12:40a

You also must be ready: In this context the phrase You also indicates “In the same way as the owner of the house, you also….” It would be good for the homeowner to be ready for the thief. In the same way, it is good for the disciples to be ready for the Son of Man to return.

The verb be ready implies here that the disciples must be ready constantly. In some languages it may be necessary to make this information explicit. For example:

You also must be ready all the time (New Living Translation (2004))

12:40b

because: The Greek conjunction that the Berean Standard Bible translates as translates as because introduces the reason why the disciples should be ready constantly. They should be ready because the Son of Man will come at an unexpected time.

the Son of Man: Jesus used the title the Son of Man to refer to himself, as he did in 12:10a. See the note at 11:30b

will come: The verb that the Berean Standard Bible translates as translates as will come refers to the future return of the Son of Man. It is implied from other verses that he will come from heaven and will return to earth. In some languages it may be necessary to make some of this information explicit. For example:

will come ⌊back to earth⌋
-or-
will return ⌊from heaven⌋

at an hour you do not expect: This clause indicates that the Son of Man will come back at a time when people do not think he will come. Other people, as well as the disciples, will not be expecting him to arrive then. In some languages it may be helpful to use a more general statement. For example:

at an unexpected time
-or-
when least expected (New Living Translation (2004))

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