Keep Watch

Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come.

Matthew 24:42 NIV

From Matthew's perspective, today's verse is an extremely important one.

We know from the word 'therefore,' there is missing information when considering this as a standalone verse. Context might be gleaned from the prior verses.

'Therefore' indicates a response to a reason which is unknown when reading this verse in isolation.

Further sensitivity is noted via the word 'because.' This explains the reason for 'keeping watch.'

Words which provide the reason for something happening such as, 'therefore,' 'because,' 'since,' 'so,' 'as,' 'to' and other variables should be noted as the highest level of sensitivity. These are known as 'explainers.' They are particularly sensitive where they provide a reason when one isn't asked for.

For example, if you ask someone the question, 'What happened?' and the answer includes an explainer, you know you are facing important and sensitive information, 'as' to provide the reason goes beyond the boundary of the question. It is often used to give information in order to avoid being asked about it.

In addition, Matthew gives the reason in the negative, 'you do not know.' The rule of the negative is that anything said in the negative is sensitive to the person saying or writing it. It may not be nefarious but is significant.

When we note an 'explainer' and a negative in the same sentence, we are looking at an extremely sensitive and important piece of information.

For Matthew, it is not knowing when the Lord will come.

The reason for 'therefore' can be found in the preceding verses, Matthew 24:37-41 NIV