1 Thessalonians 5:7

KJV

For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night.

KJV (with Strong's)

For {G1063} they that sleep {G2518} sleep {G2518} in the night {G3571}; and {G2532} they that be drunken {G3182} are drunken {G3184} in the night {G3571}.

Complete Jewish Bible

People who sleep, sleep at night; and people who get drunk, get drunk at night.

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that are drunken are drunken in the night.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
First Thessalonians 5:7 serves as a poignant, common-sense observation by the Apostle Paul, illustrating the spiritual state of those who are unprepared for the Lord's return. Using the familiar imagery of physical sleep and drunkenness, activities typically associated with the darkness of night, Paul draws a sharp contrast between the spiritual apathy and moral indulgence characteristic of unbelievers and the vigilance and sobriety expected of believers who live as "children of light."

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within Paul's eschatological teaching and ethical exhortations to the Thessalonian church in [1 Thessalonians 4-5](/1_thessalonians/4-5 "1 Thessalonians 4-5 - Eschatology and Exhortations"). Following a detailed discussion on the resurrection of believers ([1 Thessalonians 4:13-18](/1_thessalonians/4-13-18 "The Resurrection of Believers")), Paul transitions in [1 Thessalonians 5:1-11](/1_thessalonians/5-1-11 "The Day of the Lord and Christian Vigilance") to the "times and seasons" of the Lord's coming. He emphasizes that while the exact timing is unknown, believers are not "in darkness" concerning these events. Instead, they are called to be vigilant and sober, contrasting their spiritual state with those who are spiritually unaware or indulging in worldly excesses. Verse 7 acts as a proverbial statement, reinforcing the preceding call for believers to "keep awake and be sober" ([1 Thessalonians 5:6](/1_thessalonians/5-6 "1 Thessalonians 5:6 - Be Awake and Sober")) by illustrating the natural habitat of spiritual slumber and intoxication.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The early Christian communities, including the Thessalonians, lived in a Greco-Roman world marked by diverse religious practices, philosophical schools, and prevalent societal norms that often contrasted sharply with Christian ethics. Nighttime in ancient cities was typically associated with less reputable activities, revelry, and a general lack of accountability, as opposed to the order and productivity of daylight hours. Drunkenness was a common social vice, often linked to pagan festivals and a general lack of self-control. Sleep, while a natural human need, could also metaphorically represent a state of unawareness or spiritual lethargy. Paul draws upon these common, observable aspects of daily life to create a relatable metaphor for the spiritual condition of those outside of Christ, who live without the illuminating truth of the Gospel and the expectation of His return.

* **Key Themes:** The verse contributes significantly to several major themes in 1 Thessalonians and Paul's broader theology. The overarching theme of **Vigilance vs. Complacency** is central, urging believers to remain spiritually alert and active, rather than succumbing to spiritual slumber or indifference in anticipation of Christ's return. This is closely tied to the theme of **Light vs. Darkness**, where Paul consistently uses this imagery to differentiate between the Christian life and worldly existence. Believers are described as "[children of light, and children of the day](/1_thessalonians/5-5 "1 Thessalonians 5:5 - Children of Light and Day")," implying a lifestyle characterized by truth, righteousness, and awareness, in contrast to those who "sleep" and "are drunken" in the "night" ([1 Thessalonians 5:7](/1_thessalonians/5-7 "1 Thessalonians 5:7 - Sleep and Drunkenness in the Night")). Furthermore, the concept of **Spiritual Sobriety** is paramount; the metaphor of drunkenness extends beyond mere alcohol consumption to encompass a state of spiritual recklessness, lack of self-control, and preoccupation with worldly desires that dulls one's spiritual senses. Believers are exhorted to be "sober" in mind and conduct, ready for the Lord's return, reflecting a **Distinctive Christian Living** that stands apart from the surrounding culture.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **For (Greek, _gár_):** This particle introduces a reason or explanation, linking the current statement to the preceding exhortation to be awake and sober. It signals that what follows is a common-sense observation that undergirds the spiritual warning. Paul is providing a logical basis for why believers should live differently from the world.
* **sleep (Greek, _katheúdō_):** While literally meaning "to lie down to rest" or "fall asleep," in this context, _katheúdō_ is used metaphorically. It signifies spiritual unawareness, apathy, or moral lethargy. It describes a state of spiritual unconsciousness, where one is oblivious to God's purposes, the urgency of the times, and the reality of Christ's impending return.
* **drunken (Greek, _methýō_):** This word, from which the participle _methýskō_ is derived, means "to drink to intoxication" or "get drunk." Metaphorically, it refers to a state of spiritual stupor, recklessness, or being consumed by worldly indulgence and lack of self-control. This condition blinds one to spiritual realities and the urgency of Christ's coming, causing them to live without moral restraint or spiritual discernment.
* **night (Greek, _nýx_):** Literally "night," this term is used figuratively here to symbolize the period of spiritual ignorance, moral darkness, and the absence of God's revealed truth. It represents the realm of unregenerate humanity, characterized by spiritual blindness, sin, and a lack of awareness concerning divine judgment and salvation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For they that sleep sleep in the night;":** This clause presents a self-evident truth about physical behavior: those who are asleep naturally do so during the night. Paul uses this literal observation as a powerful metaphor for spiritual reality. "They that sleep" refers to those who are spiritually unaware, complacent, or oblivious to God's truth and the urgency of the Lord's return. Their spiritual "sleep" is fittingly associated with "the night," symbolizing the realm of spiritual darkness, ignorance, and ungodliness. This implies that such a state of spiritual lethargy is characteristic of those who do not belong to the light of Christ.
* **"and they that be drunken are drunken in the night.":** This second clause parallels the first, reinforcing the metaphorical connection between physical actions and spiritual states. Just as drunkenness is typically an activity of the night, often associated with revelry, lack of self-control, and moral looseness, so too is spiritual "drunkenness" characteristic of those in spiritual darkness. "They that be drunken" represents individuals consumed by worldly desires, spiritual recklessness, and a lack of discernment, whose spiritual senses are dulled. Their spiritual "intoxication" naturally occurs within "the night," the sphere of moral chaos and spiritual blindness, where accountability is diminished and sin abounds.

