Luke 12:39 web — But know this, that if the master of the house had known in what hour the thief was coming, he would have watched, and…

World English Bible

"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 allowed his house to be broken into."

— Luke 12:39, World English Bible

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Luke 12:39 in Other Translations

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Luke 12 — Context

36

Be like men watching for their lord, when he returns from the marriage feast; that, when he comes and knocks, they may immediately open to him.

37

Blessed are those servants, whom the lord will find watching when he comes. Most certainly I tell you, that he will dress himself, and make them recline, and will come and serve them.

38

They will be blessed if he comes in the second or third watch, and finds them so.

39

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 allowed his house to be broken into.

40

Therefore be ready also, for the Son of Man is coming in an hour that you don't expect him."

41

Peter said to him, "Lord, are you telling this parable to us, or to everybody?"

42

The Lord said, "Who then is the faithful and wise steward, whom his lord will set over his household, to give them their portion of food at the right times?

Luke 12:39 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does Luke 12:39 say?
Luke 12:39 in the World English Bible reads: “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 allowed his house to be broken into.”
Where is Luke 12:39 in the Bible?
Luke 12:39 is found in the New Testament, in the book of Luke, chapter 12, verse 39.
Who wrote Luke?
Luke is traditionally attributed to Luke the physician, companion of Paul. It was written c. AD 60–62.
What is the book of Luke about?
Luke writes "an orderly account" of Jesus' life from a careful historian's pen, with special attention to the poor, the outsider, women, prayer, and the Holy Spirit. From the angelic announcements at the beginning to the Emmaus road at the end, Luke shows Jesus as the Savior of the world.
What are the major themes of Luke?
Luke explores themes including Salvation for All, Holy Spirit, Prayer, Compassion, Joy. These themes shape the meaning and context of Luke 12:39.
What translation should I read Luke 12:39 in?
Luke 12:39 is available on GodsGoodBook in the King James Version (KJV), American Standard Version (ASV), World English Bible (WEB), NET Bible, Young's Literal Translation, Darby Bible, Douay-Rheims Bible, and the Bible in Basic English. Each translation reflects different translation philosophies — use the translation picker on this page to compare them, or browse our full translations directory.
How can I memorize Luke 12:39?
Luke 12:39 reads (WEB): “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 allowed his house to be broken into.” Read it aloud, break it into short phrases, repeat each phrase three times before adding the next, then put the phrases together. Reading it in multiple translations (above) often helps the meaning settle.
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