day nor the hour.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
Wake up therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
Watch, therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour.

Godbey New Testament
Watch therefore, because you know neither the day nor the hour.

Haweis New Testament
Watch therefore, for ye know not the day nor the hour in which the Son of man cometh.

Mace New Testament
watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour.

Weymouth New Testament
"Keep awake therefore; for you know neither the day nor the hour.

Worrell New Testament
Watch, therefore, because ye know not the day, nor the hour!

Worsley New Testament
Watch therefore, for ye know not the day, nor the season in which the Son of man cometh.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Parable of the Ten Virgins
12But he replied, ‘Truly I tell you, I do not know you.’ 13Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour. 14For it is just like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted them with his possessions.…

Cross References
Mark 13:32-37
No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. / Be on your guard and stay alert! For you do not know when the appointed time will come. / It is like a man going on a journey who left his house, put each servant in charge of his own task, and instructed the doorkeeper to keep watch. ...

Luke 12:35-40
Be dressed for service and keep your lamps burning. / Then you will be like servants waiting for their master to return from the wedding banquet, so that when he comes and knocks, they can open the door for him at once. / Blessed are those servants whom the master finds on watch when he returns. Truly I tell you, he will dress himself to serve and will have them recline at the table, and he himself will come and wait on them. ...

1 Thessalonians 5:1-6
Now about the times and seasons, brothers, we do not need to write to you. / For you are fully aware that the Day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. / While people are saying, “Peace and security,” destruction will come upon them suddenly, like labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. ...

Revelation 3:3
Remember, then, what you have received and heard. Keep it and repent. If you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know the hour when I will come upon you.

Matthew 24:42-44
Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day on which your Lord will come. / But understand this: If the homeowner had known in which watch of the night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into. / For this reason, you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour you do not expect.

Luke 21:34-36
But watch yourselves, or your hearts will be weighed down by dissipation, drunkenness, and the worries of life—and that day will spring upon you suddenly like a snare. / For it will come upon all who dwell on the face of all the earth. / 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.”

2 Peter 3:10
But the Day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar, the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and its works will be laid bare.

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.”

1 Corinthians 16:13
Be on the alert. Stand firm in the faith. Be men of courage. Be strong.

Romans 13:11-14
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. / The night is nearly over; the day has drawn near. So let us lay aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. / Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. ...

Hebrews 10:25
Let us not neglect meeting together, as some have made a habit, but let us encourage one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

1 Peter 4:7
The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear-minded and sober, so that you can pray.

Acts 1:7
Jesus replied, “It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by His own authority.

James 5:8-9
You, too, be patient and strengthen your hearts, because the Lord’s coming is near. / Do not complain about one another, brothers, so that you will not be judged. Look, the Judge is standing at the door!

Isaiah 55:6
Seek the LORD while He may be found; call on Him while He is near.


Treasury of Scripture

Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man comes.

Matthew 24:42-44
Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come…

Mark 13:33-37
Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is…

Luke 21:36
Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.

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Matthew 25
1. The parable of the ten virgins,
14. and of the talents.
31. Also the description of the last judgment.














Therefore keep watch
This phrase serves as a direct command and is a call to vigilance and readiness. In the context of Matthew 25, Jesus is concluding the Parable of the Ten Virgins, which emphasizes the importance of being prepared for the coming of the bridegroom, symbolizing Christ's return. The command to "keep watch" is a recurring theme in the New Testament, urging believers to remain spiritually alert and morally upright. This vigilance is not passive but active, involving prayer, study of Scripture, and living a life that reflects Christ's teachings. The Greek word used here for "watch" is "gregoreite," which implies being awake and alert, contrasting with spiritual complacency.

because you do not know
This phrase highlights the uncertainty of the timing of Christ's return. Throughout the Gospels, Jesus emphasizes that the exact time of His second coming is unknown to all but the Father (Matthew 24:36). This uncertainty serves as a test of faith and commitment, encouraging believers to live in a state of constant readiness. The unpredictability of the timing is meant to prevent complacency and to ensure that followers of Christ are always prepared, living in a manner that honors God.

