47 And that servant, which knew his lord's will, and prepared not himself, neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes.
47 "The servant who knows the master's will and does not get ready or does not do what the master wants will be beaten with many blows.
47 And that servant who knew his master's will but did not get ready or act according to his will, will receive a severe beating.
47 "The servant who knows what his master wants and ignores it, or insolently does whatever he pleases, will be thoroughly thrashed.
47 And that servant who knew his master's will, and did not prepare himself or do according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes.
47 "And a servant who knows what the master wants, but isn't prepared and doesn't carry out those instructions, will be severely punished.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Luke 12:47
Commentary on Luke 12:41-53
(Read Luke 12:41-53)
All are to take to themselves what Christ says in his word, and to inquire concerning it. No one is left so ignorant as not to know many things to be wrong which he does, and many things to be right which he neglects; therefore all are without excuse in their sin. The bringing in the gospel dispensation would occasion desolations. Not that this would be the tendency of Christ's religion, which is pure, peaceable, and loving; but the effect of its being contrary to men's pride and lusts. There was to be a wide publication of the gospel. But before that took place, Christ had a baptism to be baptized with, far different from that of water and the Holy Spirit. He must endure sufferings and death. It agreed not with his plan to preach the gospel more widely, till this baptism was completed. We should be zealous in making known the truth, for though divisions will be stirred up, and a man's own household may be his foes, yet sinners will be converted, and God will be glorified.