1 Thessalonians 5:2

Modern

For you are fully aware that the Day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night.

Traditional

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

Literal

For you yourselves thoroughly know that the day of the Lord comes in this way, as a thief in the night.

Latin

Ipsi enim diligenter scitis quia dies Domini, sicut fur in nocte, ita veniet:

Greek

English

For you are fully aware that the Day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night.

Paul reminds them of the teachings they already received (3:3–4).
the Day of the Lord: The day when God will judge humanity and save his people (Isaiah 13:6, 9; Ezekiel 30:3; Joel 2:21–32; 3:18; Zechariah 14).
like a thief in the night: Compare Matthew 24:43–44; Luke 12:39–40; 2 Peter 3:10; Revelation 3:3; 16:15.

Paul answers questions from the Thessalonians (see 1 Corinthians 7:1), questions about:

The second part of the letter discusses Timothy's news about the church and the questions the Christians had for Paul.

Paul addresses:

the problem of sexual immorality (4:3–8) before responding to the Thessalonians’ questions about love for other Christians (4:9–12),
the fate of Christians who have died (4:13–18), and
the timing of "the Day of the Lord" (5:1–11).

Paul offers advice on topics such as leadership and community relations, the relationship with the Lord, and prophecy (5:12–22).

Theme notes and profiles

Revelation 16:15
“Behold, I am coming like a thief. Blessed is the one who remains awake and clothed, so that he will not go naked and let his shame be exposed.”
2 Peter 3:10
But the Day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar, the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and its works will be laid bare.
Matthew 24:42–44
Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day on which your Lord will come.
Revelation 3:3
Remember, then, what you have received and heard. Keep it and repent. If you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know the hour when I will come upon you.
Matthew 25:13
Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.
Luke 12:39–40
But understand this: If the homeowner had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have let his house be broken into.
Mark 13:34–35
It is like a man going on a journey who left his house, put each servant in charge of his own task, and instructed the doorkeeper to keep watch.
Jeremiah 23:20
The anger of the LORD will not turn back until He has fully accomplished the purposes of His heart. In the days to come you will understand this clearly.
1 Corinthians 1:8
He will sustain you to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.