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1 Thessalonians 5:4 But you, brothers, are not in the darkness so that this day should overtake you like a thief.
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cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad4.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/1_thessalonians/5-3.htm" title="1 Thessalonians 5:3">◄</a> 1 Thessalonians 5:4 <a href="/1_thessalonians/5-5.htm" title="1 Thessalonians 5:5">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/1_thessalonians/5.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter"> (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/1_thessalonians/5.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />But you, brothers and sisters, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/1_thessalonians/5.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/1_thessalonians/5.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />But you are not in darkness, brothers, for that day to surprise you like a thief.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/1_thessalonians/5.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />But you, brothers, are not in the darkness so that this day should overtake you like a thief.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/1_thessalonians/5.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />But you, brothers, are not in darkness, so that the day should overtake you like a thief.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/1_thessalonians/5.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/1_thessalonians/5.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />But you, brethren, are not in darkness, so that this Day should overtake you as a thief.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/1_thessalonians/5.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />But you, brothers <i>and sisters,</i> are not in darkness, so that the day would overtake you like a thief;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/1_thessalonians/5.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />But you, brethren, are not in darkness, that the day would overtake you like a thief;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/1_thessalonians/5.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />But you, brethren, are not in darkness, that the day should overtake you like a thief;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/1_thessalonians/5.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />But you, brothers, are not in darkness, that the day would overtake you like a thief,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/1_thessalonians/5.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />But you, believers, [all you who believe in Christ as Savior and acknowledge Him as God’s Son] are not in <i>spiritual</i> darkness [nor held by its power], that the day [of judgment] would overtake you [by surprise] like a thief;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/1_thessalonians/5.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />But you, brothers and sisters, are not in the dark, for this day to surprise you like a thief.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/1_thessalonians/5.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />But you, brothers, are not in the dark, for this day to overtake you like a thief.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/1_thessalonians/5.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/1_thessalonians/5.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />My dear friends, you don't live in darkness, and so that day won't surprise you like a thief. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/1_thessalonians/5.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/1_thessalonians/5.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />But, brothers and sisters, you don't live in the dark. That day won't take you by surprise as a thief would.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/1_thessalonians/5.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />But you, friends, are not in the darkness, and the Day should not take you by surprise like a thief. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/1_thessalonians/5.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />However, brothers, you are not in the darkness, in order that the Day of the Lord might surprise you like a thief. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/1_thessalonians/5.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />But you, brothers, are not in the darkness so that this day should overtake you like a thief.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/1_thessalonians/5.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />But you, brothers and sisters, are not in the darkness for the day to overtake you like a thief would.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/1_thessalonians/5.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />But you, brothers, are not in darkness, that the day should overtake you like a thief.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/1_thessalonians/5.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/1_thessalonians/5.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />But you, brethren, are not in darkness, that daylight should surprise you like a thief;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/1_thessalonians/5.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />But you, brothers, aren’t in darkness, that the day should overtake you like a thief. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/1_thessalonians/5.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />but you, brothers, are not in darkness, that the Day may catch you as a thief;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/1_thessalonians/5.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />But you, brothers, are not in darkness, so that the day should overtake you like a thief.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/1_thessalonians/5.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> and ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that the day may catch you as a thief;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/1_thessalonians/5.