1 Thessalonians 5:2

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

Word-by-Word Analysis

αὐτοὶ

G846

yourselves

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

γὰρ

G1063

For

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

ἀκριβῶς

G199

perfectly

exactly

οἴδατε

G1492

know

used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl

ὅτι

G3754

that

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

ἡ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἡμέρα

G2250

the day

day, i.e., (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but several days were usually reckoned by the jews as inclusive of

κυρίου

G2962

of the Lord

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

ὡς

G5613

which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)

#10

κλέπτης

G2812

a thief

a stealer (literally or figuratively)

#11

ἐν

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

#12

νυκτὶ

G3571

the night

"night" (literally or figuratively)

#13

οὕτως

G3779

in this way (referring to what precedes or follows)

#14

ἔρχεται

G2064

cometh

to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

Cross References

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Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine sovereignty contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine sovereignty address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?

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