1 Thessalonians 5:1-28

1 Thessalonians 5:1 But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you. [kjv]

περι δε των χρονων και των καιρων αδελφοι ου χρειαν εχετε υμιν γραφεσθαι [gnt]

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

Greek: περι δε των χρονων και των καιρων αδελφοι ου χρειαν εχετε υμιν γραφεσθαι

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

αυτοι γαρ ακριβως οιδατε οτι ημερα κυριου ως κλεπτης εν νυκτι ουτως ερχεται [gnt]

The ancient Greek word "κλέπτης" ≈ "thief, deceitful person" as in the first part of the English word "kleptomaniac".

Will the day of the Lord will come as a deceptive "thief" in the night?

More: Deceptive thieves and armed robbers on the take

1 Thessalonians 5:2

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

Greek: αυτοι γαρ ακριβως οιδατε οτι η ημερα κυριου ως κλεπτης εν νυκτι ουτως ερχεται

1 Thessalonians 5:3 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. [kjv]

οταν λεγωσιν ειρηνη και ασφαλεια τοτε αιφνιδιος αυτοις επισταται ολεθρος ωσπερ η ωδιν τη εν γαστρι εχουση και ου μη εκφυγωσιν [gnt]

The ancient Greek word "ἀσφαλής" ≈ "immovable, unfailing, safe" and is, literally, "not falling down".

Promising "peace" and "safety" is a good way to "deceive" others (or oneself) who would do almost anything to have "peace" or be "safe".

Have you ever noticed that when someone generalizes as something being for the "good of the people" it is almost never, on close analysis, for the "good of the people"?

Interestingly, the German word "Friede" ≈ "peace" is related to the English word "free" as in "liberty", in addition to also being used for "no immediate cost" or "gratis" (in Latin, as "grace").

More: Nouthetic counseling: Having peace of mind or giving piece of mind

More: A mania for confusing commotions

More: Matthew 5:9 B7 Making and appeasing peaceful peacemakers

1 Thessalonians 5:3 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. [kjv]

1 Thessalonians 5:3

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KJV: 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.

Greek: οταν γαρ λεγωσιν ειρηνη και ασφαλεια τοτε αιφνιδιος αυτοις εφισταται επισταται ολεθρος ωσπερ η ωδιν τη εν γαστρι εχουση και ου μη εκφυγωσιν

Latin: cum enim dixerint pax et securitas tunc repentinus eis superveniet interitus sicut dolor in utero habenti et non effugient

Wycliffe: For whanne thei schulen seie pees is, and sikirnesse, thanne sudeyn deth schal come on hem, as sorewe to a womman that is with child, and thei schulen not scape.

Gothic: than qithand: gawairthi jah tulgitha, thanuh unweniggo ins biqimith fralusts swaswe sair qithuhafton, jah ni unthathliuhand.

Luther: Denn wenn sie werden sagen: Es ist Friede, es hat keine Gefahr! so wird sie das Verderben schnell überfallen, gleich wie der Schmerz ein schwanger Weib, und werden nicht entfliehen.

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

υμεις δε αδελφοι ουκ εστε εν σκοτει ινα η ημερα υμας ως κλεπτας καταλαβη [gnt]

1 Thessalonians 5:4

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

Greek: υμεις δε αδελφοι ουκ εστε εν σκοτει ινα η ημερα υμας ως κλεπτης κλεπτας καταλαβη

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

αυτοι γαρ ακριβως οιδατε οτι ημερα κυριου ως κλεπτης εν νυκτι ουτως ερχεται [gnt]

5:3 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. [kjv]

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

υμεις δε αδελφοι ουκ εστε εν σκοτει ινα η ημερα υμας ως κλεπτας καταλαβη [gnt]

The ancient Greek word "κλέπτης" ≈ "thief, deceitful person" as in the first part of the English word "kleptomaniac".