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that the day as a thief overtake you.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/1_thessalonians/5.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />But you, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/1_thessalonians/5.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />But you, brothers, are not in darkness, so that you would be overtaken by that day as by a thief.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/1_thessalonians/5.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />But you, brothers, are not in darkness, for that day to overtake you like a thief.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/1_thessalonians/5.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />But you, beloved, are not in darkness, for that day to surprise you like a thief;<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/1_thessalonians/5.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />But you, my brethren, are not in darkness that that day shall overtake you as a thief.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/aramaic-plain-english/1_thessalonians/5.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a></span><br />But you, my brethren, you are not in darkness that the day should overtake you as a thief.<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/1_thessalonians/5.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />But you, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/1_thessalonians/5.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br />But you, brethren, are not in darkness, that the day may overtake you like a thief:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/1_thessalonians/5.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that the day should overtake you as a thief.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/1_thessalonians/5.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />but you, my brethren, are too well inform'd to be surpriz'd by that day, as by a thief.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/1_thessalonians/5.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />But you, brethren, are not in darkness, that daylight should surprise you like a thief;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/1_thessalonians/5.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br />But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that the day should overtake you as a thief;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/1_thessalonians/5.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br />But ye, <i>my</i> brethren, are not in darkness, that <i>that</i> day should seize you as a thief:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/1_thessalonians/5-4.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/sgDUoqNjFio?start=632" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/1_thessalonians/5.htm">The Day of the Lord</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">3</span>While people are saying, “Peace and security,” destruction will come upon them suddenly, like labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. <span class="reftext">4</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc.">But</a> <a href="/greek/4771.htm" title="4771: Hymeis (PPro-N2P) -- You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.">you,</a> <a href="/greek/80.htm" title="80: adelphoi (N-VMP) -- A brother, member of the same religious community, especially a fellow-Christian. A brother near or remote.">brothers,</a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: este (V-PIA-2P) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.">are</a> <a href="/greek/3756.htm" title="3756: ouk (Adv) -- No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.">not</a> <a href="/greek/1722.htm" title="1722: en (Prep) -- In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; in, at, on, by, etc.">in</a> <a href="/greek/4655.htm" title="4655: skotei (N-DNS) -- Darkness, either physical or moral. From the base of skia; shadiness, i.e. Obscurity.">the darkness</a> <a href="/greek/2443.htm" title="2443: hina (Conj) -- In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that.">so that</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: hē (Art-NFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">this</a> <a href="/greek/2250.htm" title="2250: hēmera (N-NFS) -- A day, the period from sunrise to sunset. ">day</a> <a href="/greek/2638.htm" title="2638: katalabē (V-ASA-3S) -- From kata and lambano; to take eagerly, i.e. Seize, possess, etc.">should overtake</a> <a href="/greek/4771.htm" title="4771: hymas (PPro-A2P) -- You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.">you</a> <a href="/greek/5613.htm" title="5613: hōs (Adv) -- Probably adverb of comparative from hos; which how, i.e. In that manner.">like</a> <a href="/greek/2812.htm" title="2812: kleptēs (N-NMS) -- A thief. From klepto; a stealer.">a thief.</a> </span> <span class="reftext">5</span>For you are all sons of the light and sons of the day; we do not belong to the night or to the darkness.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/5-8.htm">Ephesians 5:8</a></span><br />For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/12-36.htm">John 12:36</a></span><br />While you have the Light, believe in the Light, so that you may become sons of light.” After Jesus had spoken these things, He went away and was hidden from them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/13-12.htm">Romans 13:12</a></span><br />The night is nearly over; the day has drawn near. So let us lay aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/colossians/1-13.htm">Colossians 1:13</a></span><br />He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of His beloved Son,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/2-9.htm">1 Peter 2:9</a></span><br />But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, to proclaim the virtues of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_john/1-5.htm">1 John 1:5-7</a></span><br />And this is the message we have heard from Him and announce to you: God is light, and in Him there is no darkness at all. / If we say we have fellowship with Him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. / 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 cleanses us from all sin.