#### Literary Devices
Paul masterfully employs several literary devices in [1 Thessalonians 5:7](/1_thessalonians/5-7 "1 Thessalonians 5:7 - Sleep and Drunkenness in the Night") to convey his message with clarity and impact. The primary device is **Metaphor**, where physical sleep and drunkenness are used to represent spiritual conditions. Sleep symbolizes spiritual unawareness and apathy, while drunkenness signifies spiritual recklessness, indulgence, and a lack of self-control. The "night" itself is a powerful metaphor for the realm of spiritual darkness, ignorance, and ungodliness. This verse also exhibits strong **Parallelism**, with the two clauses mirroring each other in structure and meaning ("they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night"). This repetition emphasizes the consistent association of these behaviors with the "night." Furthermore, the verse functions as a stark **Contrast** to the preceding verses, highlighting the difference between those who live in spiritual darkness (the sleepers and the drunken) and believers who are called to be "children of light" ([1 Thessalonians 5:5](/1_thessalonians/5-5 "1 Thessalonians 5:5 - Children of Light")). This contrast serves to underscore the distinctive lifestyle and spiritual vigilance expected of Christians.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The theological implications of [1 Thessalonians 5:7](/1_thessalonians/5-7 "1 Thessalonians 5:7 - Sleep and Drunkenness in the Night") are profound, extending beyond a simple moral injunction to encompass a call for a distinct eschatological posture. Paul is not merely stating obvious physical truths but drawing a deep spiritual parallel: just as certain behaviors are characteristic of the physical night, so too are spiritual apathy and moral excess characteristic of those who live outside the light of God's truth, oblivious to the impending Day of the Lord. Believers, by contrast, are called to live as "children of light and children of the day" ([1 Thessalonians 5:5](/1_thessalonians/5-5 "1 Thessalonians 5:5 - Children of Light and Day")), demonstrating vigilance, sobriety, and a readiness for Christ's return. This verse underscores the urgency of spiritual awareness and responsible living, positioning the believer's present conduct as a reflection of their understanding of future realities.

* [Romans 13:11-14](/romans/13-11-14 "Romans 13:11-14 - Wake Up and Put on Christ")
* [Ephesians 5:8-14](/ephesians/5-8-14 "Ephesians 5:8-14 - Walk as Children of Light")
* [Luke 21:34-36](/luke/21-34-36 "Luke 21:34-36 - Be on Guard for the Day of the Lord")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
First Thessalonians 5:7 serves as a timeless and urgent call for self-examination and spiritual vigilance in the life of every believer. It challenges us to honestly assess our spiritual state: Are we living with an active awareness of God's presence, His purposes, and the reality of Christ's return, or have we allowed ourselves to drift into a state of spiritual complacency or "sleep"? Are we maintaining spiritual sobriety, exercising self-control over our thoughts, desires, and actions, and preventing the anxieties, distractions, or fleeting pleasures of this world from dulling our spiritual senses or overwhelming our commitment to Christ? The passage encourages us to live distinctively, allowing our conduct and character to reflect the illuminating truth of Christ, standing in stark contrast to the values and behaviors of those who remain in spiritual darkness. Our spiritual state has profound implications for how we live today and how we anticipate the Lord's glorious return, urging us towards continuous readiness and active pursuit of righteousness, truth, and love.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be spiritually "asleep" or complacent, perhaps neglecting prayer, Bible study, or fellowship?**
* **How might worldly preoccupations or desires be causing me to be spiritually "drunken," hindering my discernment or self-control?**
* **What practical steps can I take today to cultivate greater spiritual vigilance and sobriety in my daily walk with Christ?**
* **How does my lifestyle reflect my identity as a "child of light" in a world often characterized by spiritual "night"?**

