1 Thessalonians 5

1 But as to times and dates it is unnecessary that anything be written to you.

But concerning the times and seasons, brethren, you have no need that I write to you;

2 For you yourselves know perfectly well that the day of the Lord comes like a thief in the night.

for you yourselves know well, that the day of the Lord is so coming like a thief in the night.

3 While they are saying "Peace and safety!" then in a moment destruction falls upon them, like birth-pains on a woman who is with child; and escape there is none.

When they may say, Peace and safety, then sudden destruction comes on them, as travail upon a woman in gestation; and they can not escape.

4 But you, brethren, are not in darkness, that daylight should surprise you like a thief;

But you, brethren, are not in darkness, that the day may overtake you like a thief:

5 for all of you are sons of Light and sons of the day. We belong neither to the night nor to darkness.

for you are all the sons of light, and the sons of day: we are not of night, nor of darkness;

6 So then let us not sleep, like the rest of the world, but let us keep awake and be sober.

then therefore let us not sleep like the rest, but watch and be sober.

7 For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who drink freely, drink at night.

For those sleeping, sleep in the night; and those who are drunken, get drunk in the night:

8 But let us, belonging--as we do--to the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and for a helmet the hope of salvation.

but let us, who are of the day, be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and divine love; and the helmet, the hope of salvation:

9 For God has not pre-destined us to meet His anger, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ;

because God did not put us forth unto wrath, but unto the obtainment of salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ,

10 who died on our behalf, so that whether we are awake or are sleeping we may share His Life.

the one having died for us, in order that, whether we are awake or asleep, we shall at the same time live with him.

11 Therefore encourage one another, and let each one help to strengthen his friend, as in fact you do.

Therefore exhort one another, and edify either the other, as you indeed are doing.

12 Now we beg you, brethren, to show respect for those who labour among you and are your leaders in Christian work, and are your advisers;

But we intreat you, brethren, to know those who are laboring among you, and standing before you in the Lord, and admonishing you;

13 and to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. Be at peace among yourselves.

and that you yourselves esteem them exceedingly in divine love for the sake of their work. Live in peace among yourselves.

14 And we exhort you, brethren, admonish the unruly, comfort the timid, sustain the weak, and be patient towards all.

And we, exhort you, brethren, admonish the unruly, comfort the small-souled people, support the weak, be longsuffering toward all.

15 See to it that no one ever repays another with evil for evil; but always seek opportunities of doing good both to one another and to all the world.

See that no one may return evil for evil to any one; but always pursue good toward one another, and toward all.

16 Be always joyful.

Rejoice evermore;

17 Be unceasing in prayer.

pray without ceasing;

18 In every circumstance of life be thankful; for this is God's will in Christ Jesus respecting you.

in every thing give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus towards you.

19 Do not quench the Spirit.

Quench not the Spirit;

20 Do not think meanly of utterances of prophecy;

despise not prophesying;

21 but test all such, and retain hold of the good.

but prove all things; and hold fast to the beautiful;

22 Hold yourselves aloof from every form of evil.

abstain from every evil sight.

23 And may God Himself who gives peace, make you entirely holy; and may your spirits, souls and bodies be preserved complete and be found blameless at the Coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

And the God of peace himself sanctify you wholly; and may your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless, in the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

24 Faithful is He who calls you, and He will also perfect His work.

Faithful is the one calling you, who indeed will do it.

25 Brethren, pray for us.

Brethren, pray for us.

26 Greet all the brethren with a holy kiss.

Salute all the brethren with a holy kiss.

27 I solemnly charge you in the Lord's name to have this Letter read to all the brethren.

I adjure you in the name of the Lord, that this epistle shall be read to all the brethren.

28 May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.