1 Thessalonians 5:5 Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness. [kjv]

παντες γαρ υμεις υιοι φωτος εστε και υιοι ημερας ουκ εσμεν νυκτος ουδε σκοτους [gnt]

1 Thessalonians 5:5

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

Greek: παντες γαρ υμεις υιοι φωτος εστε και υιοι ημερας ουκ εσμεν νυκτος ουδε σκοτους

1 Thessalonians 5:6 Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober. [kjv]

αρα ουν μη καθευδωμεν ως οι λοιποι αλλα γρηγορωμεν και νηφωμεν [gnt]

… dormiamus … ceteri … vigilemus … sobrii … [v]

1 Thessalonians 5:6

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

Greek: αρα ουν μη καθευδωμεν ως και οι λοιποι αλλα γρηγορωμεν και νηφωμεν

Latin: igitur non dormiamus sicut ceteri sed vigilemus et sobrii simus

1 Thessalonians 5:7 For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night. [kjv]

οι γαρ καθευδοντες νυκτος καθευδουσιν και οι μεθυσκομενοι νυκτος μεθυουσιν [gnt]

1 Thessalonians 5:7

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

Greek: οι γαρ καθευδοντες νυκτος καθευδουσιν και οι μεθυσκομενοι νυκτος μεθυουσιν

1 Thessalonians 5:8 But 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. [kjv]

ημεις δε ημερας οντες νηφωμεν ενδυσαμενοι θωρακα πιστεως και αγαπης και περικεφαλαιαν ελπιδα σωτηριας [gnt]

1 Thessalonians 5:8

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KJV: But 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.

Greek: ημεις δε ημερας οντες νηφωμεν ενδυσαμενοι θωρακα πιστεως και αγαπης και περικεφαλαιαν ελπιδα σωτηριας

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

οτι ουκ εθετο ημας ο θεος εις οργην αλλα εις περιποιησιν σωτηριας δια του κυριου ημων ιησου χριστου [gnt]

1 Thessalonians 5:9

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

Greek: οτι ουκ εθετο ημας ο θεος εις οργην αλλ αλλα εις περιποιησιν σωτηριας δια του κυριου ημων ιησου χριστου

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

του αποθανοντος περι ημων ινα ειτε γρηγορωμεν ειτε καθευδωμεν αμα συν αυτω ζησωμεν [gnt]

1 Thessalonians 5:10

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

Greek: του αποθανοντος υπερ περι ημων ινα ειτε γρηγορωμεν ειτε καθευδωμεν αμα συν αυτω ζησωμεν

1 Thessalonians 5:11 Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do. [kjv]

διο παρακαλειτε αλληλους και οικοδομειτε εις τον ενα καθως και ποιειτε [gnt]

… consolamini … aedificate … [v]

1 Thessalonians 5:11

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

Greek: διο παρακαλειτε αλληλους και οικοδομειτε εις τον ενα καθως και ποιειτε

Latin: propter quod consolamini invicem et aedificate alterutrum sicut et facitis

1 Thessalonians 5:12 And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; [kjv]

ερωτωμεν δε υμας αδελφοι ειδεναι τους κοπιωντας εν υμιν και προισταμενους υμων εν κυριω και νουθετουντας υμας [gnt]

More: Nouthetic counseling: Having peace of mind or giving piece of mind

1 Thessalonians 5:12

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KJV: And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you;

Greek: ερωτωμεν δε υμας αδελφοι ειδεναι τους κοπιωντας εν υμιν και προισταμενους υμων εν κυριω και νουθετουντας υμας

1 Thessalonians 5:13 And to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. And be at peace among yourselves. [kjv]

και ηγεισθαι αυτους υπερεκπερισσου εν αγαπη δια το εργον αυτων ειρηνευετε εν εαυτοις [gnt]

1 Thessalonians 5:13

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KJV: And to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. And be at peace among yourselves.

Greek: και ηγεισθαι αυτους υπερ εκπερισσου υπερεκπερισσου εν αγαπη δια το εργον αυτων ειρηνευετε εν εαυτοις

1 Thessalonians 5:14 Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men. [kjv]

παρακαλουμεν δε υμας αδελφοι νουθετειτε τους ατακτους παραμυθεισθε τους ολιγοψυχους αντεχεσθε των ασθενων μακροθυμειτε προς παντας [gnt]

1 Thessalonians 5:14

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KJV: Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.

Greek: παρακαλουμεν δε υμας αδελφοι νουθετειτε τους ατακτους παραμυθεισθε τους ολιγοψυχους αντεχεσθε των ασθενων μακροθυμειτε προς παντας

1 Thessalonians 5:15 See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men. [kjv]

ορατε μη τις κακον αντι κακου τινι αποδω αλλα παντοτε το αγαθον διωκετε εις αλληλους και εις παντας [gnt]

1 Thessalonians 5:15

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KJV: See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.

Greek: ορατε μη τις κακον αντι κακου τινι αποδω αλλα παντοτε το αγαθον διωκετε και εις αλληλους και εις παντας

1 Thessalonians 5:16 Rejoice evermore. [kjv]

παντοτε χαιρετε [gnt]

This is one of the shortest verses in the GNT (Greek New Testament), two words. The next verse also has two words in the GNT.

