1 Thessalonians 5:3

Translations

Modern

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.

Traditional

For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.

Literal

When they may say, “Peace and security,” then suddenly destruction comes upon them, as the labor pains to her having in womb; and they shall not escape.

Latin

…cum enim dixerint: Pax et securitas: tunc repentinus eis superveniet interitus, sicut dolor in utero habenti, et non effugient.

Original

Greek

English

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.

Notes

1 Thessalonians 5:3

“Peace and security”: This phrase was common during the time of the pax Romana (Roman peace). Despite this assumption of security, God's final judgment arrives suddenly and no one can avoid it.

1 Thessalonians 4:9–5:11

Paul answers questions from the Thessalonians (see 1 Corinthians 7:1), questions about:

loving each other (1 Thessalonians 4:9–12)
the destiny of Christians who have died (4:13–18), and
the timing of the day the Lord will return (5:1–11).

1 Thessalonians 4:1–5:22

The second part of the letter discusses Timothy's news about the church and the questions the Christians had for Paul.

Paul addresses:

the problem of sexual immorality (4:3–8) before responding to the Thessalonians’ questions about love for other Christians (4:9–12),
the fate of Christians who have died (4:13–18), and
the timing of "the Day of the Lord" (5:1–11).

Paul offers advice on topics such as leadership and community relations, the relationship with the Lord, and prophecy (5:12–22).

Theme notes and profiles

Paul (Saul) “He Will Come” The Coming of God’s Kingdom The Day Is Coming The Day of the Lord The Last Things and the Thessalonians

Related verses

Luke 21:34–35
But watch yourselves, or your hearts will be weighed down by dissipation, drunkenness, and the worries of life—and that day will spring upon you suddenly like a snare.
Matthew 24:37–39
As it was in the days of Noah, so will it be at the coming of the Son of Man.
Luke 17:26–30
Just as it was in the days of Noah, so also will it be in the days of the Son of Man:
Revelation 18:7–8
As much as she has glorified herself and lived in luxury, give her the same measure of torment and grief. In her heart she says, ‘I sit as queen; I am not a widow and will never see grief.’
2 Thessalonians 1:9
They will suffer the penalty of eternal destruction, separated from the presence of the Lord and the glory of His might,
Hebrews 2:3
…how shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation? This salvation was first announced by the Lord, was confirmed to us by those who heard Him,
Psalm 73:18–20
Surely You set them on slick ground; You cast them down into ruin.
Daniel 5:3–6
Thus they brought in the gold vessels that had been taken from the temple, the house of God in Jerusalem, and the king drank from them, along with his nobles, his wives, and his concubines.
Psalm 10:11–13
He says to himself, “God has forgotten; He hides His face and never sees.”
Proverbs 29:1
A man who remains stiff-necked after much reproof will suddenly be shattered beyond recovery.
2 Peter 2:4
For if God did not spare the angels when they sinned, but cast them deep into hell, placing them in chains of darkness to be held for judgment;
Jeremiah 4:31
For I hear a cry like a woman in labor, a cry of anguish like one bearing her first child—the cry of the Daughter of Zion gasping for breath, stretching out her hands to say, “Woe is me, for my soul faints before the murderers!”

1 Thessalonians 5:3

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