1 Thessalonians Chapter 5 · Verse 1
But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you.
Original Language Analysis
Περὶ
of
G4012
Περὶ
of
Strong's:
G4012
Word #:
1 of 13
properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
χρόνων
the times
G5550
χρόνων
the times
Strong's:
G5550
Word #:
4 of 13
a space of time (in general, and thus properly distinguished from g2540, which designates a fixed or special occasion; and from g0165, which denotes a
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
5 of 13
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀδελφοί
brethren
G80
ἀδελφοί
brethren
Strong's:
G80
Word #:
8 of 13
a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)
χρείαν
need
G5532
χρείαν
need
Strong's:
G5532
Word #:
10 of 13
employment, i.e., an affair; also (by implication) occasion, demand, requirement or destitution
Cross References
Acts 1:7And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power.1 Thessalonians 4:9But as touching brotherly love ye need not that I write unto you: for ye yourselves are taught of God to love one another.Matthew 24:36But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.Matthew 24:3And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?
Historical Context
The Thessalonians apparently questioned Christ's return timing, perhaps because some believers had died (4:13) or persecution continued longer than expected. Throughout church history, groups have date-set Christ's return, always with disastrous results—failed predictions destroy faith, obsession with timelines neglects present responsibilities, and date-setting arrogance presumes knowledge Jesus denied having (Mark 13:32). Paul's refusal to speculate about 'times and seasons' while emphasizing readiness provides the biblical model: expect Christ imminently, live watchfully, avoid date-setting.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you maintain expectation of Christ's imminent return without falling into date-setting speculation?
- What does Paul's refusal to write about 'times and seasons' teach about balanced eschatology?
- How can churches emphasize readiness for Christ's return without obsessing over prophetic timelines?
Analysis & Commentary
But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you—peri de tōn chronōn kai tōn kairōn, adelphoi, ou chreian echete hymin graphesthai (περὶ δὲ τῶν χρόνων καὶ τῶν καιρῶν, ἀδελφοί, οὐ χρείαν ἔχετε ὑμῖν γράφεσθαι). Paul transitions from rapture comfort (4:13-18) to day of the Lord warning (5:1-11). Chronoi kai kairoi (χρόνοι καὶ καιροί, 'times and seasons') distinguishes chronological duration (chronos) from appointed moments (kairos). Together they ask: When will Christ return?
Paul's answer: Ye have no need that I write—not because the topic is unimportant but because he'd already taught them (v. 2) and the timing is unknowable (Matt 24:36). Date-setting violates Jesus's clear teaching. Instead of satisfying curiosity about timing, Paul emphasizes readiness. Every generation should live as if Christ could return today (imminence) while faithfully occupying until He comes (patience). Obsession with prophetic timelines distracts from holy living; Paul redirects attention from 'when' to 'watchfulness.'