1 Thessalonians 5:8

Authorized King James Version

But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation.

Word-by-Word Analysis

ἡμεῖς

G2249

we (only used when emphatic)

δὲ

G1161

But

but, and, etc

ἡμέρας

G2250

of 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

ὄντες

G5607

who are

being

νήφωμεν

G3525

be sober

to abstain from wine (keep sober), i.e., (figuratively) be discreet

ἐνδυσάμενοι

G1746

putting on

to invest with clothing (literally or figuratively)

θώρακα

G2382

the breastplate

the chest ("thorax"), i.e., (by implication) a corslet

πίστεως

G4102

of faith

persuasion, i.e., credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of god or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon christ

καὶ

G2532

and

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

#10

ἀγάπης

G26

love

love, i.e., affection or benevolence; specially (plural) a love-feast

#11

καὶ

G2532

and

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

#12

περικεφαλαίαν

G4030

for an helmet

encirclement of the head, i.e., a helmet

#13

ἐλπίδα

G1680

the hope

expectation (abstractly or concretely) or confidence

#14

σωτηρίας·

G4991

of salvation

rescue or safety (physically or morally)

Analysis

Within the broader context of 1 Thessalonians, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of faith connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about faith, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of 1 Thessalonians.

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on faith address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
How does this verse's literary context within 1 Thessalonians chapter 5 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?

Related Resources

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Topics

Prayer