New Testament
Matthew 24:50
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this verse, Jesus emphasizes the unexpected nature of His return.
- Author
- Matthew the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 60-70
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- Jewish Christians
That servant's master will show up on a day he doesn't expect, at a time he doesn't know.
The lord of that servant shall come in a day when he looketh not for him, and in an hour that he is not aware of,
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus emphasizes the unexpected nature of His return. The master represents Christ, and the servant symbolizes those who follow Him. The message is clear: just as a servant may not anticipate his master's arrival, believers should be vigilant and prepared for Christ's return, which could happen at any moment. This teaching serves as a warning against complacency and encourages a life of readiness and faithfulness. The timing of the master's arrival is unknown, highlighting the importance of living each day with purpose and dedication. The verse reminds us that we should not take our faith for granted or assume we have more time to prepare. Instead, we should actively engage in our spiritual lives, serving others and growing in our relationship with God, as we await His return. Explore related preparedness.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Matthew 24:50 to your life
To apply this verse, we should live each day with a sense of urgency and purpose, knowing that Christ could return at any moment. This means being diligent in our spiritual practices, serving others, and maintaining a strong relationship with God, ensuring we are always prepared for His coming.
Curated for this public verse page. Matthew Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Matthew 24:50 mean?
Matthew 24:50 highlights the unexpected nature of Christ's return. It teaches that believers should always be prepared and vigilant, as the timing of His coming is unknown.
What is the significance of the master in Matthew 24:50?
In this verse, the master represents Christ, while the servant symbolizes His followers. The master’s unexpected arrival serves as a reminder for believers to remain faithful and ready.
How can I apply Matthew 24:50 to my life?
To apply Matthew 24:50, live each day with purpose and urgency, staying engaged in your faith and serving others. This preparation reflects a readiness for Christ's return.
Why is the timing of the master's arrival important in Matthew 24:50?
The timing is important because it emphasizes that believers should not become complacent. Knowing that Christ could return at any time encourages a life of readiness and dedication.

The Book of Matthew
Matthew 1: The Generation and Birth of Jesus Christ
The book begins with the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham. It records the generations from Abraham to David, from David until the carrying away into Babylon, and from the carrying away into Babylon unto Christ, each being fourteen generations. The genealogy concludes with Jacob begetting Joseph, the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ.
Unlock the full Matthew summary
Continue reading every chapter — themes, structure, and turning points.
The complete summary of Matthew — a chapter-by-chapter breakdown covering all 28 chapters.
What you get
Every chapter of Matthew summarized in clear, modern English
How each section connects — narrative flow, key themes, and turning points
Permanent access — read anytime, on any device
Best value • Save over 90%
One-time purchase • Access anytime
ClearBible summaries are proprietary content and may not be copied, republished, or resold.
Checkout works as a guest. After payment, you create an account to claim your unlock.