Matthew 24:43
Translations
King James Version (KJV)
But know this, that if the manager 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.
American King James Version (AKJV)
But know this, that if the manager 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.
American Standard Version (ASV)
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.
Basic English Translation (BBE)
But be certain of this, that if the master of the house had had knowledge of the time when the thief was coming, he would have been watching, and would not have let his house be broken into.
Webster's Revision
But know this, that if the master of the house knew in what watch the thief would come, he would watch, and would not suffer his house to be broken up.
World English Bible
But know this, that if the master of the house had known in what watch of the night the thief was coming, he would have watched, and would not have allowed his house to be broken into.
English Revised Version (ERV)
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.
Clarke's Matthew 24:43 Bible Commentary
If the good man of the house had known - "As a master of a family who expected a thief at any time of the night, would take care to be awake, and ready to protect his house; so do ye, who know that the Son of man will come. Though the day and hour be uncertain, continue always in a state of watchfulness, that he may not come upon you unawares." Wakefield.
Barnes's Matthew 24:43 Bible Commentary
But know this ... - If a man knew the hour, or "about the hour," when a robber would come, he would be ready for him. So you know not the exact hour, but you know it is near, when the Son of man will come. He will come suddenly, as a thief comes, without giving previous warning, 1 Thessalonians 5:2; 2 Peter 3:10; Revelation 3:3; Revelation 16:15. "Goodman." See the notes at Matthew 20:11.
Thief - A robber. A thief, with us, means one who takes goods without doing violence - secretly, silently. The original word means one who does it by housebreaking, or by highway violence, Luke 10:30.
Broken up - Broken into either by the doors or windows. See the notes at Matthew 6:19.
In what watch - In which of the four quarters of the night. See the notes at Matthew 14:25.