Luke 12:35

On the Alert for the Master’s Return

35 "{You must be prepared for action} and [your] lamps burning.

Luke 12:35 Meaning and Commentary

Luke 12:35

Let your loins be girded about
With the girdle of truth, ( Ephesians 6:14 ) keeping close to the doctrines of the Gospel, abiding faithfully by them, even unto death: the allusion is either to the eating of the first passover, ( Exodus 12:11 ) or rather to servants, who, in these eastern countries, wore long garments; and therefore, when in business, used to gather them up, and gird them about them, that they might perform their service with greater strength, more ease, quicker dispatch, and less hinderance: the phrase denotes readiness for business:

and your lights burning.
The Vulgate Latin version adds, "in your hands"; meaning torches that were held in the hand: and may design either the Scriptures of truth, which were to be a light or lamp unto them, guiding and directing them in the ministration of the Gospel; or the lamps of profession, which should be kept clear and bright, and good works, becoming them, that should so shine before men, that all may see them, and glorify God. The allusion is to persons waiting at a wedding in the night, with torches and flambeaus in their hands.

Luke 12:35 In-Context

33 Sell your possessions and give charitable gifts. Make for yourselves money bags that do not wear out, an inexhaustible treasure in heaven where thief does not approach or moth destroy.

34 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

35 "{You must be prepared for action} and [your] lamps burning.

36 And you, [be] like people who are waiting for their master when he returns from the wedding feast, so that [when he] comes back and knocks, they can open [the door] for him immediately.

37 Blessed [are] those slaves whom the master will find on the alert [when he] returns! Truly I say to you that he will dress himself for service and have them recline at the table and will come by [and] serve them.

Footnotes

• [a]. Literally "your loins must be girded"
• [b]. *Literally "the"; the Greek article is used here as a possessive pronoun