1 Thessalonians 5

1 But concerning the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that ye should be written to,

Now about the times and seasons, brothers, we do not need to write to you.

2 for ye know perfectly well yourselves, that the day of [the] Lord so comes as a thief by night.

For you are fully aware that the Day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night.

3 When they may say, Peace and safety, then sudden destruction comes upon them, as travail upon her that is with child; and they shall in no wise escape.

While people are saying, “Peace and security,” destruction will come upon them suddenly, like labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.

4 But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that the day should overtake you as a thief:

But you, brothers, are not in the darkness so that this day should overtake you like a thief.

5 for all ye are sons of light and sons of day; we are not of night nor of darkness.

For you are all sons of the light and sons of the day; we do not belong to the night or to the darkness.

6 So then do not let us sleep as the rest do, but let us watch and be sober;

So then, let us not sleep as the others do, but let us remain awake and sober.

7 for they that sleep sleep by night, and they that drink drink by night;

For those who sleep, sleep at night; and those who get drunk, get drunk at night.

8 but we being of [the] day, let us be sober, putting on [the] breastplate of faith and love, and as helmet [the] hope of salvation;

But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and the helmet of our hope of salvation.

9 because God has not set us for wrath, but for obtaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ,

For God has not appointed us to suffer wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.

10 who has died for us, that whether we may be watching or sleep, we may live together with him.

He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with Him.

11 Wherefore encourage one another, and build up each one the other, even as also ye do.

Therefore encourage and build one another up, just as you are already doing.

12 But we beg you, brethren, to know those who labour among you, and take the lead among you in [the] Lord, and admonish you,

But we ask you, brothers, to acknowledge those who work diligently among you, who preside over you in the Lord and give you instruction.

13 and to regard them exceedingly in love on account of their work. Be in peace among yourselves.

In love, hold them in highest regard because of their work. Live in peace with one another.

14 But we exhort you, brethren, admonish the disorderly, comfort the faint-hearted, sustain the weak, be patient towards all.

And we urge you, brothers, to admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, and be patient with everyone.

15 See that no one render to any evil for evil, but pursue always what is good towards one another and towards all;

Make sure that no one repays evil for evil. Always pursue what is good for one another and for all people.

16 rejoice always;

Rejoice at all times.

17 pray unceasingly;

Pray without ceasing.

18 in everything give thanks, for this is [the] will of God in Christ Jesus towards you;

Give thanks in every circumstance, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

19 quench not the Spirit;

Do not extinguish the Spirit.

20 do not lightly esteem prophecies;

Do not treat prophecies with contempt,

21 but prove all things, hold fast the right;

but test all things. Hold fast to what is good.

22 hold aloof from every form of wickedness.

Abstain from every form of evil.

23 Now the God of peace himself sanctify you wholly: and your whole spirit, and soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely, and may your entire spirit, soul, and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

24 He [is] faithful who calls you, who will also perform [it].

The One who calls you is faithful, and He will do it.

25 Brethren, pray for us.

Brothers, pray for us as well.

26 Greet all the brethren with a holy kiss.

Greet all the brothers with a holy kiss.

27 I adjure you by the Lord that the letter be read to all the [holy] brethren.

I charge you before the Lord to have this letter read to all the brothers.

28 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ [be] with you.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.