Matthew 24:43 - An Understandable Version (2005 edition)

⁴³ But you should know this: if the owner of a house had known when a thief was coming, he would have been watching so as not to allow his house to be broken into.

More versions

King James Version (Oxford) 1769

⁴³ But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up.

Amplified Bible - Classic Edition

⁴³ But understand this: had the householder known in what [part of the night, whether in a night or a morning] watch the thief was coming, he would have watched and would not have allowed his house to be undermined and broken into.

American Standard Version (1901)

⁴³ But know this, that if the master of the house had known in what watch the thief was coming, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken through.

Common English Bible

⁴³ But you understand that if the head of the house knew at what time the thief would come, he would keep alert and wouldn’t allow the thief to break into his house.

Catholic Public Domain Version

⁴³ But know this: if only the father of the family knew at what hour the thief would arrive, he would certainly keep vigil and not permit his house to be broken into.

Matthew 24:43 Cross References

Luke 12:39

But you should realize this, if the owner of the house had known exactly when the burglar was coming, he would not have allowed his house to be broken into.

Matthew 24:44

Therefore, you also should be ready, for the Son of man will come at a time when you least expect Him.

Matthew 20:11

And when they received it, they complained to the farmer,

Matthew 14:25

Then between three and six o’clock in the morning Jesus came walking to them on the [surface of the] lake.

Matthew 24:42

Therefore be alert, for you do not know on what day the Lord will come.

Matthew 25:10

And while they were away [trying] to buy olive oil, the [bride and] groom arrived, and those who were ready [to welcome them] entered the [house where the] wedding reception [was being held] and the door was shut.

Matthew 25:13

Therefore, you should be watchful, for you do not know the day or hour [i.e., when the Son of man will return].

Mark 6:48

When He saw how distressed His disciples were, rowing against an opposing wind, Jesus came to them between three and six o’clock in the morning, walking on the water, and almost walked past them.

Mark 13:35

So, be alert, because you do not know when the owner of the house will return, whether [some] evening, at midnight, at dawn, or at [mid-] morning.

Luke 12:38

And if he comes between nine o’clock and midnight or between midnight and three o’clock in the morning and finds them being watchful, those slaves will be blessed [for doing so].

Luke 21:36

But you should be alert at all times, offering earnest prayers, so that you will be strong enough to escape all these things that will happen, and to appear [acceptable] in front of the Son of man [on that day].”

Revelation 3:3

So, remember how you have received and heard the message [i.e., they had eagerly accepted the Gospel]; [now] obey it and repent. For if you do not become [spiritually] alert, I will come as a thief [i.e. unexpectedly] and you will not know the [exact] time that I will come upon you [in judgment. See 2:16, 25].

Revelation 16:15

[Note: At this point the Lord’s voice breaks into John’s vision]. (“Look, I am coming like a thief. That person is happy who stays alert and is dressed [properly], so he does not appear naked and have to be shamefully exposed”).