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/6-14.htm">2 Corinthians 6:14</a></span><br />Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership can righteousness have with wickedness? Or what fellowship does light have with darkness?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/5-14.htm">Matthew 5:14-16</a></span><br />You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. / Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a basket. Instead, they set it on a stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. / In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/8-12.htm">John 8:12</a></span><br />Once again, Jesus spoke to the people and said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me will never walk in the darkness, but will have the light of life.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/philippians/2-15.htm">Philippians 2:15</a></span><br />so that you may be blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and perverse generation, in which you shine as lights in the world<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/26-18.htm">Acts 26:18</a></span><br />to open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those sanctified by faith in Me.’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/60-1.htm">Isaiah 60:1-2</a></span><br />Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD rises upon you. / For behold, darkness covers the earth, and thick darkness is over the peoples; but the LORD will rise upon you, and His glory will appear over you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/4-18.htm">Proverbs 4:18-19</a></span><br />The path of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, shining brighter and brighter until midday. / But the way of the wicked is like the darkest gloom; they do not know what makes them stumble.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/9-2.htm">Isaiah 9:2</a></span><br />The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death, a light has dawned.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/micah/7-8.htm">Micah 7:8</a></span><br />Do not gloat over me, my enemy! Though I have fallen, I will arise; though I sit in darkness, the LORD will be my light.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">But you, brothers, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief.</p><p class="hdg">are.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/romans/13-11.htm">Romans 13:11-13</a></b></br> And that, knowing the time, that now <i>it is</i> high time to awake out of sleep: for now <i>is</i> our salvation nearer than when we believed… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/colossians/1-13.htm">Colossians 1:13</a></b></br> Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated <i>us</i> into the kingdom of his dear Son:</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_peter/2-9.htm">1 Peter 2:9,10</a></b></br> But ye <i>are</i> 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: … </p><p class="hdg">overtake.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/deuteronomy/19-6.htm">Deuteronomy 19:6</a></b></br> Lest 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 <i>was</i> not worthy of death, inasmuch as he hated him not in time past.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/deuteronomy/28-15.htm">Deuteronomy 28:15,45</a></b></br> But it shall come to pass, if thou wilt not hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God, to observe to do all his commandments and his statutes which I command thee this day; that all these curses shall come upon thee, and overtake thee: … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/jeremiah/42-16.htm">Jeremiah 42:16</a></b></br> Then it shall come to pass, <i>that</i> the sword, which ye feared, shall overtake you there in the land of Egypt, and the famine, whereof ye were afraid, shall follow close after you there in Egypt; and there ye shall die.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/john/21-6.htm">Catch</a> <a href="/ephesians/6-12.htm">Dark</a> <a href="/colossians/1-13.htm">Darkness</a> <a href="/romans/13-13.htm">Daylight</a> <a href="/john/12-35.htm">Overtake</a> <a href="/acts/8-13.htm">Surprise</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/5-2.htm">Thief</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/2_peter/2-14.htm">Catch</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/5-5.htm">Dark</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/5-5.htm">Darkness</a> <a href="/2_peter/2-13.htm">Daylight</a> <a href="/revelation/12-15.htm">Overtake</a> <a href="/joshua/8-2.htm">Surprise</a> <a href="/1_peter/4-15.htm">Thief</a><div class="vheading2">1 Thessalonians 5</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_thessalonians/5-1.htm">He proceeds in the description of Christ's coming to judgment;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">16. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_thessalonians/5-16.htm">and gives various instructions;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">23. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_thessalonians/5-23.htm">and so concludes the epistle.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF2 --> <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_thessalonians/5.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_thessalonians/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/1_thessalonians/5.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>But you, brothers,</b><br>This phrase addresses the recipients of the letter, the Thessalonian believers, emphasizing their identity as part of the Christian family. The term "brothers" indicates a close, familial relationship among believers, transcending ethnic and social boundaries. This reflects the early Christian understanding of the church as a new family in Christ, as seen in passages like <a href="/galatians/3-28.htm">Galatians 3:28</a>, where distinctions are dissolved in the unity of faith.<p><b>are not in the darkness</b><br>"Darkness" in biblical literature often symbolizes ignorance, evil, or separation from God. Here, it contrasts with the "light" of Christ and truth. The Thessalonians, having received the gospel, are no longer in spiritual ignorance or moral darkness. This echoes <a href="/john/8-12.htm">John 8:12</a>, where Jesus declares Himself the "light of the world," and those who follow Him will not walk in darkness.