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KING JAMES BIBLE · PCE

1 Thessalonians 5:2–7

TEXT EDITION
Pure Cambridge Edition selected
For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.
For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.
But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief.
Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness.
Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober.
For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night.
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PASSAGE SELECTION

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Choose up to 10 verses in this chapter. The study tools update with the selected passage.

SCRIPTURE WITH SCRIPTURE

Cross References

29 Essential passages are open for comparison.

Reference depth

From verse 2

  1. Revelation 16:15Rank 1 from verse 2
    Open

    15Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame.

  2. 2 Peter 3:10Rank 2 from verse 2
    Open

    10But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.

  3. Matthew 24:42–44Rank 3 from verse 2
    Open

    42¶ Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come.

    43But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up.

    44Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.

  4. Revelation 3:3Rank 4 from verse 2
    Open

    3Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee.

  5. Luke 12:39–40Rank 5 from verse 2
    Open

    39And this know, that if the goodman of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched, and not have suffered his house to be broken through.

    40Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not.

From verse 3

  1. Luke 21:34–35Rank 1 from verse 3
    Open

    34¶ And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares.

    35For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth.

  2. Matthew 24:37–39Rank 2 from verse 3
    Open

    37But as the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.

    38For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark,

    39And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.

  3. Luke 17:26–30Rank 3 from verse 3
    Open

    26And as it was in the days of Noe, so shall it be also in the days of the Son of man.

    27They did eat, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, and the flood came, and destroyed them all.

    28Likewise also as it was in the days of Lot; they did eat, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they builded;

    29But the same day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven, and destroyed them all.

    30Even thus shall it be in the day when the Son of man is revealed.

  4. Revelation 18:7–8Rank 4 from verse 3
    Open

    7How much she hath glorified herself, and lived deliciously, so much torment and sorrow give her: for she saith in her heart, I sit a queen, and am no widow, and shall see no sorrow.

    8Therefore shall her plagues come in one day, death, and mourning, and famine; and she shall be utterly burned with fire: for strong is the Lord God who judgeth her.

  5. 2 Thessalonians 1:9Rank 5 from verse 3
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    9Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power;

From verse 4

  1. 1 John 2:8Rank 1 from verse 4
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    8Again, a new commandment I write unto you, which thing is true in him and in you: because the darkness is past, and the true light now shineth.

  2. 1 Peter 2:9–10Rank 2 from verse 4
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    9But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:

    10Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.

  3. 2 Peter 3:10Rank 3 from verse 4
    Open

    10But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.

  4. Colossians 1:13Rank 4 from verse 4
    Open

    13Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:

  5. Deuteronomy 19:6Rank 5 from verse 4
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    6Lest the avenger of the blood pursue the slayer, while his heart is hot, and overtake him, because the way is long, and slay him; whereas he was not worthy of death, inasmuch as he hated him not in time past.

From verse 5

  1. Ephesians 5:8Rank 1 from verse 5
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    8For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light:

  2. Acts 26:18Rank 2 from verse 5
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    18To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.

  3. John 12:36Rank 3 from verse 5
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    36While ye have light, believe in the light, that ye may be the children of light. These things spake Jesus, and departed, and did hide himself from them.

  4. Luke 16:8Rank 4 from verse 5
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    8And the lord commended the unjust steward, because he had done wisely: for the children of this world are in their generation wiser than the children of light.

From verse 6

  1. 1 Peter 1:13Rank 1 from verse 6
    Open

    13Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;

  2. Matthew 24:42Rank 2 from verse 6
    Open

    42¶ Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come.

  3. Luke 22:46Rank 3 from verse 6
    Open

    46And said unto them, Why sleep ye? rise and pray, lest ye enter into temptation.

  4. 1 Peter 5:8Rank 4 from verse 6
    Open

    8Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:

  5. Romans 13:11–14Rank 5 from verse 6
    Open

    11And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed.

    12The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light.

    13Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying.

    14But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.

From verse 7

  1. Romans 13:13Rank 1 from verse 7
    Open

    13Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying.

  2. 1 Corinthians 15:34Rank 2 from verse 7
    Open

    34Awake to righteousness, and sin not; for some have not the knowledge of God: I speak this to your shame.

