King James Version

What Does 1 Thessalonians 5:1 Mean?

1 Thessalonians 5:1 in the King James Version says “But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you.” — study this verse from 1 Thessalonians chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

1 Thessalonians 5:1 · KJV

Context

1

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

2

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

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.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you—peri de tōn chronōn kai tōn kairōn, adelphoi, ou chreian echete hymin graphesthai (περὶ δὲ τῶν χρόνων καὶ τῶν καιρῶν, ἀδελφοί, οὐ χρείαν ἔχετε ὑμῖν γράφεσθαι). Paul transitions from rapture comfort (4:13-18) to day of the Lord warning (5:1-11). Chronoi kai kairoi (χρόνοι καὶ καιροί, 'times and seasons') distinguishes chronological duration (chronos) from appointed moments (kairos). Together they ask: When will Christ return?

Paul's answer: Ye have no need that I write—not because the topic is unimportant but because he'd already taught them (v. 2) and the timing is unknowable (Matt 24:36). Date-setting violates Jesus's clear teaching. Instead of satisfying curiosity about timing, Paul emphasizes readiness. Every generation should live as if Christ could return today (imminence) while faithfully occupying until He comes (patience). Obsession with prophetic timelines distracts from holy living; Paul redirects attention from 'when' to 'watchfulness.'

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Historical & Cultural Context

The Thessalonians apparently questioned Christ's return timing, perhaps because some believers had died (4:13) or persecution continued longer than expected. Throughout church history, groups have date-set Christ's return, always with disastrous results—failed predictions destroy faith, obsession with timelines neglects present responsibilities, and date-setting arrogance presumes knowledge Jesus denied having (Mark 13:32). Paul's refusal to speculate about 'times and seasons' while emphasizing readiness provides the biblical model: expect Christ imminently, live watchfully, avoid date-setting.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you maintain expectation of Christ's imminent return without falling into date-setting speculation?
  2. What does Paul's refusal to write about 'times and seasons' teach about balanced eschatology?
  3. How can churches emphasize readiness for Christ's return without obsessing over prophetic timelines?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 13 words
Περὶ1 of 13

“of”

G4012

properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas

δὲ2 of 13

“But”

G1161

but, and, etc

τῶν3 of 13
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

χρόνων4 of 13

“the times”

G5550

a space of time (in general, and thus properly distinguished from g2540, which designates a fixed or special occasion; and from g0165, which denotes a

καὶ5 of 13

“and”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

τῶν6 of 13
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

καιρῶν7 of 13

“the seasons”

G2540

an occasion, i.e., set or proper time

ἀδελφοί8 of 13

“brethren”

G80

a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)

οὐ9 of 13

“no”

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

χρείαν10 of 13

“need”

G5532

employment, i.e., an affair; also (by implication) occasion, demand, requirement or destitution

ἔχετε11 of 13

“ye have”

G2192

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

ὑμῖν12 of 13

“unto you”

G5213

to (with or by) you

γράφεσθαι13 of 13

“that I write”

G1125

to "grave", especially to write; figuratively, to describe

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 1 Thessalonians. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

1 Thessalonians 5:1 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 1 Thessalonians 5:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Acts 1:7Matthew 24:361 Thessalonians 4:9Matthew 24:3Mark 13:30-322 Corinthians 9:1

Test Your Knowledge

1 Thessalonians 5 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter1 Thessalonians Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

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