1 Thessalonians Chapter 5 · Verse 7
For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night.
Original Language Analysis
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 10
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 10
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
καθεύδουσιν
sleep
G2518
καθεύδουσιν
sleep
Strong's:
G2518
Word #:
3 of 10
to lie down to rest, i.e., (by implication) to fall asleep (literally or figuratively)
καθεύδουσιν
sleep
G2518
καθεύδουσιν
sleep
Strong's:
G2518
Word #:
5 of 10
to lie down to rest, i.e., (by implication) to fall asleep (literally or figuratively)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
6 of 10
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 10
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Romans 13:13Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying.2 Peter 2:13And shall receive the reward of unrighteousness, as they that count it pleasure to riot in the day time. Spots they are and blemishes, sporting themselves with their own deceivings while they feast with you;1 Corinthians 15:34Awake to righteousness, and sin not; for some have not the knowledge of God: I speak this to your shame.Acts 2:15For these are not drunken, as ye suppose, seeing it is but the third hour of the day.Ephesians 5:14Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light.
Historical Context
Greco-Roman culture featured heavy drinking, especially at nighttime symposia (drinking parties). Jewish tradition also associated drunkenness with night, as respectable people drank moderately during day. Paul uses this cultural norm metaphorically: spiritual drunkenness (worldliness, carelessness) belongs to the kingdom of darkness. Isaiah prophesied: 'They are drunken, but not with wine... for the LORD hath poured out upon you the spirit of deep sleep' (Isa 29:9-10)—spiritual stupor plaguing those who reject truth. Believers must avoid both literal drunkenness (Eph 5:18) and metaphorical intoxication by worldly values.
Questions for Reflection
- What forms of 'drunkenness' (loss of self-control, intoxication by worldly values) tempt you despite being a 'child of day'?
- How does living in light of Christ's imminent return affect your participation in activities that 'belong to the night'?
- What evidence demonstrates that your life is oriented toward 'day' (Christ's return) rather than 'night' (present evil age)?
Analysis & Commentary
For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night—hoi gar kathedontes nyktos katheudousin, kai hoi methyskomenoi nyktos methyousin (οἱ γὰρ καθεύδοντες νυκτὸς καθεύδουσιν, καὶ οἱ μεθυσκόμενοι νυκτὸς μεθύουσιν). Paul extends the metaphor: sleeping and drunkenness belong to night (darkness, evil, ignorance). Nyx (νύξ, 'night') represents the present evil age before Christ's return ushers in eternal day. Both sleep (spiritual lethargy) and drunkenness (loss of self-control) characterize those 'in darkness.'
The contrast between night-people (who sleep, get drunk, live carelessly) and day-people (who watch, stay sober, live vigilantly) mirrors the contrast between unbelievers and believers. This isn't moralism (believers are better people) but eschatology (believers live in light of coming day). The verse also carries literal application: drunkards typically drink at night, concealing behavior in darkness. But Paul's primary meaning is metaphorical—unbelievers live as if in perpetual night, ignorant of approaching day. Believers live as if dawn is imminent, because it is (Rom 13:11-12).