King James Version
What Does 1 Thessalonians 5:6 Mean?
“Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober.”
Context
4
But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief.
5
Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness.
6
Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober.
7
For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night.
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.
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(6) **Let us not sleep.**—The metaphor here expresses not so much actual sin (Ephesians 5:14) as carelessness in spiritual and moral things. “Let *us* not say, ‘Peace and safety,’ and resign ourselves to indifference about Christ’s coming.” St. Paul (as always) indicates that it was possible for “children of light” to be converted back into “children of darkness.”
**Others.**—Rather, *the rest, *as in 1Thessalonians 4:13 : so also Romans 11:7; Ephesians 2:3.
**Watch and be sober.**—The comparison of night now suggests to the writer another thought besides that of sloth, namely, that of dissipation. Christians are not to turn day into night by debauchery any more than by sleep.
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
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 5:6 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 5:6
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge