Matthew 24:43

γινώσκετε, observe, nota bene. εἰ ᾔδει : supposition contrary to fact, therefore verbs in prot. and apod. indicative. ὁ κλέπτης, admirably selected character. It is the thier's business to keep people in the dark as to the time of his coming, or as to his coming at all. οἰκοδεσπότης suggests the idea of a great man, but in reality it is a poor peasant who is in view. He lives in a clay house, which can be dug through (sun-dried bricks), vide διορυχθῆναι in last clause. Yet he is the master in his humble dwelling (cf. on Matthew 6:19).