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 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
The word "therefore" serves as a conclusion to the preceding parables and teachings of Jesus, particularly the Parable of the Ten Virgins. In Greek, "οὖν" (oun) is often used to draw a logical conclusion from what has been previously stated. It signals the importance of the message that follows, urging the listener to apply the lessons learned. In the context of Matthew 25, it emphasizes the necessity of vigilance and readiness in the Christian life, as Jesus has just illustrated through parables the consequences of being unprepared for His return.

keep watch
The phrase "keep watch" is translated from the Greek word "γρηγορεῖτε" (grēgoreite), which means to be vigilant or to stay awake. This term is often used in the New Testament to denote spiritual alertness and readiness. Historically, watchmen were crucial in ancient cities, tasked with the responsibility of alerting the inhabitants to any impending danger. Spiritually, this calls Christians to be alert and prepared for the return of Christ, living in a state of readiness and anticipation, ensuring that their lives reflect the teachings and love of Jesus.

because you do not know
This phrase underscores the uncertainty and unpredictability of the timing of Christ's return. The Greek "οὐκ οἴδατε" (ouk oidate) translates to "you do not know," highlighting human limitations in understanding divine timing. This lack of knowledge is intentional, as it encourages believers to live each day as if it could be the day of the Lord's return. It is a call to faithfulness and diligence, reminding Christians that their focus should be on living righteously rather than predicting the future.

the day or the hour
The specific mention of "the day or the hour" emphasizes the precise unknown timing of the Second Coming. In Jewish tradition, the day and hour were often used to denote specific times for religious observances and festivals. Here, it signifies the unpredictability of the eschatological event. Theologically, this serves as a reminder that God's plans transcend human understanding and that believers should trust in His perfect timing. It encourages a life of constant readiness, where one's faith and actions are consistently aligned with the teachings of Christ, regardless of when He returns.

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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Matthew 25:12
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