King James Bible
"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."
Jesus identifies a servant who possesses full knowledge of his master's expectations and commands. This knowing implies deliberate instruction and clear understanding, establishing the servant's accountability based on revealed truth rather than ignorance. The servant's failure is twofold: neglecting both internal readiness and external obedience. This distinction between preparation and action suggests that faithful service requires both a ready heart and corresponding deeds, with willful negligence in either area constituting rebellion. The severity of punishment corresponds to the degree of knowledge—those who knowingly disobey receive harsher judgment. In the parable's context of Christ's return, this illustrates the principle that greater spiritual privilege brings greater responsibility before God.