Watchful Servants

35 "Be dressed ready for service and keep your lamps burning,

Other Translations of Luke 12:35

King James Version

Watchful Servants

35 Let your loins be girded about, and your lights burning;

English Standard Version

Watchful Servants

35  "Stay dressed for actionGreek Let your loins stay girded; compare Exodus 12:11 and keep your lamps burning,

The Message

Watchful Servants

35 "Keep your shirts on; keep the lights on!

New King James Version

Watchful Servants

35 "Let your waist be girded and your lamps burning;

New Living Translation

Watchful Servants

35 "Be dressed for service and keep your lamps burning,

Matthew Henry's Commentary on Luke 12:35

Commentary on Luke 12:22-40

(Read Luke 12:22-40)

Christ largely insisted upon this caution not to give way to disquieting, perplexing cares, Matthew 6:25-34. The arguments here used are for our encouragement to cast our care upon God, which is the right way to get ease. As in our stature, so in our state, it is our wisdom to take it as it is. An eager, anxious pursuit of the things of this world, even necessary things, ill becomes the disciples of Christ. Fears must not prevail; when we frighten ourselves with thoughts of evil to come, and put ourselves upon needless cares how to avoid it. If we value the beauty of holiness, we shall not crave the luxuries of life. Let us then examine whether we belong to this little flock. Christ is our Master, and we are his servants; not only working servants, but waiting servants. We must be as men that wait for their lord, that sit up while he stays out late, to be ready to receive him. In this Christ alluded to his own ascension to heaven, his coming to call his people to him by death, and his return to judge the world. We are uncertain as to the time of his coming to us, we should therefore be always ready. If men thus take care of their houses, let us be thus wise for our souls. Be ye therefore ready also; as ready as the good man of the house would be, if he knew at what hour the thief would come.