the day or the hour
The specific mention of "the day or the hour" underscores the precise nature of the unknown timing. This phrase is often linked to eschatological teachings in the Bible, where the "day" refers to the Day of the Lord, a time of judgment and fulfillment of God's promises. The "hour" can be seen as a moment of significant change or divine intervention. In the broader biblical context, this reflects the suddenness and unexpectedness of God's actions, as seen in passages like 1 Thessalonians 5:2, where the Day of the Lord is described as coming like a thief in the night. This serves as a reminder of the need for constant spiritual preparedness and the importance of living a life that is pleasing to God, as the moment of accountability could arrive at any time.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jesus Christ
The speaker of this verse, delivering a parable to His disciples about the Kingdom of Heaven.

2. Disciples
The immediate audience of Jesus' teaching, representing all believers who are called to be vigilant.

3. Parable of the Ten Virgins
The context of this verse, illustrating the importance of readiness for the coming of the bridegroom, symbolizing Christ's return.

4. Bridegroom
Represents Jesus Christ, whose return is anticipated by the Church.

5. Wedding Feast
Symbolizes the Kingdom of Heaven and the ultimate union of Christ with His Church.
Teaching Points
Vigilance in Faith
Believers are called to maintain a constant state of spiritual alertness, living in anticipation of Christ's return.

Uncertainty of Timing
The exact time of Christ's return is unknown, emphasizing the need for continual readiness and faithfulness.

Spiritual Preparedness
Like the wise virgins in the parable, Christians must ensure they are spiritually prepared, with their "lamps" filled with the oil of faith and good works.

Active Waiting
Waiting for Christ is not passive; it involves active engagement in prayer, study of the Word, and service to others.

Community Accountability
Encourage one another in the faith, holding each other accountable to live lives that reflect readiness for Christ's return.Verse 13. - Watch therefore. This is the lesson which the Lord draws from the parable, as elsewhere he gives the same warning, e.g. Luke 12:35, repeated by the apostle (1 Thessalonians 5:2, 6). Ye know neither the day nor the hour [wherein the Son of man cometh]. The words in brackets are omitted by the earlier uncials, the Vulgate, Syriac, etc., and are to be regarded as an exegetical interpolation (comp. Matthew 24:42). Tertullian well says, "Ut pendula expectatione solicitude fidei probetur, semper diem observans, dum semper ignorat, quotidie timens quod quotidie sperat" ('De Anima,' 33). It remains to observe that, mystically, Christ is the Bridegroom, who celebrates his nuptials with his bride the Church, and comes to conduct her to heaven; those who are ready will accompany him and enter into the joy of their Lord; those who have not made their calling sure will be shut out.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
Therefore
οὖν (oun)
Conjunction
Strong's 3767: Therefore, then. Apparently a primary word; certainly, or accordingly.

keep watch,
Γρηγορεῖτε (Grēgoreite)
Verb - Present Imperative Active - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 1127: (a) I am awake (in the night), watch, (b) I am watchful, on the alert, vigilant. From egeiro; to keep awake, i.e. Watch.

because
ὅτι (hoti)
Conjunction
Strong's 3754: Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.

you do not know
οἴδατε (oidate)
Verb - Perfect Indicative Active - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 1492: To know, remember, appreciate.

the
τὴν (tēn)
Article - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

day
ἡμέραν (hēmeran)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 2250: A day, the period from sunrise to sunset.

[or]
οὐδὲ (oude)
Conjunction
Strong's 3761: Neither, nor, not even, and not. From ou and de; not however, i.e. Neither, nor, not even.

the
τὴν (tēn)
Article - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

hour.
ὥραν (hōran)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 5610: Apparently a primary word; an 'hour'.


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