Luke 12:35
Luke 12:35 in Multiple Translations
Be dressed for service and keep your lamps burning.
Let your loins be girded about, and your lights burning;
Let your loins be girded about, and your lamps burning;
Be ready, dressed as for a journey, with your lights burning.
Be dressed and ready, and keep your lamps lit,
Let your loynes be gird about and your lights burning,
'Let your loins be girded, and the lamps burning,
“Let your waist be dressed and your lamps burning.
Let your loins be girt, and your lights burning;
Let your loins be girt, and lamps burning in your hands.
“Be always ready for doing God’s work [MET], like people who have put on their work clothes and are ready during the day, with their lamps burning all night.
Berean Amplified Bible — Luke 12:35
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Luke 12:35 Interlinear (Deep Study)
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Greek Word Reference — Luke 12:35
Study Notes — Luke 12:35
- Context
- Cross References
- Luke 12:35 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Luke 12:35
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Luke 12:35
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Luke 12:35
- Trapp's Commentary on Luke 12:35
- Ellicott's Commentary on Luke 12:35
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Luke 12:35
- Cambridge Bible on Luke 12:35
- Barnes' Notes on Luke 12:35
- Whedon's Commentary on Luke 12:35
- Sermons on Luke 12:35
Context — Readiness at Any Hour
35Be dressed for service and keep your lamps burning.
36Then you will be like servants waiting for their master to return from the wedding banquet, so that when he comes and knocks, they can open the door for him at once. 37Blessed are those servants whom the master finds on watch when he returns. Truly I tell you, he will dress himself to serve and will have them recline at the table, and he himself will come and wait on them.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Peter 1:13 | Therefore prepare your minds for action. Be sober-minded. Set your hope fully on the grace to be given you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. |
| 2 | Ephesians 6:14 | Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness arrayed, |
| 3 | Matthew 25:4–10 | But the wise ones took oil in flasks along with their lamps. When the bridegroom was delayed, they all became drowsy and fell asleep. At midnight the cry rang out: ‘Here is the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!’ Then all the virgins woke up and trimmed their lamps. The foolish ones said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil; our lamps are going out.’ ‘No,’ said the wise ones, ‘or there may not be enough for both us and you. Instead, go to those who sell oil and buy some for yourselves.’ But while they were on their way to buy it, the bridegroom arrived. Those who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet, and the door was shut. |
| 4 | Matthew 5:16 | In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. |
| 5 | Matthew 25:1 | “At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. |
| 6 | Isaiah 5:27 | None of them grows weary or stumbles; no one slumbers or sleeps. No belt is loose and no sandal strap is broken. |
| 7 | Isaiah 11:5 | Righteousness will be the belt around His hips, and faithfulness the sash around His waist. |
| 8 | Philippians 2:15 | so that you may be blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and perverse generation, in which you shine as lights in the world |
| 9 | Proverbs 31:17 | She girds herself with strength and shows that her arms are strong. |
| 10 | 1 Kings 18:46 | And the hand of the LORD came upon Elijah, and he tucked his cloak into his belt and ran ahead of Ahab all the way to Jezreel. |
Luke 12:35 Summary
[This verse is telling us to be ready to serve God at all times, and to stay spiritually alert and prepared for His return, just like a servant waiting for their master to come home. We can do this by prioritizing our spiritual lives, reading the Bible, and praying regularly, as taught in Psalm 119:105 and Matthew 6:33. By being 'dressed for service' and keeping our 'lamps burning', we can be faithful servants of the Lord and be ready for whatever He has in store for us.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to 'be dressed for service' in Luke 12:35?
To be dressed for service means to be prepared and ready to serve the Lord at all times, just like a servant would be prepared to serve their master, as seen in Luke 12:36-37, and to have a heart that is pure and focused on God, as taught in Matthew 5:8.
Why are we told to 'keep your lamps burning' in Luke 12:35?
Keeping our lamps burning is a metaphor for staying spiritually alert and prepared for the Lord's return, as taught in Matthew 25:1-13, where the wise virgins kept their lamps burning with extra oil, showing their readiness for the bridegroom's arrival.
How does this verse relate to our everyday lives?
This verse reminds us to prioritize our spiritual lives and be prepared to serve God in all aspects of our lives, just as Jesus taught in Luke 9:23-24, where He calls us to deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow Him.
What is the significance of being 'dressed for service' and having 'lamps burning' together?
Together, these two phrases emphasize the importance of being both prepared and spiritually alert, as seen in Ephesians 6:10-18, where we are called to put on the full armor of God and be prepared for spiritual battle.
Reflection Questions
- What are some practical ways I can 'be dressed for service' in my daily life, and how can I prioritize my spiritual preparation?
- How can I ensure that my 'lamp' stays burning, and what are some things that might extinguish it?
- In what ways can I serve the Lord and others, and how can I be more intentional about using my time and resources for His glory?
- What are some distractions or obstacles that might keep me from being spiritually alert, and how can I overcome them?
Gill's Exposition on Luke 12:35
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Luke 12:35
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Luke 12:35
Trapp's Commentary on Luke 12:35
Ellicott's Commentary on Luke 12:35
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Luke 12:35
Cambridge Bible on Luke 12:35
Barnes' Notes on Luke 12:35
Whedon's Commentary on Luke 12:35
Sermons on Luke 12:35
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Return of Christ 19.3.1961 by Alan Redpath | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of work and prayer in the life of a believer. He encourages every individual to be diligent in their work and to find joy in |
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The Baptism (Part 1) by Ron Bailey | In this sermon, Peter asks Jesus if his parable is meant for all or just for them. Jesus responds by discussing the qualities of a faithful and wise servant who will be rewarded by |
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1999 Advent Week 2 - Timothy by John Piper | In this sermon transcript, the speaker reflects on the journey of faith and the importance of holding onto the truth of God's word. The speaker recounts a story of Timothy, who fac |
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Standing Pure for God in a Day of Compromise by Sandeep Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of preparing to meet God, focusing on purity, rejecting the seductions of the world, and being willing to stand alone for God. It challenges b |
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Stewards of Mysteries of God #1 by Stephen Kaung | In this sermon, the speaker begins by emphasizing that believers should view themselves as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. He highlights the importance of |
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Is America Dying? by Ray Brubaker | The sermon transcript discusses the phenomenon of people professing faith in Jesus Christ but then drifting away from their faith. The speaker emphasizes the importance of true rep |
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Loins Girt and Lamps Burning by Gottfried A. Waldvogel | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of disciples of Jesus being watchful and ready for his return. He uses the analogy of a servant or slave who belongs to their |







