1 Thessalonians 5:2
What does 1 Thessalonians 5:2 mean?
A plain-English look at 1 Thessalonians 5:2 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 1 Thessalonians 5:2 means
They already know well that the Day of the Lord arrives with the surprising suddenness of a thief at night. The image highlights two truths: it will be unexpected for those unprepared, and it is beyond human control. The day is not merely a happy occasion but God’s decisive judgment and rescue, an Old Testament theme now brought to its New Testament fulfillment in Christ. This knowledge should cure believers of any notion that charts or predictions can master the event. Instead, they hold a settled awareness that the Lord’s coming breaks in on ordinary life without warning, calling all to account and vindicating His people.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.
KJV
King James Version · 1611For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949For you yourselves have the knowledge that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862for yourselves have known thoroughly that the day of the Lord as a thief in the night doth so come,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord shall so come as a thief in the night.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890for ye know perfectly well yourselves, that the day of [the] Lord so comes as a thief by night.
Context
After saying more detail on timing is unnecessary, Paul recalls the teaching they already received: the Lord’s day is surprising like a thief. This prepares for verse 3, which describes the false security of the world. The thief image contrasts with the believer’s identity as children of light in verses 4–5. The flow moves from the character of the Day (unexpected) to the different experience of unbelievers and believers, then to practical exhortations flowing from that identity (watchfulness, sobriety, and spiritual armor).
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Matthew 25:13
Watch therefore, for ye know not the day nor the hour.
- Mark 13:34
It is as when a man, sojourning in another country, having left his house, and given authority to his servants, to each one his work, commanded also the porter to watch.
- Matthew 24:42
Watch therefore: for ye know not on what day your Lord cometh.
- Luke 12:39
But know this, that if the master of the house had known in what hour the thief was coming, he would have watched, and not have left his house to be broken through.
- 1 Corinthians 1:8
who shall also confirm you unto the end, that ye be unreproveable in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.
- Revelation 16:15
(Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame.)
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