Luke 12:46
New International Version
The master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he is not aware of. He will cut him to pieces and assign him a place with the unbelievers.

New Living Translation
The master will return unannounced and unexpected, and he will cut the servant in pieces and banish him with the unfaithful.

English Standard Version
the master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he does not know, and will cut him in pieces and put him with the unfaithful.

Berean Standard Bible
The master of that servant will come on a day he does not expect and at an hour he does not anticipate. Then he will cut him to pieces and assign him a place with the unbelievers.

Berean Literal Bible
the master of that servant will come in a day in which he does not expect, and in an hour that he does not know, and he will cut him in two and will appoint him a place with the unbelievers.

King James Bible
The lord of that servant will come in a day when he looketh not for him, and at an hour when he is not aware, and will cut him in sunder, and will appoint him his portion with the unbelievers.

New King James Version
the master of that servant will come on a day when he is not looking for him, and at an hour when he is not aware, and will cut him in two and appoint him his portion with the unbelievers.

New American Standard Bible
then the master of that slave will come on a day that he does not expect, and at an hour that he does not know, and will cut him in two, and assign him a place with the unbelievers.

NASB 1995
the master of that slave will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he does not know, and will cut him in pieces, and assign him a place with the unbelievers.

NASB 1977
the master of that slave will come on a day when he does not expect him, and at an hour he does not know, and will cut him in pieces, and assign him a place with the unbelievers.

Legacy Standard Bible
the master of that slave will come on a day when he does not expect and at an hour he does not know, and will cut him in pieces, and assign him a place with the unbelievers.

Amplified Bible
the master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he does not know, and will cut him in pieces, and assign him a place with the unbelievers.

Christian Standard Bible
that servant’s master will come on a day he does not expect him and at an hour he does not know. He will cut him to pieces and assign him a place with the unfaithful.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
that slave’s master will come on a day he does not expect him and at an hour he does not know. He will cut him to pieces and assign him a place with the unbelievers.

American Standard Version
the lord of that servant shall come in a day when he expecteth not, and in an hour when he knoweth not, and shall cut him asunder, and appoint his portion with the unfaithful.

Contemporary English Version
If that happens, the master will come on a day and at a time when the servant least expects him. That servant will then be punished and thrown out with the servants who cannot be trusted.

English Revised Version
the lord of that servant shall come in a day when he expecteth not, and in an hour when he knoweth not, and shall cut him asunder, and appoint his portion with the unfaithful.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
His master will return at an unexpected time. Then his master will punish him severely and assign him a place with unfaithful people.

Good News Translation
then the master will come back one day when the servant does not expect him and at a time he does not know. The master will cut him in pieces and make him share the fate of the disobedient.

International Standard Version
the master of that servant will come on a day when he doesn't expect him and at an hour that he doesn't know. Then his master will punish him severely and assign him a place with unfaithful people.

Majority Standard Bible
The master of that servant will come on a day he does not expect and at an hour he does not anticipate. Then he will cut him to pieces and assign him a place with the unbelievers.

NET Bible
then the master of that slave will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he does not foresee, and will cut him in two, and assign him a place with the unfaithful.

New Heart English Bible
then the lord of that servant will come in a day when he is not expecting him, and in an hour that he does not know, and will cut him in two, and place his portion with the unfaithful.

Webster's Bible Translation
The lord of that servant will come in a day when he looketh not for him, and at an hour when he is not aware, and will cut him asunder, and will appoint him his portion with the unbelievers.

Weymouth New Testament
that servant's Master will come on a day when he is not expecting Him and at an hour that he knows not of, and will punish him severely, and make him share the lot of the unfaithful.

World English Bible
then the lord of that servant will come in a day when he isn’t expecting him and in an hour that he doesn’t know, and will cut him in two, and place his portion with the unfaithful.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
the lord of that servant will come in a day in which he does not look for [him], and in an hour that he does not know, and will cut him off, and he will appoint his portion with the unfaithful.