### FAQ
**What is the main point Paul is trying to make in 1 Thessalonians 5:7?**

Answer: Paul's main point is to draw a vivid contrast between the spiritual state and behavior of unbelievers and believers, particularly in light of the coming [Day of the Lord](/1_thessalonians/5-2 "1 Thessalonians 5:2 - The Day of the Lord"). He uses the common-sense observation that physical sleep and drunkenness occur at night to metaphorically illustrate that spiritual apathy, ignorance, and moral indulgence are characteristic of those who live in spiritual darkness, unprepared for Christ's return. Conversely, believers, as "children of light," are called to be vigilant and sober ([1 Thessalonians 5:6](/1_thessalonians/5-6 "1 Thessalonians 5:6 - Be Awake and Sober")), living in readiness and clear-mindedness.

**Does this verse literally condemn sleeping or drinking alcohol?**

Answer: No, this verse does not literally condemn physical sleep or the moderate consumption of alcohol. Paul is employing **metaphorical language** to describe spiritual conditions. "Sleep" represents spiritual unawareness, complacency, or apathy towards God's truth and the urgency of the times. "Drunkenness" symbolizes a state of spiritual stupor, recklessness, or being consumed by worldly desires and lack of self-control, which dulls one's spiritual senses. The "night" is a metaphor for the realm of spiritual ignorance and moral darkness. The focus is on the spiritual state and readiness of the believer, not on literal physical actions.

**How does "night" relate to the "Day of the Lord" in this context?**

Answer: In [1 Thessalonians 5](/1_thessalonians/5 "1 Thessalonians 5 - The Day of the Lord"), Paul uses "night" to represent the period of spiritual darkness and ignorance that characterizes the unbelieving world, a time when people are oblivious to God's truth and the impending judgment. The "Day of the Lord" ([1 Thessalonians 5:2](/1_thessalonians/5-2 "1 Thessalonians 5:2 - The Day of the Lord")), by contrast, is a sudden, decisive event that will come "like a thief in the night" for those in darkness, bringing judgment. For believers, who are "children of light and children of the day" ([1 Thessalonians 5:5](/1_thessalonians/5-5 "1 Thessalonians 5:5 - Children of Light and Day")), the Day of the Lord is not a surprise but a culmination they anticipate with vigilance and sobriety. The contrast emphasizes that spiritual "night" is the environment where spiritual sleep and drunkenness thrive, leading to unpreparedness for the Day.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
First Thessalonians 5:7, though a common-sense observation, finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus, who is the ultimate "Light of the World" ([John 8:12](/john/8-12 "John 8:12 - Jesus, the Light of the World")). Those who "sleep" and "are drunken in the night" are those who remain in the spiritual darkness from which Christ came to deliver humanity. His advent shattered the spiritual night, bringing the dawn of salvation and truth. Believers are no longer "children of darkness" but have been transferred into "the kingdom of his beloved Son" ([Colossians 1:13](/colossians/1-13 "Colossians 1:13 - Delivered from Darkness")), becoming "children of light and children of the day" ([1 Thessalonians 5:5](/1_thessalonians/5-5 "1 Thessalonians 5:5 - Children of Light and Day")) through their union with Him. Christ's life, death, and resurrection provide the ultimate antidote to spiritual sleep and drunkenness; He calls us to "wake up" to righteousness ([Ephesians 5:14](/ephesians/5-14 "Ephesians 5:14 - Wake Up, Sleeper")) and to live with spiritual sobriety, empowered by the Holy Spirit. Our vigilance and readiness for His return are not based on our own strength but on His finished work and the promise of His glorious appearing, when He will bring us fully into His eternal day, where "there will be no more night" ([Revelation 22:5](/revelation/22-5 "Revelation 22:5 - No More Night")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

2 Peter 2:13

And 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;

Romans 13:13

Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying.

1 Corinthians 15:34

Awake to righteousness, and sin not; for some have not the knowledge of God: I speak [this] to your shame.

Acts 2:15

For these are not drunken, as ye suppose, seeing it is [but] the third hour of the day.

Daniel 5:4

They drank wine, and praised the gods of gold, and of silver, of brass, of iron, of wood, and of stone.

Daniel 5:5

In the same hour came forth fingers of a man's hand, and wrote over against the candlestick upon the plaister of the wall of the king's palace: and the king saw the part of the hand that wrote.

Proverbs 23:29

¶ Who hath woe? who hath sorrow? who hath contentions? who hath babbling? who hath wounds without cause? who hath redness of eyes?