  3. 2 Peter 2:13Rank 3 from verse 7
    Open

    13And shall receive the reward of unrighteousness, as they that count it pleasure to riot in the day time. Spots they are and blemishes, sporting themselves with their own deceivings while they feast with you;

  4. Acts 2:15Rank 4 from verse 7
    Open

    15For these are not drunken, as ye suppose, seeing it is but the third hour of the day.

  5. Daniel 5:4–5Rank 5 from verse 7
    Open

    4They drank wine, and praised the gods of gold, and of silver, of brass, of iron, of wood, and of stone.

    5¶ In the same hour came forth fingers of a man’s hand, and wrote over against the candlestick upon the plaister of the wall of the king’s palace: and the king saw the part of the hand that wrote.

WORDS IN THIS PASSAGE

Definitions

Open a word for its full definition and concordance.

DEFINED WORDS

1 Thessalonians 5:2

COMBINED MEANING

for

↗

1. In behalf of or in the place of. 2. With respect to, concerning, or toward. 3. Because of or on account of. 4. During or throughout. 5. In order to obtain or reach. 6. As a conjunction, because or seeing that.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

know

↗

To perceive, understand, recognize, experience, or be assured of something.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

day

↗

Sense 1: Light or the period of light between morning and evening, as distinguished from night. Sense 2: A complete daily cycle. Sense 3: A specified time, occasion, period, age, or season.

Meaning drawn from: Direct Scripture definition · KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

Lord

↗

1. A title of God or Jesus Christ acknowledging authority and rule. 2. A respectful title or address for one in authority.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

in

↗

1. A preposition marking position, presence, state, circumstance, manner, means, sphere, reference, relation, association, or participation. 2. As an adverb, inward, inside, or into the place or position referred to.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

night

↗

1. The dark part of the daily cycle distinguished from day, from evening until morning, or any portion of it. 2. A time or condition compared with night or darkness.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

DEFINED WORDS

1 Thessalonians 5:3

COMBINED MEANING

for

↗

1. In behalf of or in the place of. 2. With respect to, concerning, or toward. 3. Because of or on account of. 4. During or throughout. 5. In order to obtain or reach. 6. As a conjunction, because or seeing that.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

shall

↗

An auxiliary verb expressing future action, intention, promise, command, requirement, or determination.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

say

↗

Sense 1: To speak, declare, tell, or express. Sense 2: What is said.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

peace

↗

Freedom from war, strife, disturbance, or inward trouble; quietness, reconciliation, safety, or well-being.

Meaning drawn from: Direct Scripture definition · KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

destruction

↗

The act, result, or state of destroying: ruin, overthrow, death, wasting, or that which brings ruin.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

upon

↗

1. Marks the person, place, thing, or basis to which something is related: on or onto; above or over; toward or against as the target of action, speech, thought, attention, or force; resting on, assigned to, or affecting as a state, gift, burden, duty, guilt, or judgment; supported by or based on; or one placed, added, or repeated on or after another. 2. With a stated time or occasion, or a preceding event, at that time or point, or at or after that event: on, at, when, then, or following it.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

travail

↗

Sense 1: The painful labour and anguish of childbirth. Sense 2: To undergo such labour. Sense 3: Severe toil, trouble, sorrow, or suffering.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Skeat 1893 · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

child

↗

1. A son or daughter; an offspring or descendant. 2. A young person or infant, considered by age or development. 3. In 'with child,' pregnant or carrying an unborn child. 4. One described as belonging to, derived from, characterized by, or dependent upon another person, group, or condition.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

escape

↗

To flee from and avoid; to get out of the way; to shun; to obtain security from; to pass without harm.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

DEFINED WORDS

1 Thessalonians 5:4

COMBINED MEANING

but

↗

Sense 1: However; marking contrast or qualification. Sense 2: Except or unless; excluding all others or alternatives. Sense 3: Only; no more than what follows.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Skeat 1893 · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

ye

↗

The second-person plural subject pronoun, referring to the persons being addressed as those who are, do, or receive the stated predicate.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

brethren

↗

1. Persons of the same people, tribe, community, or shared service who are regarded or addressed as brothers. 2. Persons regarded as brothers by reason of faith or another spiritual relation. 3. Male siblings or other male relatives.

