Luke 12:43

12:43 Blessed is that slave ¹  whom his master finds at work ²  when he returns.

Luke 12:37

12:37 Blessed are those slaves ³  whom their master finds alert ⁴  when he returns! I tell you the truth, ⁵  he will dress himself to serve, ⁶  have them take their place at the table, ⁷  and will come ⁸  and wait on them! ⁹ 

Luke 18:8

18:8 I tell you, he will give them justice speedily. ¹⁰  Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith ¹¹  on earth?”

[12:43]  ¹ tn See the note on the word “slave” in 7:2.

[12:43]  ² tn That is, doing his job, doing what he is supposed to be doing.

[12:37]  ³ tn See the note on the word “slave” in 7:2.

[12:37]  ⁴ tn Or “watching”; Grk “awake,” but in context this is not just being awake but alert and looking out.

[12:37]  ⁵ tn Grk “Truly (ἀμήν, amhn), I say to you.”

[12:37]  ⁶ tn See v. 35 (same verb).

[12:37]  ⁷ tn Grk “have them recline at table,” as 1st century middle eastern meals were not eaten while sitting at a table, but while reclining on one’s side on the floor with the head closest to the low table and the feet farthest away.

[12:37]  ⁸ tn The participle παρελθών (parelqwn) has been translated as a finite verb due to requirements of contemporary English style.

[12:37]  ⁹ sn He…will come and wait on them is a reversal of expectation, but shows that what Jesus asks for he is willing to do as well; see John 13:5 and 15:18-27, although those instances merely foreshadow what is in view here.

[18:8]  ⁵ tn Some argue this should be translated “suddenly.” When vindication comes it will be quick. But the more natural meaning is “soon.” God will not forget his elect and will respond to them. It may be that this verse has a prophetic perspective. In light of the eternity that comes, vindication is soon.

[18:8]  ⁶ sn Will he find faith on earth? The Son of Man is looking for those who continue to believe in him, despite the wait.