But of the times and the seasons, brothers, you have no need that I write to you.
For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night.
For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction comes on them, as travail on a woman with child; and they shall not escape.
But you, brothers, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief.
You are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness.
Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober.
For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night.
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.
For God has not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ,
Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him.
Why comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also you do.
And we beseech you, brothers, to know them which labor among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you;
And to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. And be at peace among yourselves.
Now we exhort you, brothers, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.
See that none render evil for evil to any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.
Rejoice ever more.
Pray without ceasing.
In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
Quench not the Spirit.
Despise not prophesyings.
Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.
Abstain from all appearance of evil.
And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless to the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Faithful is he that calls you, who also will do it.
Brothers, pray for us.
Greet all the brothers with an holy kiss.
I charge you by the Lord that this letter be read to all the holy brothers.
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.
Canonical academic citations for 1 Thessalonians 5 (AKJV) — copy in your preferred format.
1 Thessalonians 5 (AKJV). Prime Bible, accessed July 26, 2026. https://primebible.com/akjv/1-thessalonians/5.
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The Day of the Lord will come like a thief, so believers—children of light—must stay awake, sober, and armed with faith, love, and hope. Paul gives rapid-fire exhortations: respect leaders, help the weak, rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks, quench not the Spirit, test everything, hold the good, abstain from evil. He ends with a prayer for their complete sanctification, a call to read the letter to all, and a benediction of grace.
Pastoral guidance on eschatology and community life.
1 Thessalonians 5 is presented with the full Greek interlinear, Strong's numbers, and verse-by-verse cross-references on Prime Bible — a free, nonprofit Bible study platform.