King James Version

What Does 1 Thessalonians 5:2 Mean?

1 Thessalonians 5:2 in the King James Version says “For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.” — study this verse from 1 Thessalonians chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

1 Thessalonians 5:2 · 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.

4

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

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night—autoi gar akribōs oidate hoti hēmera Kyriou hōs kleptēs en nykti houtōs erchetai (αὐτοὶ γὰρ ἀκριβῶς οἴδατε ὅτι ἡμέρα Κυρίου ὡς κλέπτης ἐν νυκτὶ οὕτως ἔρχεται). Akribōs (ἀκριβῶς, 'accurately/perfectly') indicates thorough prior teaching. Hēmera Kyriou (ἡμέρα Κυρίου, 'day of the Lord') is an OT concept (Joel 2:1-11; Amos 5:18-20; Zeph 1:14-18) describing God's intervention in judgment and salvation. For believers, it brings vindication (1:10; 4:17); for unbelievers, destruction (v. 3).

As a thief in the night (hōs kleptēs en nykti, ὡς κλέπτης ἐν νυκτί)—Jesus used this image (Matt 24:43-44; Luke 12:39-40), emphasizing suddenness and surprise, not secrecy. Thieves come unexpectedly when households sleep; Christ will return when the world is unprepared. This metaphor warns against complacency: since timing is unknown, constant readiness is required. Peter (2 Pet 3:10) and Jesus (Rev 3:3; 16:15) repeat this warning. The day's inevitability combined with timing's uncertainty creates eschatological tension: live expectantly without date-setting, watchfully without anxiety.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The 'day of the Lord' concept dominated Jewish eschatology—God would intervene to judge wickedness and vindicate His people. Paul applies this to Christ's return, merging judgment and salvation. For the church, the day brings glorification; for the world, devastation (v. 3). Early Christians maintained constant readiness, viewing each day as potentially Christ's return. This urgent expectation motivated holiness, evangelism, and mutual encouragement. Later generations sometimes lost this urgency; recovering expectant watchfulness while avoiding date-setting fanaticism remains the challenge.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the 'thief in the night' metaphor affect your daily readiness for Christ's return?
  2. What evidence demonstrates that you're living expectantly for the 'day of the Lord' rather than presuming delay?
  3. How do you balance sober awareness of judgment's certainty with joyful anticipation of salvation's completion?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 14 words
αὐτοὶ1 of 14

“yourselves”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

γὰρ2 of 14

“For”

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

ἀκριβῶς3 of 14

“perfectly”

G199

exactly

οἴδατε4 of 14

“know”

G1492

used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl

ὅτι5 of 14

“that”

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

ἡ6 of 14
G3588

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

ἡμέρα7 of 14

“the day”

G2250

day, i.e., (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but several days were usually reckoned by the jews as inclusive of

κυρίου8 of 14

“of the Lord”

G2962

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

ὡς9 of 14

“as”

G5613

which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)

κλέπτης10 of 14

“a thief”

G2812

a stealer (literally or figuratively)

ἐν11 of 14

“in”

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

νυκτὶ12 of 14

“the night”

G3571

"night" (literally or figuratively)

οὕτως13 of 14

“so”

G3779

in this way (referring to what precedes or follows)

ἔρχεται14 of 14

“cometh”

G2064

to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

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 5:2 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 5:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Revelation 16:152 Peter 3:10Matthew 24:42-44Revelation 3:3Matthew 25:13Luke 12:39-40

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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