<p><b>so that this day</b><br>"This day" refers to the Day of the Lord, a concept rooted in Old Testament prophecy (e.g., <a href="/joel/2-31.htm">Joel 2:31</a>, <a href="/amos/5-18.htm">Amos 5:18</a>) and further developed in the New Testament. It signifies a future time of divine judgment and salvation. The Thessalonians are reminded of their awareness and preparedness for this significant eschatological event.<p><b>should overtake you like a thief.</b><br>The imagery of a thief suggests suddenness and unexpectedness, a common biblical metaphor for the coming of the Lord (see <a href="/matthew/24-43.htm">Matthew 24:43</a>, <a href="/revelation/3-3.htm">Revelation 3:3</a>). Unlike those in darkness, the Thessalonians are prepared and vigilant, aware of the signs and teachings regarding the end times. This preparedness is a call to live in constant readiness and holiness, reflecting the teachings of Jesus and the apostles.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/p/paul.htm">Paul</a></b><br>- The apostle who authored the letter to the Thessalonians, providing guidance and encouragement to the early Christian community.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/thessalonian_church.htm">Thessalonian Church</a></b><br>- The recipients of the letter, a group of early Christians in Thessalonica who were facing persecution and needed reassurance about the return of Christ.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/d/day_of_the_lord.htm">Day of the Lord</a></b><br>- A future event referenced in the context of the letter, symbolizing the return of Christ and the final judgment.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/d/darkness.htm">Darkness</a></b><br>- A metaphor used by Paul to describe ignorance or a state of being unprepared for the coming of the Lord.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/b/brothers.htm">Brothers</a></b><br>- A term used by Paul to address fellow believers, emphasizing their shared faith and community.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/l/living_in_the_light.htm">Living in the Light</a></b><br>As believers, we are called to live in the light, which means being aware and prepared for the return of Christ. This involves living a life that reflects the teachings of Jesus and being spiritually vigilant.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/a/awareness_and_readiness.htm">Awareness and Readiness</a></b><br>The metaphor of a thief highlights the need for constant readiness. We should not be caught off guard by the return of Christ but should live each day as if it could be the day of His coming.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/community_and_encouragement.htm">Community and Encouragement</a></b><br>Paul addresses the Thessalonians as "brothers," emphasizing the importance of community. We should encourage and support one another in our walk of faith, helping each other stay prepared and focused.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/contrast_between_light_and_darkness.htm">Contrast Between Light and Darkness</a></b><br>The contrast between light and darkness serves as a reminder of the transformation that comes with faith in Christ. We are no longer in darkness but are called to live as children of light, reflecting God's truth and love.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_1_thessalonians_5.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 1 Thessalonians 5</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/did_jesus_come_to_judge_the_world.htm">Is the day approaching as the night ends?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_on_busybodies.htm">What does the Bible say about busybodies?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_about_doomsday.htm">What does the Bible say about the world's end?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_is_the_rapture_different_from_the_second_coming.htm">What distinguishes the Rapture from the Second Coming?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/1_thessalonians/5.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(4) <span class= "bld">But ye.</span>--"Though the world (which lieth in darkness) may be surprised at the coming of the Day, you, members of the Church, living in the light, cannot be surprised." The words "in darkness" seem to be suggested by the mention of "night" in <a href="/1_thessalonians/5-2.htm" title="For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night.">1Thessalonians 5:2</a>; and the chief thought (as the succeeding verses show) is that of supineness, inattention, torpor, not so much either ignorance or sin.<p><span class= "bld">That day.</span>--Literally, <span class= "ital">the day:</span> so that it does not mean the Judgment Day simply as a <span class= "ital">point of time, </span>but brings out its characteristic of being a <span class= "ital">day indeed.</span> (Comp. <a href="/1_corinthians/3-13.htm" title="Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is.">1Corinthians 3:13</a>.)<p><span class= "bld">As a thief.</span>--There is another reading which has two of the best MSS. and he Coptic version in its favour, and the judgment of Lachmann and Dr. Lightfoot," As thieves." But not only is the evidence from the MSS. strongly in favour of the Received text, but the whole context shows that St. Paul was not thinking of the day as catching them at evil practices, but as catching them in inadvertence.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/1_thessalonians/5.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 4.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">But ye, brethren;</span> ye believers, in opposition to the unbelieving world. <span class="cmt_word">Are not in darkness</span>; referring back to the night (ver. 2), when the thief comes. By darkness is here meant, not merely ignorance, but moral <span class="accented">depravity - the</span> darkness of sin. Ye are not in the ignorant and sinful condition of the unredeemed world, so as to be surprised by the day of the Lord. With you it is not night, but day; the light of the gospel is shining around you; and therefore the day of the Lord's coming will not surprise you in an unprepared state. <span class="cmt_word">That</span>; a statement, not of result, but of purpose - "in order that." That day; <span class="accented">the day</span>; namely, the day of the Lord. <span class="cmt_word">Should overtake you</span> - surprise you - as a thief. