1 Thessalonians 5:3

Authorized King James Version

For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.

Word-by-Word Analysis

ὅταν

G3752

when

whenever (implying hypothesis or more or less uncertainty); also causatively (conjunctionally) inasmuch as

γὰρ

G1063

For

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

λέγωσιν

G3004

they shall say

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

Εἰρήνη

G1515

Peace

peace (literally or figuratively); by implication, prosperity

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἀσφάλεια

G803

safety

security (literally or figuratively)

τότε

G5119

then

the when, i.e., at the time that (of the past or future, also in consecution)

αἰφνίδιος

G160

sudden

unexpected, i.e., (adverbially) suddenly

αὐτοῖς

G846

them

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

#10

ἐφίσταται

G2186

cometh upon

to stand upon, i.e., be present (in various applications, friendly or otherwise, usually literal)

#11

ὄλεθρος

G3639

destruction

ruin, i.e., death, punishment

#12

ὥσπερ

G5618

just as, i.e., exactly like

#13

ἡ

G3588

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

#14

ὠδὶν

G5604

travail

a pang or throe, especially of childbirth

#15

τῇ

G3588

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

#16

ἐν

G1722

upon

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

#17

γαστρὶ

G1064

a woman with child

the stomach; by analogy, the matrix; figuratively, a gourmand

#18

ἐχούσῃ

G2192

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

#19

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#20

οὐ

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

#21

μὴ

G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

#22

ἐκφύγωσιν

G1628

escape

to flee out

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 peace 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

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood peace. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
In what ways does understanding peace in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
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?

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