New Testament
Matthew 24:48
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But suppose that servant is wicked and thinks to himself, 'My master won't be back for a long time.'
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But and if that evil servant shall say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming;
What Matthew 24:48 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus warns about the attitude of a servant who believes his master will not return soon. This servant, described as wicked, becomes complacent and irresponsible, thinking he has time to act without accountability. The phrase 'thinks to himself' indicates a self-deceptive mindset, where the servant justifies his poor behavior by assuming he can delay his responsibilities. This reflects a broader spiritual truth about being vigilant and prepared for the return of Christ. The servant's wickedness is not just in his actions but also in his heart, showing that inner thoughts can lead to outward behavior. This verse serves as a caution against apathy and encourages believers to remain faithful and active in their duties, regardless of how long they perceive the wait for Christ's return to be.
How to apply Matthew 24:48 to your life
This verse reminds us to stay diligent in our responsibilities and faith, regardless of how long we think we have until Christ returns. We should avoid complacency and ensure our actions reflect our commitment to God, living each day as if it could be our last.
Curated for this public verse page. Matthew Summary
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Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: Teaching on the Mount of Olives (Matthew 24:1–25:46)
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Photo: zeevveez, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 2.0. Source. Location: Capernaum, on the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee. Resized for the web.
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Jesus' home base by the Sea of Galilee, and the town where Peter lived.
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At a Glance — the Book of Matthew
- Author
- Matthew the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 60-70
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- Jewish Christians
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Matthew 24:48 mean?
Matthew 24:48 warns about a servant who becomes complacent, believing his master will not return soon. This attitude leads to irresponsible behavior, highlighting the importance of being vigilant and prepared for Christ's return.
What is the meaning of 'wicked servant' in Matthew 24:48?
The 'wicked servant' in Matthew 24:48 refers to someone who neglects their responsibilities due to a false sense of security about their master's absence. This term emphasizes the moral failure of ignoring accountability and acting irresponsibly.
How does Matthew 24:48 apply to daily life?
Matthew 24:48 encourages us to stay diligent in our responsibilities and faith, reminding us not to become complacent. We should live each day with the awareness that we are accountable for our actions, regardless of how long we think we have until Christ returns.
What does 'thinks to himself' mean in Matthew 24:48?
The phrase 'thinks to himself' in Matthew 24:48 indicates a self-deceptive mindset where the servant justifies his poor behavior. It highlights how inner thoughts can influence actions, leading to complacency and irresponsibility.
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