1 Thessalonians 5
King James Version (1769) · Tap a verse to see it in context
About this chapter
AI-assisted, sourced"The day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night," but believers are "children of light," so they are to "watch and be sober," wearing "the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation," for "God hath not appointed us to wrath." Paul asks them to "know them which labour among you" and "esteem them very highly in love," and to support the weak and be patient with all. He closes with short commands, to rejoice evermore, pray without ceasing and "in every thing give thanks," and a prayer that God would "sanctify you wholly." 1 Thessalonians 5:21 Thessalonians 5:51 Thessalonians 5:61 Thessalonians 5:81 Thessalonians 5:91 Thessalonians 5:121 Thessalonians 5:141 Thessalonians 5:161 Thessalonians 5:171 Thessalonians 5:181 Thessalonians 5:231 Thessalonians overview1 Thessalonians 5:13
Who, where, when, and the key verses
Who
Paul and his fellow writers; the believers; and "them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord." 1 Thessalonians overview1 Thessalonians 5:12
Where
The letter is to be "read unto all the holy brethren"; this chapter names no place. 1 Thessalonians 5:271 Thessalonians overview
When
Traditionally about AD 50-51, during Paul's second missionary journey, soon after the church was founded. Nearly all scholars accept that Paul wrote it, and many count it his earliest surviving letter. 1 Thessalonians overview
How it fits
Chapter 4 told of the Lord's coming for the dead and the living; here the question is how to live while waiting for that day. This is the letter's last chapter. 1 Thessalonians 4:161 Thessalonians 4:171 Thessalonians 5:21 Thessalonians 5:61 Thessalonians 5:28
Key verses
- Verse 2
"The day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night." 2 Peter 3:10 also says, "the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night." 1 Thessalonians 5:21 Thessalonians 5:42 Peter 3:10
- Verse 9
"God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, Who died for us." 1 Thessalonians 5:91 Thessalonians 5:10
- Verse 18
"Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." 1 Thessalonians 5:161 Thessalonians 5:171 Thessalonians 5:18
Takeaway
Live awake and sober as children of the day, encourage one another, and rejoice, pray and give thanks always: "Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it." 1 Thessalonians 5:61 Thessalonians 5:111 Thessalonians 5:161 Thessalonians 5:181 Thessalonians 5:24
Drafted by AI from the Scripture and data shown under “Show sources,” then checked automatically and by a separate AI reader. Updated 2026-10-29.
The day of the Lord
1But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you. 2For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. 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. 4But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief. 5Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness. 6Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober. 7For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night. 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. 9For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, 10Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him. 11Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.
Life together in the church
12And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; 13And to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. And be at peace among yourselves. 14Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men. 15See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men. 16Rejoice evermore. 17Pray without ceasing. 18In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. 19Quench not the Spirit. 20Despise not prophesyings. 21Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. 22Abstain from all appearance of evil.
Closing prayer and greeting
23And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it. 25Brethren, pray for us. 26Greet all the brethren with an holy kiss. 27I charge you by the Lord that this epistle be read unto all the holy brethren. 28The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.