Berean Literal Bible
the master of that servant will come in a day in which he does not expect, and in an hour that he does not know, and he will cut him in two and will appoint him a place with the unbelievers.

Young's Literal Translation
the lord of that servant will come in a day in which he doth not look for him, and in an hour that he doth not know, and will cut him off, and his portion with the unfaithful he will appoint.

Smith's Literal Translation
The lord of that servant shall come in a day which he expects not, and in an hour which he knows not, and he will cut him in two equal parts, and set his portion with the unbelieving.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
The lord of that servant will come in the day that he hopeth not, and at the hour that he knoweth not, and shall separate him, and shall appoint him his portion with unbelievers.

Catholic Public Domain Version
then the Lord of that servant will return on a day which he hoped not, and at an hour which he knew not. And he will separate him, and he will place his portion with that of the unfaithful.

New American Bible
then that servant’s master will come on an unexpected day and at an unknown hour and will punish him severely and assign him a place with the unfaithful.

New Revised Standard Version
the master of that slave will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour that he does not know, and will cut him in pieces, and put him with the unfaithful.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
The master of that servant will come in a day and at an hour that he does not expect or know; and he will severely punish him, and place him with those who are not trustworthy.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
“The Lord of that servant will come in a day when he does not expect and in an hour when he does not know; he shall cut him off and he shall appoint his portion with those who are unbelievers.”
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
the lord of that servant will come in a day in which he looks not for him, and at an hour which he knows not; and will cut him asunder, and appoint him his portion with the unfaithful.

Godbey New Testament
the lord of that servant will come in a day in which he does not expect, and in an hour in which he does not know, and will cut him off, and will appoint his part with the unbelievers.

Haweis New Testament
the master of that servant will come in a day when he doth not expect him, and at an hour which he knoweth not, and shall cut him asunder, and give him his portion with the unfaithful.

Mace New Testament
his master will return on a day he does not expect him, and a an hour he is ignorant of; he will separate him from the rest, and give him a treatment answerable to his infidelity.

Weymouth New Testament
that servant's Master will come on a day when he is not expecting Him and at an hour that he knows not of, and will punish him severely, and make him share the lot of the unfaithful.

Worrell New Testament
the lord of that servant will come in a day when he is not expecting him, and in an hour which he knows not, and will cut him asunder, and appoint his portion with the unfaithful.

Worsley New Testament
the lord of that servant will come on a day in which he does not expect him, and at a time which he is not aware of; and will cut him asunder, and appoint him his portion with the unfaithful.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Be Ready for Service
45But suppose that servant says in his heart, ‘My master will be a long time in coming,’ and he begins to beat the menservants and maidservants, and to eat and drink and get drunk. 46The master of that servant will come on a day he does not expect and at an hour he does not anticipate. Then he will cut him to pieces and assign him a place with the unbelievers. 47That servant who knows his master’s will but does not get ready or follow his instructions will be beaten with many blows.…

Cross References
Matthew 24:50-51
The master of that servant will come on a day he does not expect and at an hour he does not anticipate. / Then he will cut him to pieces and assign him a place with the hypocrites, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

Matthew 25:30
And throw that worthless servant into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’

Matthew 8:12
But the sons of the kingdom will be thrown into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”

Matthew 22:13
Then the king told the servants, ‘Tie him hand and foot, and throw him into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’

1 Thessalonians 5:2-3
For you are fully aware that the Day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. / While people are saying, “Peace and security,” destruction will come upon them suddenly, like labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.

Revelation 3:3
Remember, then, what you have received and heard. Keep it and repent. If you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know the hour when I will come upon you.

Revelation 16:15
“Behold, I am coming like a thief. Blessed is the one who remains awake and clothed, so that he will not go naked and let his shame be exposed.”

2 Peter 3:10
But the Day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar, the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and its works will be laid bare.

