1 Thessalonians 5:6
New International Version
So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be awake and sober.

New Living Translation
So be on your guard, not asleep like the others. Stay alert and be clearheaded.

English Standard Version
So then let us not sleep, as others do, but let us keep awake and be sober.

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

Berean Literal Bible
So then we should not sleep as the others, but we should watch and we should be sober.

King James Bible
Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober.

New King James Version
Therefore let us not sleep, as others do, but let us watch and be sober.

New American Standard Bible
so then, let’s not sleep as others do, but let’s be alert and sober.

NASB 1995
so then let us not sleep as others do, but let us be alert and sober.

NASB 1977
so then let us not sleep as others do, but let us be alert and sober.

Legacy Standard Bible
so then let us not sleep as others do, but let us be awake and sober.

Amplified Bible
So then let us not sleep [in spiritual indifference] as the rest [of the world does], but let us keep wide awake [alert and cautious] and let us be sober [self-controlled, calm, and wise].

Christian Standard Bible
So then, let us not sleep, like the rest, but let us stay awake and be self-controlled.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
So then, we must not sleep, like the rest, but we must stay awake and be serious.

American Standard Version
so then let us not sleep, as do the rest, but let us watch and be sober.

Contemporary English Version
Others may sleep, but we should stay awake and be alert.

English Revised Version
so then let us not sleep, as do the rest, but let us watch and be sober.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Therefore, we must not fall asleep like other people, but we must stay awake and be sober.

Good News Translation
So then, we should not be sleeping like the others; we should be awake and sober.

International Standard Version
Therefore, let's not fall asleep like others do, but let's stay awake and be sober.

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

NET Bible
So then we must not sleep as the rest, but must stay alert and sober.

New Heart English Bible
so then let us not sleep, as the rest do, but let us watch and be sober.

Webster's Bible Translation
Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober.

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

World English Bible
so then let’s not sleep, as the rest do, but let’s watch and be sober.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
so, then, we may not sleep as also the others, but watch and be sober,

Berean Literal Bible
So then we should not sleep as the others, but we should watch and we should be sober.

Young's Literal Translation
so, then, we may not sleep as also the others, but watch and be sober,

Smith's Literal Translation
Therefore let us not sleep, as also the rest; but let us watch and be sober.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Therefore, let us not sleep, as others do; but let us watch, and be sober.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Therefore, let us not sleep, as the rest do. Instead, we should be vigilant and sober.

New American Bible
Therefore, let us not sleep as the rest do, but let us stay alert and sober.

New Revised Standard Version
So then let us not fall asleep as others do, but let us keep awake and be sober;
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Therefore let us not sleep, as do others, but let us watch and be sober.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
Let us not sleep therefore as the rest, but let us be watchful and sensible.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
Therefore, let us not sleep, as do others, but let us watch and be sober.

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

Haweis New Testament
Let us not then sleep as do others; but let us watch and be sober.

Mace New Testament
therefore let us not sleep away our time like others, but be vigilant and temperate.

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

Worrell New Testament
So, then, let us not sleep as do the rest, but let us watch and be sober.

Worsley New Testament
Therefore let us not sleep like others, but let us watch and be sober:

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Day of the Lord
5For you are all sons of the light and sons of the day; we do not belong to the night or to the darkness. 6So then, let us not sleep as the others do, but let us remain awake and sober. 7For those who sleep, sleep at night; and those who get drunk, get drunk at night.…

Cross References
Romans 13:11-12
And do this, understanding the occasion. The hour has come for you to wake up from your slumber, for our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. / The night is nearly over; the day has drawn near. So let us lay aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light.

Ephesians 5:14
So it is said: “Wake up, O sleeper, rise up from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.”

Matthew 24:42-44
Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day on which your Lord will come. / But understand this: If the homeowner had known in which watch of the night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into. / For this reason, you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour you do not expect.

Mark 13:33-37
Be on your guard and stay alert! For you do not know when the appointed time will come. / It is like a man going on a journey who left his house, put each servant in charge of his own task, and instructed the doorkeeper to keep watch. / Therefore keep watch, because you do not know when the master of the house will return—whether in the evening, at midnight, when the rooster crows, or in the morning. ...

Luke 21:34-36
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. / For it will come upon all who dwell on the face of all the earth. / So keep watch at all times, and pray that you may have the strength to escape all that is about to happen and to stand before the Son of Man.”