1 Thessalonians 5:16

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KJV: Rejoice evermore.

Greek: παντοτε χαιρετε

1 Thessalonians 5:17 Pray without ceasing. [kjv]

αδιαλειπτως προσευχεσθε [gnt]

1 Thessalonians 5:17

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KJV: Pray without ceasing.

Greek: αδιαλειπτως προσευχεσθε

1 Thessalonians 5:18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. [kjv]

εν παντι ευχαριστειτε τουτο γαρ θελημα θεου εν χριστω ιησου εις υμας [gnt]

1 Thessalonians 5:18

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KJV: In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

Greek: εν παντι ευχαριστειτε τουτο γαρ θελημα θεου εν χριστω ιησου εις υμας

1 Thessalonians 5:19 Quench not the Spirit. [kjv]

το πνευμα μη σβεννυτε [gnt]

1 Thessalonians 5:19

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KJV: Quench not the Spirit.

Greek: το πνευμα μη σβεννυτε

1 Thessalonians 5:20 Despise not prophesyings. [kjv]

προφητειας μη εξουθενειτε [gnt]

1 Thessalonians 5:20

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KJV: Despise not prophesyings.

Greek: προφητειας μη εξουθενειτε

1 Thessalonians 5:21 Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. [kjv]

παντα δε δοκιμαζετε το καλον κατεχετε [gnt]

1 Thessalonians 5:21

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KJV: Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.

Greek: παντα δε δοκιμαζετε το καλον κατεχετε

1 Thessalonians 5:22 Abstain from all appearance of evil. [kjv]

απο παντος ειδους πονηρου απεχεσθε [gnt]

In business, a "conflict of interest" includes apparent "conflict of interest" even if such conflict does not actually exist.

1 Thessalonians 5:22

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KJV: Abstain from all appearance of evil.

Greek: απο παντος ειδους πονηρου απεχεσθε

1 Thessalonians 5:23 And 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. [kjv]

αυτος δε ο θεος της ειρηνης αγιασαι υμας ολοτελεις και ολοκληρον υμων το πνευμα και η ψυχη και το σωμα αμεμπτως εν τη παρουσια του κυριου ημων ιησου χριστου τηρηθειη [gnt]

1 Thessalonians 5:23

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KJV: And 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.

Greek: αυτος δε ο θεος της ειρηνης αγιασαι υμας ολοτελεις και ολοκληρον υμων το πνευμα και η ψυχη και το σωμα αμεμπτως εν τη παρουσια του κυριου ημων ιησου χριστου τηρηθειη

1 Thessalonians 5:24 Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it. [kjv]

πιστος ο καλων υμας ος και ποιησει [gnt]

1 Thessalonians 5:24

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KJV: Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.

Greek: πιστος ο καλων υμας ος και ποιησει

1 Thessalonians 5:25 Brethren, pray for us. [kjv]

αδελφοι προσευχεσθε και περι ημων [gnt]

1 Thessalonians 5:25

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KJV: Brethren, pray for us.

Greek: αδελφοι προσευχεσθε και περι ημων

1 Thessalonians 5:26 Greet all the brethren with an holy kiss. [kjv]

ασπασασθε τους αδελφους παντας εν φιληματι αγιω [gnt]

1 Thessalonians 5:26

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KJV: Greet all the brethren with an holy kiss.

Greek: ασπασασθε τους αδελφους παντας εν φιληματι αγιω

1 Thessalonians 5:27 I charge you by the Lord that this epistle be read unto all the holy brethren. [kjv]

ενορκιζω υμας τον κυριον αναγνωσθηναι την επιστολην πασιν τοις αδελφοις [gnt]

Paul calls them to an "oath" even though Jesus says not to take "oaths".

Details are left as a future topic.

1 Thessalonians 5:27

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KJV: I charge you by the Lord that this epistle be read unto all the holy brethren.

Greek: ορκιζω ενορκιζω υμας τον κυριον αναγνωσθηναι την επιστολην πασιν τοις αγιοις αδελφοις

1 Thessalonians 5:28 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen. The first epistle unto the Thessalonians was written from Athens. [kjv]

η χαρις του κυριου ημων ιησου χριστου μεθ υμων [gnt]

1 Thessalonians 5:28

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KJV: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen. The first epistle unto the Thessalonians was written from Athens.

Greek: η χαρις του κυριου ημων ιησου χριστου μεθ υμων αμην προς θεσσαλονικεις πρωτη εγραφη απο αθηνων