1 Corinthians 4:5
Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait until the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men’s hearts. At that time each will receive his praise from God.

Hebrews 10:26-27
If we deliberately go on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no further sacrifice for sins remains, / but only a fearful expectation of judgment and of raging fire that will consume all adversaries.

Ezekiel 18:24
But if a righteous man turns from his righteousness and practices iniquity, committing the same abominations as the wicked, will he live? None of the righteous acts he did will be remembered. Because of the unfaithfulness and sin he has committed, he will die.

Ezekiel 33:12-13
Therefore, son of man, say to your people: ‘The righteousness of the righteous man will not deliver him in the day of his transgression; neither will the wickedness of the wicked man cause him to stumble on the day he turns from his wickedness. Nor will the righteous man be able to survive by his righteousness on the day he sins.’ / If I tell the righteous man that he will surely live, but he then trusts in his righteousness and commits iniquity, then none of his righteous works will be remembered; he will die because of the iniquity he has committed.

Isaiah 13:9
Behold, the Day of the LORD is coming—cruel, with fury and burning anger—to make the earth a desolation and to destroy the sinners within it.

Isaiah 26:21
For behold, the LORD is coming out of His dwelling to punish the inhabitants of the earth for their iniquity. The earth will reveal her bloodshed and will no longer conceal her slain.

Jeremiah 23:19-20
Behold, the storm of the LORD has gone out with fury, a whirlwind swirling down upon the heads of the wicked. / The anger of the LORD will not turn back until He has fully accomplished the purposes of His heart. In the days to come you will understand this clearly.


Treasury of Scripture

The lord of that servant will come in a day when he looks not for him, and at an hour when he is not aware, and will cut him in sunder, and will appoint him his portion with the unbelievers.

lord.

Luke 12:19,20,40
And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry…

Revelation 16:15
Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame.

cut him in sunder.

Psalm 37:9
For evildoers shall be cut off: but those that wait upon the LORD, they shall inherit the earth.

Psalm 94:14
For the LORD will not cast off his people, neither will he forsake his inheritance.

and will appoint.

Job 20:29
This is the portion of a wicked man from God, and the heritage appointed unto him by God.

Psalm 11:5
The LORD trieth the righteous: but the wicked and him that loveth violence his soul hateth.

Matthew 7:22,23
Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? …

the unbelievers.

Matthew 24:51
And shall cut him asunder, and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

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Appoint Assign Asunder Aware Bondman Cut Expect Expecteth Expecting Faith Fate Hour Lot Master Part Pieces Portion Punish Servant Servant's Severely Share Slave Sunder Time Unbelievers Unfaithful
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Appoint Assign Asunder Aware Bondman Cut Expect Expecteth Expecting Faith Fate Hour Lot Master Part Pieces Portion Punish Servant Servant's Severely Share Slave Sunder Time Unbelievers Unfaithful
Luke 12
1. Jesus preaches to his apostles to avoid hypocrisy
13. and warns against covetousness, by the parable of the man who set up greater barns.
22. We must not worry about earthly things,
31. but seek the kingdom of God;
33. give alms;
35. be ready at a knock to open to our Lord whensoever he comes.
41. Jesus' disciples are to see to their charges,
49. and look for persecution.
54. The people must take this time of grace;
57. because it is a fearful thing to die without reconciliation.














The master of that servant
In the context of this parable, "the master" represents Jesus Christ, who is the ultimate authority and judge. The term "servant" refers to those who profess to follow Christ, highlighting the relationship between the believer and the Lord. The Greek word for "servant" is "doulos," which implies a bond-servant or slave, emphasizing total submission and obedience to the master's will. This relationship is foundational in understanding the expectations of faithfulness and readiness in the Christian life.

will come on a day he does not anticipate
The unexpected coming of the master underscores the theme of vigilance and preparedness. The Greek word "erchomai" for "come" suggests an arrival or advent, often used in the New Testament to describe the coming of Christ. The phrase "does not anticipate" indicates a lack of readiness or awareness, serving as a warning to believers to live in constant expectation of Christ's return, as it will be sudden and without prior notice.

and at an hour he does not expect
This phrase reinforces the suddenness and unpredictability of the master's return. The Greek word "hora" for "hour" signifies a specific time, emphasizing that the exact moment of Christ's return is unknown. This calls for a life of continual faithfulness and watchfulness, as believers are urged to be spiritually prepared at all times.