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/1_thessalonians/5-4.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div><span class="word">But</span><br /><span class="grk">δέ</span> <span class="translit">(de)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1161.htm">Strong's 1161: </a> </span><span class="str2">A primary particle; but, and, etc.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">you,</span><br /><span class="grk">Ὑμεῖς</span> <span class="translit">(Hymeis)</span><br /><span class="parse">Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative 2nd Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4771.htm">Strong's 4771: </a> </span><span class="str2">You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">brothers,</span><br /><span class="grk">ἀδελφοί</span> <span class="translit">(adelphoi)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Vocative Masculine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_80.htm">Strong's 80: </a> </span><span class="str2">A brother, member of the same religious community, especially a fellow-Christian. A brother near or remote.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">are</span><br /><span class="grk">ἐστὲ</span> <span class="translit">(este)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Indicative Active - 2nd Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1510.htm">Strong's 1510: </a> </span><span class="str2">I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">not</span><br /><span class="grk">οὐκ</span> <span class="translit">(ouk)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3756.htm">Strong's 3756: </a> </span><span class="str2">No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">in</span><br /><span class="grk">ἐν</span> <span class="translit">(en)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1722.htm">Strong's 1722: </a> </span><span class="str2">In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[the] darkness</span><br /><span class="grk">σκότει</span> <span class="translit">(skotei)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Dative Neuter Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4655.htm">Strong's 4655: </a> </span><span class="str2">Darkness, either physical or moral. From the base of skia; shadiness, i.e. Obscurity.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">so that</span><br /><span class="grk">ἵνα</span> <span class="translit">(hina)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2443.htm">Strong's 2443: </a> </span><span class="str2">In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[this]</span><br /><span class="grk">ἡ</span> <span class="translit">(hē)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article - Nominative Feminine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">day</span><br /><span class="grk">ἡμέρα</span> <span class="translit">(hēmera)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2250.htm">Strong's 2250: </a> </span><span class="str2">A day, the period from sunrise to sunset. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">should overtake</span><br /><span class="grk">καταλάβῃ</span> <span class="translit">(katalabē)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 3rd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2638.htm">Strong's 2638: </a> </span><span class="str2">From kata and lambano; to take eagerly, i.e. Seize, possess, etc.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">you</span><br /><span class="grk">ὑμᾶς</span> <span class="translit">(hymas)</span><br /><span class="parse">Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 2nd Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4771.htm">Strong's 4771: </a> </span><span class="str2">You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">like</span><br /><span class="grk">ὡς</span> <span class="translit">(hōs)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_5613.htm">Strong's 5613: </a> </span><span class="str2">Probably adverb of comparative from hos; which how, i.e. In that manner.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">a thief.</span><br /><span class="grk">κλέπτης</span> <span class="translit">(kleptēs)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2812.htm">Strong's 2812: </a> </span><span class="str2">A thief. From klepto; a stealer.</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_thessalonians/5-4.htm">1 Thessalonians 5:4 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/1_thessalonians/5-4.htm">1 Thessalonians 5:4 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/1_thessalonians/5-4.htm">1 Thessalonians 5:4 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/1_thessalonians/5-4.htm">1 Thessalonians 5:4 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/1_thessalonians/5-4.htm">1 Thessalonians 5:4 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/1_thessalonians/5-4.htm">1 Thessalonians 5:4 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_thessalonians/5-4.htm">1 Thessalonians 5:4 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_thessalonians/5-4.htm">1 Thessalonians 5:4 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/1_thessalonians/5-4.htm">1 Thessalonians 5:4 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/1_thessalonians/5-4.htm">1 Thessalonians 5:4 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/1_thessalonians/5-4.htm">NT Letters: 1 Thessalonians 5:4 But you brothers aren't in darkness that (1 Thess. 1 Thes. 1Th iTh i Th)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_thessalonians/5-3.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Thessalonians 5:3"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Thessalonians 5:3" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_thessalonians/5-5.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Thessalonians 5:5"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Thessalonians 5:5" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>