1 Peter 5:8
Be sober-minded and alert. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.

Revelation 3:2-3
Wake up and strengthen what remains, which is about to die; for I have found your deeds incomplete in the sight of My God. / Remember, then, what you have received and heard. Keep it and repent. If you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know the hour when I will come upon you.

Colossians 4:2
Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful,

1 Corinthians 16:13
Be on the alert. Stand firm in the faith. Be men of courage. Be strong.

2 Peter 3:10
But the Day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar, the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and its works will be laid bare.

Matthew 25:13
Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.

Luke 12:35-40
Be dressed for service and keep your lamps burning. / Then you will be like servants waiting for their master to return from the wedding banquet, so that when he comes and knocks, they can open the door for him at once. / Blessed are those servants whom the master finds on watch when he returns. Truly I tell you, he will dress himself to serve and will have them recline at the table, and he himself will come and wait on them. ...

Proverbs 6:9-11
How long will you lie there, O slacker? When will you get up from your sleep? / A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest, / and poverty will come upon you like a robber, and need like a bandit.

Isaiah 56:10
Israel’s watchmen are blind, they are all oblivious; they are all mute dogs, they cannot bark; they are dreamers lying around, loving to slumber.

Joel 1:5
Wake up, you drunkards, and weep; wail, all you drinkers of wine, because of the sweet wine, for it has been cut off from your mouth.


Treasury of Scripture

Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober.

let us not.

Proverbs 19:15
Slothfulness casteth into a deep sleep; and an idle soul shall suffer hunger.

Isaiah 56:10
His watchmen are blind: they are all ignorant, they are all dumb dogs, they cannot bark; sleeping, lying down, loving to slumber.

Jonah 1:6
So the shipmaster came to him, and said unto him, What meanest thou, O sleeper? arise, call upon thy God, if so be that God will think upon us, that we perish not.

watch.

Matthew 24:42
Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come.

Matthew 25:13
Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.

Matthew 26:38,40,41
Then saith he unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death: tarry ye here, and watch with me…

sober.

1 Thessalonians 5:8
But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation.

Philippians 4:5
Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.

1 Timothy 2:9,15
In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; …

Jump to Previous
Alert Asleep Awake Let's Others Rest Self-Controlled Sleep Sober Watch World
Jump to Next
Alert Asleep Awake Let's Others Rest Self-Controlled Sleep Sober Watch World
1 Thessalonians 5
1. He proceeds in the description of Christ's coming to judgment;
16. and gives various instructions;
23. and so concludes the epistle.














So then
This phrase serves as a transitional conjunction, linking the preceding thoughts with the exhortation that follows. In the context of 1 Thessalonians 5, Paul has been discussing the Day of the Lord and the need for readiness. The Greek word "ἄρα οὖν" (ara oun) indicates a logical conclusion drawn from previous statements. It emphasizes the importance of the believer's response to the truths about Christ's return. Historically, the early church lived with an imminent expectation of Christ's return, which shaped their daily conduct and spiritual vigilance.

let us not sleep
The Greek word for "sleep" here is "καθεύδωμεν" (katheudōmen), which metaphorically refers to spiritual lethargy or indifference. In the New Testament, sleep often symbolizes a lack of awareness or preparedness, especially concerning spiritual matters. Paul is urging the Thessalonians to remain spiritually alert and active, contrasting the complacency that can arise from ignorance or neglect of spiritual truths. This call to vigilance is rooted in the understanding that believers are to live in anticipation of Christ's return, actively engaging in their faith.

as the rest do
This phrase distinguishes believers from "the rest," referring to those who are not in Christ. The Greek term "οἱ λοιποί" (hoi loipoi) implies those outside the community of faith who live without the hope and expectation of Christ's return. Historically, the early Christians were a distinct minority in a predominantly pagan society, and their lifestyle was markedly different. This distinction is a call to holiness and separation from worldly values and behaviors, emphasizing the transformative power of the Gospel.

but let us remain awake
The word "awake" is translated from the Greek "γρηγορῶμεν" (grēgorōmen), which means to be watchful or vigilant. This term is often used in the New Testament to describe the attitude believers should have as they await the Lord's return. It conveys a sense of active engagement and readiness, akin to a watchman on duty. The historical context of the early church, facing persecution and awaiting Christ's return, underscores the necessity of spiritual alertness and perseverance in faith.

