1 Thessalonians 5:4 But you, brothers and sisters, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief.

◄ 1 Thessalonians 5:4 ►

Parallel Verses

New International Version
But you, brothers and sisters, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief.

English Standard Version
But you are not in darkness, brothers, for that day to surprise you like a thief.

New American Standard Bible
But you, brethren, are not in darkness, that the day would overtake you like a thief;

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

Holman Christian Standard Bible
But you, brothers, are not in the dark, for this day to overtake you like a thief.

International Standard Version
However, brothers, you are not in the darkness, in order that the Day of the Lord might surprise you like a thief.

American Standard Version
But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief:

Douay-Rheims Bible
But you, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief.

Darby Bible Translation
But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that the day should overtake you as a thief:

Young's Literal Translation
and ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that the day may catch you as a thief;

Cross References

Matthew 10:15
Truly I say to you, It shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city.

Luke 21:34
And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come on you unawares.

Acts 26:18
To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.

1 Thessalonians 5:2
For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night.

2 Peter 3:10
But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.

1 John 2:8
Again, a new commandment I write to you, which thing is true in him and in you: because the darkness is past, and the true light now shines.

Revelation 3:3
Remember therefore how you have received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore you shall not watch, I will come on you as a thief, and you shall not know what hour I will come on you.

Revelation 16:15
Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watches, and keeps his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame.

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Commentaries

Matthew Henry's Commentary

5:1-5 It is needless or useless to ask about the particular time of Christ's coming. Christ did not reveal this to the apostles. There are times and seasons for us to work in, and these are our duty and interest to know and observe; but as to the time when we must give up our account, we know it not, nor is it needful that we should. The coming of Christ will be a great surprise to men. Our Lord himself said so. As the hour of death is the same to each person that the judgment will be to mankind in general, so the same remarks answer for both. Christ's coming will be terrible to the ungodly. Their destruction will overtake them while they dream of happiness, and please themselves with vain amusements. There will be no means to escape the terror or the punishment of that day. This day will be a happy day to the righteous. They are not in darkness; they are the children of the light. It is the happy condition of all true Christians. But how many are speaking peace and safety to themselves, over whose heads utter destruction is hovering! Let us endeavour to awaken ourselves and each other, and guard against our spiritual enemies.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown

4. not in darkness—not in darkness of understanding (that is, spiritual ignorance) or of the moral nature (that is, a state of sin), Eph 4:18.

that—Greek, "in order that"; with God results are all purposed.

that day—Greek, "THE day"; the day of the Lord (Heb 10:25, "the day"), in contrast to "darkness."

overtake—unexpectedly (compare Joh 12:35).

as a thief—The two oldest manuscripts read, "as (the daylight overtakes) thieves" (Job 24:17). Old manuscripts and Vulgate read as English Version.