When once the master of the house is risen up, and hath shut to the door, and ye begin to stand without, and to knock at the door, saying, Lord, Lord, open unto us; and he shall answer and say unto you, I know you not whence ye are:
When once the Master of the house is risen up, and hath shut to the door. Awfully sublime and vivid picture! At present He is represented as in a sitting posture, as if calmly looking on to see who will "strive," while entrance is practicable. But this is to have an end, by the great Master of the house Himself rising and shutting the door, after which there will be no admittance.
And ye begin to stand without, and to knock at the door, saying, Lord, Lord - emphatic reduplication, expressive of the earnestness holy felt, but too late. See the notes at Matthew 7:21-22. Open unto us; and he shall answer and say unto you, I know you not whence ye are: