1 Thessalonians 5 1

1 Thessalonians 5:1 kjv

But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you.

1 Thessalonians 5:1 nkjv

But concerning the times and the seasons, brethren, you have no need that I should write to you.

1 Thessalonians 5:1 niv

Now, brothers and sisters, about times and dates we do not need to write to you,

1 Thessalonians 5:1 esv

Now concerning the times and the seasons, brothers, you have no need to have anything written to you.

1 Thessalonians 5:1 nlt

Now concerning how and when all this will happen, dear brothers and sisters, we don't really need to write you.

1 Thessalonians 5 verses

1 Thessalonians 5 1 Meaning

The Apostle Paul shifts focus from the suddenness of the Rapture, which was discussed at the end of Chapter 4, to the precise timing of the "Day of the Lord." This verse indicates that while previous revelations addressed the manner of Christ's return for His own, there is no need to write about the exact moment or specific duration concerning the ultimate judgment and establishment of God's kingdom. It signifies that the specific details of when these prophetic events will unfold are intentionally unrevealed to believers, urging instead a focus on preparedness and right living.

1 Thessalonians 5 1 Context

1 Thessalonians 5:1 follows directly from the preceding discussion in 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, where Paul addresses the believers' concerns about those who had died before Christ's return. He assures them of the resurrection of the dead in Christ and the catching up of believers (the Rapture) to meet the Lord. Having dealt with the "who" and "how" of Christ's coming for His Church, Paul now transitions to the "when" of the "Day of the Lord"—a broader eschatological term encompassing Christ's return in glory, the judgment of the ungodly, and the establishment of His kingdom. The Thessalonians likely had further questions about the exact timing of these events, perhaps confused by current Jewish apocalyptic expectations or misconceptions that the Day of the Lord had already come. Paul’s response here is to emphasize that the specific times are not known, thereby shifting their focus from precise calendrical predictions to watchful living.

1 Thessalonians 5 1 Word analysis

• But: (Greek: De - δέ) This is a strong conjunction indicating a transition or contrast. It signals a shift from the previous topic (the Rapture) to a related, but distinct, one: the timing of the broader eschatological "Day of the Lord." It implies "Now, concerning this other matter..."
• concerning: (Greek: peri - περί) A preposition meaning "about," "with respect to," or "concerning." It marks the subject matter Paul is about to address.
• the times: (Greek: chronōn - χρόνων) This refers to chronological time, specific durations, periods, or seasons measured linearly (e.g., hours, days, years). It denotes the objective passage of time.
• and: (Greek: kai - καί) A simple conjunction connecting two related concepts.
• the seasons: (Greek: kairōn - καιρῶν) This term is distinct from chronoi. It refers to opportune, appointed, or critical times; specific periods when certain events are destined to occur, rather than merely chronological duration. It denotes a specific qualitative period, an epoch, or a decisive moment in God’s redemptive plan. The distinction implies that while a long "chronological" period might pass, specific divine "kairoi" within it will unfold God's plan.
• brethren: (Greek: adelphoi - ἀδελφοί) A term of endearment, fellowship, and familial relation among believers. It underscores the compassionate and pastoral tone of Paul's letter to fellow members of God's family.
• you have no need: (Greek: ouch chreian echete - οὐκ χρείαν ἔχετε) A strong negative expression indicating an absolute lack of necessity or obligation. Paul states there's no requirement or benefit for them to know these details, implying such knowledge would not aid their faith or practice.
• that I should write: (Greek: grapho - γράφω) Refers to the act of writing a letter or instruction. Paul states there is no need for him to elaborate in written form on the exact timing.

Words-group by words-group analysis

• But concerning the times and the seasons: This phrase immediately introduces the topic. The conjunction "But" signals a pivot. The paired terms "times" (chronoi, general time) and "seasons" (kairoi, appointed or opportune times) are key eschatological concepts frequently used together in Jewish and early Christian contexts to speak of the precise unfolding of divine purposes. This specific pairing echoes Jesus’ own words in Acts 1:7, affirming that the Father alone holds authority over such specific details.
• brethren, you have no need: This tender address ("brethren") highlights Paul’s pastoral care even as he gives a firm directive. The phrase "you have no need" asserts that a deeper written explanation or further revelation about the precise timing of future events is not necessary for their spiritual maturity or preparedness. This isn't because they know the times, but because such knowledge is not given to them for a purpose. This lack of need applies to detailed intellectual understanding, but not to the necessity of constant readiness and expectation of Christ's return.
• that I should write to you: Paul affirms that this particular aspect of the Day of the Lord's timing doesn't require further instruction from him. It implies that either the Thessalonians already understood the principle that the timing is unknown, or that this truth is foundational and universally understood without needing lengthy exposition. This implicitly confirms that God’s plan unfolds according to His preordained schedule, which is not revealed for human calculation or manipulation.

1 Thessalonians 5 1 Bonus section

• The phrasing "times and seasons" is not unique to this verse. It is an idiomatic expression that signifies all details of precise timing related to the outworking of God's redemptive plan. Its usage reinforces the divine prerogative regarding these revelations.
• This verse indirectly counters any immediate preoccupation or anxiety among believers concerning precise eschatological timetables, which can lead to misguided actions, idleness, or false prophecies.
• Paul often assumes a foundational understanding of "the Day of the Lord" among his Gentile converts, indicating its presence in early Christian teaching, likely deriving from Old Testament prophecies and Jesus' own teachings.

1 Thessalonians 5 1 Commentary

1 Thessalonians 5:1 sets the tone for the subsequent discussion on living in light of the Day of the Lord. Paul deliberately distinguishes between the specific "rapture" of the Church (discussed in 1 Thessalonians 4) and the broader "Day of the Lord," which includes global judgments and Christ's glorious reign. The core message is that the exact timing ("times and seasons") of these eschatological events remains hidden in God’s sovereignty. Paul's statement, "you have no need for me to write to you," suggests a truth already impressed upon them, or at least a truth that they did not need to be specifically detailed in writing by him. The significance is a pastoral redirection: instead of obsessive speculation about calendars and precise moments, believers are to live in constant expectation and practical preparedness. The emphasis shifts from knowing when to being ready for when it comes, whenever that may be. It is not an encouragement to be ignorant, but a warning against presumptuous knowledge. Believers are called to walk in the light and anticipate Christ's return with sober vigilance, rather than idle curiosity about divine timing.