1 Thessalonians 5:1
What does 1 Thessalonians 5:1 mean?
A plain-English look at 1 Thessalonians 5:1 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 1 Thessalonians 5:1 means
Paul reminds the Thessalonians that they do not need further instruction about the timing of God’s climactic intervention. They had already been taught that God has not revealed a schedule believers can map. The focus, therefore, should not be on calculating dates but on living faithfully in light of what has been revealed. Their curiosity about “when” must yield to confidence in God’s purposes and attention to present obedience. By saying there is no need to write more, Paul both affirms their prior instruction and gently redirects them from speculation to steadfastness. The Christian hope looks ahead without demanding timetables, trusting that God’s plan unfolds at the right time.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000But concerning the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that aught be written unto you.
KJV
King James Version · 1611But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901But concerning the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that aught be written unto you.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949But about the times and their order, my brothers, there is no need for me to say anything to you.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862And concerning the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need of my writing to you,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752But of the times and moments, brethren, you need not, that we should write to you:
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890But concerning the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that ye should be written to,
Context
Having just comforted them about those who have died in Christ and the Lord’s return (chapter 4), Paul now turns to the matter of timing. Verse 1 introduces the subject of the Day of the Lord by stating that more detail on dates is unnecessary. This sets up the key point in verse 2: the event’s unexpected character. From there, Paul will contrast the world’s unpreparedness with believers’ readiness and call them to watchfulness, sobriety, and mutual encouragement before moving into practical church life commands.
v.1This passage
v.2For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Mark 13:30
Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass away, until all these things be accomplished.
- Acts 1:7
And he said unto them, It is not for you to know times or seasons, which the Father hath set within his own authority.
- 1 Thessalonians 4:9
But concerning love of the brethren ye have no need that one write unto you: for ye yourselves are taught of God to love one another;
- Matthew 24:36
But of that day and hour knoweth no one, not even the angels of heaven, neither the Son, but the Father only.
- Matthew 24:3
And as he sat on the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?
- Jude 1:3
Beloved, while I was giving all diligence to write unto you of our common salvation, I was constrained to write unto you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered unto the saints.
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