Meaning drawn from: Direct Scripture definition · KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

in

↗

1. A preposition marking position, presence, state, circumstance, manner, means, sphere, reference, relation, association, or participation. 2. As an adverb, inward, inside, or into the place or position referred to.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

darkness

↗

Sense 1: Absence of light. Sense 2: Obscurity, ignorance, distress, or moral evil by figure.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

day

↗

Sense 1: Light or the period of light between morning and evening, as distinguished from night. Sense 2: A complete daily cycle. Sense 3: A specified time, occasion, period, age, or season.

Meaning drawn from: Direct Scripture definition · KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

should

↗

A verb expressing duty, propriety, expectation, intention, purpose, condition, appointed outcome, or a future event viewed from another time or statement.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

overtake

↗

To come up with in a course, pursuit, progress or motion; to catch. To come upon; to fall on afterwards. To take by surprise.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

you

↗

The second-person plural pronoun referring to those being addressed.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828

DEFINED WORDS

1 Thessalonians 5:5

COMBINED MEANING

ye

↗

The second-person plural subject pronoun, referring to the persons being addressed as those who are, do, or receive the stated predicate.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

children

↗

Sons or daughters; descendants; or persons likened to children by age, relation, or character.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

light

↗

Sense 1: Brightness or illumination. Sense 2: A source or opening that gives light. Sense 3: Figuratively, truth, knowledge, revelation, life, or favour contrasted with darkness. Sense 4: To illuminate or kindle. Sense 5: To alight or come upon. Sense 6: Slight, easy, swift, or not heavy.

Meaning drawn from: Direct Scripture definition · KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

day

↗

Sense 1: Light or the period of light between morning and evening, as distinguished from night. Sense 2: A complete daily cycle. Sense 3: A specified time, occasion, period, age, or season.

Meaning drawn from: Direct Scripture definition · KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

night

↗

1. The dark part of the daily cycle distinguished from day, from evening until morning, or any portion of it. 2. A time or condition compared with night or darkness.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

darkness

↗

Sense 1: Absence of light. Sense 2: Obscurity, ignorance, distress, or moral evil by figure.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

DEFINED WORDS

1 Thessalonians 5:6

COMBINED MEANING

let

↗

Sense 1: To allow or permit; in older KJV use, also to hinder or restrain. Sense 2: To lower or send down.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

us

↗

The first-person plural object pronoun, referring to the speaker together with one or more others as recipients or objects of an action or relation.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

sleep

↗

Sense 1: Natural bodily rest with suspended waking activity; figuratively, inattention or inactivity; or death described as sleep. Sense 2: To rest in sleep; figuratively, to lie in death.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

but

↗

Sense 1: However; marking contrast or qualification. Sense 2: Except or unless; excluding all others or alternatives. Sense 3: Only; no more than what follows.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Skeat 1893 · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

watch

↗

Sense 1: To remain awake, alert, attentive, vigilant, observant, or on guard. Sense 2: A guard or guard duty, a station or group keeping guard, or a division of the night so guarded.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

sober

↗

Self-controlled, watchful, and sound in judgment; calm and serious rather than intoxicated, frenzied, or careless.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828

DEFINED WORDS

1 Thessalonians 5:7

COMBINED MEANING

for

↗

1. In behalf of or in the place of. 2. With respect to, concerning, or toward. 3. Because of or on account of. 4. During or throughout. 5. In order to obtain or reach. 6. As a conjunction, because or seeing that.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

sleep

↗

Sense 1: Natural bodily rest with suspended waking activity; figuratively, inattention or inactivity; or death described as sleep. Sense 2: To rest in sleep; figuratively, to lie in death.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

in

↗

1. A preposition marking position, presence, state, circumstance, manner, means, sphere, reference, relation, association, or participation. 2. As an adverb, inward, inside, or into the place or position referred to.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

night

↗

1. The dark part of the daily cycle distinguished from day, from evening until morning, or any portion of it. 2. A time or condition compared with night or darkness.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

drunken

↗

Intoxicated with strong drink; overcome or affected as by intoxication.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828

READ THE PASSAGE

View in context

Suggested context · 1 Thessalonians 5:1–11

The selected passage is highlighted. Context is a study aid.

5:1BUT of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you.

5:2For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.

Selected passage

5:3For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.

Selected passage

5:4But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief.

Selected passage

5:5Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness.

Selected passage

5:6Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober.

Selected passage

5:7For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night.

Selected passage

5:8But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation.

5:9For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ,

5:10Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him.

5:11Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.

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