Definition: Watch ye therefore: for ye know not when the master of the house cometh, at even, or at midnight, or at the cockcrowing, or in the morning:

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Matthew 23:35. It’s a pretty dramatic and important verse in the Bible. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Core Idea: This verse warns us about judgment day and the arrival of Jesus Christ. It’s essentially saying that soon (we’re talking about a very long time), Jesus will come back to judge people. Let's unpack the details: "Watch ye therefore..." : This isn't just a suggestion; it’s a command. We need to be attentive and aware of what’s coming. "...for ye know not when the master of the house cometh..." : This is the key part. "The master of the house" refers to Jesus Christ. He's coming back! It's not just any old man; it's the Son of God . "...at even..." : “At even” means at the very beginning of a scheduled event – like a meeting or an appointment. It’s a specific, predetermined time. "...or at midnight..." : Midnight is a very significant time in the Bible - often associated with death and judgment. "...or at the cockcrowing..." : “Cockcrowing” means when the rooster crows – a signal that the day is ending and a new day begins. So, this suggests a moment of intense activity or a significant event happening around this time. "...or in the morning:" : This brings us back to the beginning of the day. Putting it all together: Jesus is coming back soon, and he’ll be here at a specific, predetermined point – at the beginning of the day (at even), or near midnight, or during the rooster's crowing. It means that people shouldn’t be complacent; we need to be prepared for His return. What does this mean practically? This verse is a message about: Judgment: That Jesus will ultimately judge humanity fairly. Finality: It emphasizes that this judgment isn't going to be on a trial, but on the whole community of believers. Importance of Obedience: It’s a call to live righteously and obey God’s commands now , because Jesus is coming soon. Important Note: This verse is often interpreted as a warning about sin and the need to repent (turn away from sin) before it's too late. --- Do you want me to explain any of these parts in more detail, or perhaps explore a related topic like repentance? For example, I could tell you about: The symbolism of the "master of the house" How this verse relates to the Old Testament prophecies about Jesus’s return.