and sober
The Greek word "νήφωμεν" (nēphōmen) means to be sober-minded or self-controlled. It suggests a state of mental and spiritual clarity, free from the intoxicating influences of sin and worldly distractions. In the context of 1 Thessalonians, sobriety is linked to the anticipation of Christ's return, encouraging believers to live disciplined and purposeful lives. This call to sobriety is a reminder of the need for self-control and discernment, virtues that enable believers to navigate the challenges of life while maintaining their focus on eternal realities.

(6) Let us not sleep.--The metaphor here expresses not so much actual sin (Ephesians 5:14) as carelessness in spiritual and moral things. "Let us not say, 'Peace and safety,' and resign ourselves to indifference about Christ's coming." St. Paul (as always) indicates that it was possible for "children of light" to be converted back into "children of darkness."

Others.--Rather, the rest, as in 1Thessalonians 4:13 : so also Romans 11:7; Ephesians 2:3.

Watch and be sober.--The comparison of night now suggests to the writer another thought besides that of sloth, namely, that of dissipation. Christians are not to turn day into night by debauchery any more than by sleep.

Verse 6. - Therefore; because we are the children of the, light and of the day, because we have been enlightened and purified, we ought to be watchful and sober, so that we may not be unprepared for the day of the Lord. Privileges will avail us nothing, unless we use them and walk up to them. Let us not sleep. Sleep is here evidently used metaphorically to denote religious carelessness. As do others; the unbelieving and ungodly. But let us watch and be sober; evidently to be understood metaphorically of spiritual vigilance and sobriety: watchfulness denoting wakefulness from sleep, and sobriety freedom from intoxication. Both must be combined: we must be watchful, on our guard, and we must be sober, armed and prepared; "for even by day," observes St. Chrysostom, "if one watches, but is not sober, he will fall into numberless dangers." The same exhortation is given by Peter, but in the reverse order: "Be sober, be vigilant" (1 Peter 5:8).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
So
ἄρα (ara)
Conjunction
Strong's 686: Then, therefore, since. Probably from airo; a particle denoting an inference more or less decisive.

then,
οὖν (oun)
Conjunction
Strong's 3767: Therefore, then. Apparently a primary word; certainly, or accordingly.

let us not sleep
καθεύδωμεν (katheudōmen)
Verb - Present Subjunctive Active - 1st Person Plural
Strong's 2518: To sleep, be sleeping. From kata and heudo; to lie down to rest, i.e. to fall asleep.

as
ὡς (hōs)
Adverb
Strong's 5613: Probably adverb of comparative from hos; which how, i.e. In that manner.

the
οἱ (hoi)
Article - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

others [do],
λοιποί (loipoi)
Adjective - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3062: Left, left behind, the remainder, the rest, the others. Masculine plural of a derivative of leipo; remaining ones.

but
ἀλλὰ (alla)
Conjunction
Strong's 235: But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise.

let us remain awake
γρηγορῶμεν (grēgorōmen)
Verb - Present Subjunctive Active - 1st Person Plural
Strong's 1127: (a) I am awake (in the night), watch, (b) I am watchful, on the alert, vigilant. From egeiro; to keep awake, i.e. Watch.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

sober.
νήφωμεν (nēphōmen)
Verb - Present Subjunctive Active - 1st Person Plural
Strong's 3525: (lit: I am sober), I am calm (vigilant), circumspect. Of uncertain affinity: to abstain from wine, i.e. be discreet.


Links
1 Thessalonians 5:6 NIV
1 Thessalonians 5:6 NLT
1 Thessalonians 5:6 ESV
1 Thessalonians 5:6 NASB
1 Thessalonians 5:6 KJV

1 Thessalonians 5:6 BibleApps.com
1 Thessalonians 5:6 Biblia Paralela
1 Thessalonians 5:6 Chinese Bible
1 Thessalonians 5:6 French Bible
1 Thessalonians 5:6 Catholic Bible

NT Letters: 1 Thessalonians 5:6 So then let's not sleep as (1 Thess. 1 Thes. 1Th iTh i Th)
1 Thessalonians 5:5
Top of Page
Top of Page