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1 Thessalonians 5:3

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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.

For {G1063} when {G3752} they shall say {G3004}, Peace {G1515} and {G2532} safety {G803}; then {G5119} sudden {G160} destruction {G3639} cometh upon {G2186} them {G846}, as {G5618} travail {G5604} upon {G1722} a woman with child {G1064}{G2192}; and {G2532} they shall {G1628} not {G3364} escape {G1628}.

When people are saying, “Everything is so peaceful and secure,” then destruction will suddenly come upon them, the way labor pains come upon a pregnant woman, and there is no way they will 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.

When they are saying, Peace and safety, then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall in no wise escape.

Commentary

Context of 1 Thessalonians 5:3

This verse is part of Paul's ongoing instruction to the Thessalonian believers regarding the "day of the Lord" and the end times. In the preceding verses (1 Thessalonians 5:1-2), Paul emphasizes that while the exact timing of Christ's return is unknown, it will come unexpectedly, "as a thief in the night," for those who are unprepared. Verse 3 specifically warns about the false sense of security that will precede this sudden divine judgment, contrasting the vigilance of believers with the complacency of the world.

Key Themes and Messages

  • False Sense of Security: The phrase "Peace and safety" (Greek: eirēnē kai asphaleia) highlights a prevalent human tendency to declare security even when facing impending danger. This could refer to a general societal complacency or a specific political slogan promising stability, which ultimately proves hollow in the face of divine judgment.
  • Sudden and Inescapable Destruction: The core message is the abruptness and inevitability of judgment for those living in spiritual darkness. "Sudden destruction cometh upon them" underscores that there will be no warning or opportunity for escape once this period begins. This contrasts sharply with the readiness Paul calls believers to in 1 Thessalonians 5:6.
  • Analogy of Travail (Birth Pains): The comparison "as travail upon a woman with child" is a powerful biblical metaphor. It signifies an event that is inevitable, comes with increasing intensity, and cannot be avoided once it starts. Jesus also used this analogy to describe the signs preceding the end, as seen in Matthew 24:8. It implies a process that, while painful, leads to a definitive outcome.
  • No Escape: The emphatic declaration "and they shall not escape" reinforces the finality of this judgment for those caught unaware. Unlike the "children of light" who are not appointed to wrath (1 Thessalonians 5:9), those who cling to a false peace will face unavoidable consequences.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek phrase for "peace and safety" (eirēnē kai asphaleia) might echo common Roman imperial propaganda promoting the Pax Romana, an era of relative peace and stability achieved through Roman dominance. Paul uses this familiar concept ironically, showing that true peace and lasting safety do not come from human systems or declarations, but from God. The term "destruction" (oletros) signifies ruin or perdition, emphasizing the devastating nature of the judgment.

Practical Application

1 Thessalonians 5:3 serves as a sober warning and a call to vigilance for all generations. It urges believers not to be lulled into complacency by the world's promises of security or by a general indifference to spiritual realities. Instead, it highlights the importance of living in constant readiness for the Lord's return, being spiritually awake and discerning. For those who are not prepared, the verse underscores the dire consequences of neglecting God's warnings and living in a state of false peace, emphasizing that divine judgment, when it comes, will be swift, unavoidable, and complete.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Luke 21:34 (28 votes)

    And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and [so] that day come upon you unawares.

  • Luke 21:35 (28 votes)

    For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth.

  • Matthew 24:37 (21 votes)

    But as the days of Noe [were], so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.

  • Matthew 24:39 (21 votes)

    And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.

  • Luke 17:26 (15 votes)

    And as it was in the days of Noe, so shall it be also in the days of the Son of man.

  • Luke 17:30 (15 votes)

    Even thus shall it be in the day when the Son of man is revealed.

  • Revelation 18:7 (13 votes)

    How much she hath glorified herself, and lived deliciously, so much torment and sorrow give her: for she saith in her heart, I sit a queen, and am no widow, and shall see no sorrow.