1 Thessalonians 5:6

Authorized King James Version

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Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober.

Original Language Analysis

ἄρα Therefore G686
ἄρα Therefore
Strong's: G686
Word #: 1 of 12
a particle denoting an inference more or less decisive (as follows)
οὖν G3767
οὖν
Strong's: G3767
Word #: 2 of 12
(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly
μὴ not G3361
μὴ not
Strong's: G3361
Word #: 3 of 12
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
καθεύδωμεν let us G2518
καθεύδωμεν let us
Strong's: G2518
Word #: 4 of 12
to lie down to rest, i.e., (by implication) to fall asleep (literally or figuratively)
ὡς as G5613
ὡς as
Strong's: G5613
Word #: 5 of 12
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
καὶ and G2532
καὶ and
Strong's: G2532
Word #: 6 of 12
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
οἱ G3588
οἱ
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 7 of 12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
λοιποί do others G3062
λοιποί do others
Strong's: G3062
Word #: 8 of 12
remaining ones
ἀλλὰ but G235
ἀλλὰ but
Strong's: G235
Word #: 9 of 12
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
γρηγορῶμεν let us watch G1127
γρηγορῶμεν let us watch
Strong's: G1127
Word #: 10 of 12
to keep awake, i.e., watch (literally or figuratively)
καὶ and G2532
καὶ and
Strong's: G2532
Word #: 11 of 12
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
νήφωμεν be sober G3525
νήφωμεν be sober
Strong's: G3525
Word #: 12 of 12
to abstain from wine (keep sober), i.e., (figuratively) be discreet

Analysis & Commentary

Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober—ara oun mē katheudōmen hōs hoi loipoi, alla grēgorōmen kai nēphōmen (ἄρα οὖν μὴ καθεύδωμεν ὡς οἱ λοιποί, ἀλλὰ γρηγορῶμεν καὶ νήφωμεν). Ara oun (ἄρα οὖν, 'therefore') draws ethical conclusion from theological truth (vv. 4-5). Since we're light-children, we must live accordingly. Katheudō (καθεύδω, 'to sleep') indicates spiritual lethargy, moral carelessness, eschatological unpreparedness—not physical sleep but metaphorical slumber. Hoi loipoi (οἱ λοιποί, 'the others/rest') are unbelievers who sleep through approaching judgment.

But let us watch and be sober (alla grēgorōmen kai nēphōmen, ἀλλὰ γρηγορῶμεν καὶ νήφωμεν)—grēgoreō (γρηγορέω, 'to watch/be alert') and nēphō (νήφω, 'to be sober/self-controlled') describe vigilant readiness. Watching means alert awareness of spiritual realities; sobriety means clear-headed self-control, not intoxicated by worldliness. Jesus repeatedly commanded watchfulness (Matt 24:42; 25:13; Mark 13:35-37). Readiness for Christ's return requires continuous alertness, not mere intellectual acknowledgment.

Historical Context

Paul's metaphorical use of sleep/wakefulness resonates with Jesus's Gethsemane rebuke: 'Could ye not watch with me one hour?' (Matt 26:40). Spiritual drowsiness plagued the disciples then and threatens believers now. Roman soldiers posted as watchmen faced execution if caught sleeping on duty—literal death for literal sleep. Believers face spiritual catastrophe (not loss of salvation but loss of reward, 1 Cor 3:15) if found sleeping spiritually when Christ returns. The urgency of watching increases as the day approaches (Heb 10:25).

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