But know this ... - If a man knew the hour, or “about the hour,” when a robber would come, he would be ready for him. So you know not the exact hour, but you know it is near, when the Son of man will come. He will come suddenly, as a thief comes, without giving previous warning, 1Th 5:2; 2 Peter 3:10; Revelation 3:3; Revelation 16:15. “Goodman.” See the notes at Matthew 20:11.
Thief - A robber. A thief, with us, means one who takes goods without doing violence - secretly, silently. The original word means one who does it by housebreaking, or by highway violence, Luke 10:30.
Broken up - Broken into either by the doors or windows. See the notes at Matthew 6:19.
In what watch - In which of the four quarters of the night. See the notes at Matthew 14:25.