1 Thessalonians 5:4 kjv
But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief.
1 Thessalonians 5:4 nkjv
But you, brethren, are not in darkness, so that this Day should overtake you as a thief.
1 Thessalonians 5:4 niv
But you, brothers and sisters, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief.
1 Thessalonians 5:4 esv
But you are not in darkness, brothers, for that day to surprise you like a thief.
1 Thessalonians 5:4 nlt
But you aren't in the dark about these things, dear brothers and sisters, and you won't be surprised when the day of the Lord comes like a thief.
1 Thessalonians 5 4 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Thess 5:2 | For you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. | Direct thematic connection (Day of the Lord) |
| Matt 24:43 | But understand this: If the owner of the house had known when he would come, he would not have let his house be broken into. | Parable of the Thief |
| Mark 13:35 | So be on your guard! You do not know when the master of the house will come: when evening falls, or at midnight, or when he crows, or at dawn. | Call to Vigilance |
| Luke 12:39 | But be sure of this: If the homeowner had known the exact time when the thief was coming, he would not have let his house be broken into. | Parable of the Thief |
| Rom 13:11 | And do this, knowing the time. This is the hour to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. | Awakening from Slumber |
| 1 Pet 4:7 | The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind, so that you may pray. | Nearness of the End, Alertness |
| 2 Pet 3:10 | But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be laid bare. | Day of the Lord, Thief-like Coming |
| Rev 3:3 | Remember, therefore, what you have received and heard; hold it fast and repent. But if you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what time I will come to you. | Christ's Warning about a Thief-like Coming |
| John 8:12 | When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” | Jesus as the Light of the World |
| Eph 5:8 | For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light. | Children of Light |
| Col 1:13 | For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves. | Delivered from Darkness |
| 1 John 1:7 | But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin. | Walking in the Light |
| Acts 2:20 | The sun will turn into darkness, and the moon into blood before the great and notable day of the Lord comes. | Signs of the Day of the Lord |
| Joel 2:31 | "The sun will be turned to darkness and the moon to blood before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord." | Prophecy of the Day of the Lord |
| Isa 13:6 | Wail, for the day of the Lord is near; it will come as destruction from the Almighty. | Destruction of the Day of the Lord |
| Ezek 30:3 | For the day is near, the day of the Lord is near—a day of clouds, a day of doom for the nations. | Day of Doom |
| Zech 14:7 | And there will be no other light; the lights will not be strong and radiant. | Lack of Light during Judgment |
| 1 Thess 5:5 | You are all children of the light and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness. | Direct contrast with darkness |
| 1 Thess 5:6 | So then, let us not sleep like all the others, but let us stay alert and sober. | Call to Alertness |
| 1 Thess 5:9 | For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. | God's Purpose of Salvation, Not Wrath |
| Rom 13:12 | That night is almost over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. | Putting off Darkness, Putting on Light |
| Gal 5:22-23 | But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. | Character of those in the Light |
1 Thessalonians 5 verses
1 Thessalonians 5 4 Meaning
The verse states that believers are not in darkness, and therefore, the day of the Lord will not surprise them like a thief. This signifies that those who have accepted Christ are enlightened and aware of His eventual return, contrasting them with those who remain in spiritual ignorance and will be caught unaware by judgment.
1 Thessalonians 5 4 Context
First Thessalonians 5:1-11 focuses on the certainty and nature of Christ's second coming and the believer's preparedness. Verse 4 directly contrasts the experience of believers with that of the world concerning this future event. Paul had previously addressed the Thessalonians' questions about the timing of the Lord's return and the fate of believers who had died. This section serves to instruct them on how to live in light of this imminent event, emphasizing vigilance and sober-mindedness. The historical context involves a church that was facing persecution and was eager for Christ's return as a deliverance. Paul assures them that they will not be caught unprepared like thieves in the night, distinguishing them as children of light who live in anticipation of the day.
1 Thessalonians 5 4 Word Analysis
but (Greek: de) - A coordinating conjunction used to introduce a contrast.
you (Greek: hymeis) - Second person plural pronoun, referring to the Thessalonian believers.
brethren (Greek: adelphoi) - Refers to brothers and sisters in Christ, indicating the close fellowship and familial relationship within the church.
are (Greek: este) - Second person plural present indicative of eimi, "to be."
not (Greek: ou) - A simple negation.
in (Greek: en) - A preposition indicating location or sphere of existence.
darkness (Greek: skotei) - Refers to a state of spiritual ignorance, sin, and separation from God. Metaphorically, it represents the realm of evil and those who practice it.
that (Greek: hina) - Used to express purpose or result, linking the statement about not being in darkness to the following clause.
the (Greek: ho) - Definite article.
day (Greek: hemera) - Refers to the Day of the Lord, a specific time of divine judgment and intervention.
of (Greek: tou) - Genitive article, indicating possession or relationship.
the (Greek: kuriou) - Genitive of "kyrios," meaning "Lord" (Jesus Christ).
should (Greek: me) - A particle used with the subjunctive mood, often to express a negative purpose or result, preventing something from happening.
overtake (Greek: katelaben) - Second person singular aorist subjunctive of katalambano, meaning "to seize," "to lay hold of," "to surprise." The singular form here is notable as it emphasizes the personal aspect of the event.
you (Greek: hymeis) - Second person plural pronoun, referring back to the brethren.
as (Greek: ho') - Conjunction used for comparison.
a (Greek: kleptes) - Indefinite article.
thief (Greek: kleptou) - Genitive singular of kleptes, meaning "thief," someone who steals secretly.
Groups of Words:
- "not in darkness": signifies freedom from spiritual ignorance and the power of sin and evil, being in fellowship with God.
- "that the day of the Lord should overtake you as a thief": expresses the consequence of being in the light—that the suddenness and surprise associated with the thief will not apply to them.
1 Thessalonians 5 4 Bonus Section
The Greek word for "overtake" (katelaben) carries a sense of sudden apprehension or seizure. This implies that while the Day of the Lord might be unexpected by the world, it will not be an unwelcome or frightening surprise for those living in the light, but rather a completion of God's promised salvation. The verse emphasizes a transformation: believers are no longer part of the hiddenness and fear associated with darkness but are exposed to the day, where Christ's glorious return will be openly recognized. The singular verb form "overtake" directed towards "you" (singular in its implied reception) highlights the personal assurance given to each believer, even while speaking to them collectively as a community.
1 Thessalonians 5 4 Commentary
Believers are contrasted with those in darkness; they are children of light. This means they possess spiritual understanding and are aware of God's plan. The Day of the Lord, often associated with sudden judgment, will not surprise them like a thief in the night because they are living in the light of Christ's truth and anticipate His return. They are not in the state of spiritual slumber or blindness that would make them vulnerable to such an unexpected and devastating event. This status provides security, not for inactivity, but for continued watchful living.