Then He will cut him to pieces
The imagery here is severe and serves as a stark warning. The Greek word "dichotomeo" means to cut in two, symbolizing judgment and separation. This reflects the seriousness of failing to be a faithful and wise servant. It is a metaphorical expression indicating severe punishment for those who are unfaithful or hypocritical in their service to Christ.

and assign him a place with the unbelievers
The consequence of unfaithfulness is to be placed with "the unbelievers," those who have rejected Christ. The Greek word "apistos" for "unbelievers" denotes those without faith, highlighting the eternal separation from God that results from a life of disobedience and unpreparedness. This serves as a sobering reminder of the eternal implications of our earthly choices and the importance of living a life that reflects genuine faith and readiness for Christ's return.

(46) With the unbelievers.--Better, perhaps, in a less technical sense, the unfaithful, the word affording sharp contrast with the "faithful and wise steward" of Luke 12:42.



Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
The
(ho)
Article - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

master
κύριος (kyrios)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2962: Lord, master, sir; the Lord. From kuros; supreme in authority, i.e. controller; by implication, Master.

of that
ἐκείνου (ekeinou)
Demonstrative Pronoun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 1565: That, that one there, yonder. From ekei; that one (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed.

servant
δούλου (doulou)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 1401: (a) (as adj.) enslaved, (b) (as noun) a (male) slave. From deo; a slave.

will come
ἥξει (hēxei)
Verb - Future Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2240: To have come, be present, have arrived. A primary verb; to arrive, i.e. Be present.

on
ἐν (en)
Preposition
Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.

a day
ἡμέρᾳ (hēmera)
Noun - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 2250: A day, the period from sunrise to sunset.

when
(hē)
Personal / Relative Pronoun - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3739: Who, which, what, that.

he does not expect [him],
προσδοκᾷ (prosdoka)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 4328: To expect, wait for, await, think, anticipate. From pros and dokeuo; to anticipate; by implication, to await.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

at
ἐν (en)
Preposition
Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.

an hour
ὥρᾳ (hōra)
Noun - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 5610: Apparently a primary word; an 'hour'.

of which
(hē)
Personal / Relative Pronoun - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3739: Who, which, what, that.

he is unaware.
γινώσκει (ginōskei)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1097: A prolonged form of a primary verb; to 'know' in a great variety of applications and with many implications.

Then
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

He will cut him to pieces
διχοτομήσει (dichotomēsei)
Verb - Future Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1371: From a compound of a derivative of dis and a derivative of temno; to bisect, i.e. to flog severely.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

assign
θήσει (thēsei)
Verb - Future Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 5087: To put, place, lay, set, fix, establish. A prolonged form of a primary theo to place.

him
αὐτοῦ (autou)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

a
τὸ (to)
Article - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

place
μέρος (meros)
Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3313: A part, portion, share. From an obsolete but more primary form of meiromai; a division or share.

with
μετὰ (meta)
Preposition
Strong's 3326: (a) gen: with, in company with, (b) acc: (1) behind, beyond, after, of place, (2) after, of time, with nouns, neut. of adjectives.

the
τῶν (tōn)
Article - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

unbelievers.
ἀπίστων (apistōn)
Adjective - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 571: (passively) untrustworthy (person), or incredible (thing).


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NT Gospels: Luke 12:46 Then the lord of that servant will (Luke Lu Lk)
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