Bible Strands
1 Thessalonians 5:6
So then, let us not sleep as the others do, but let us remain awake and sober.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — The apostle Paul writes to the Thessalonian church to direct their conduct regarding the timing of the Lord’s return. He addresses them as those who belong to the day and explicitly contrasts their duty with the behavior of those who remain in darkness.
The words — καθεύδωμεν (katheudōmen) = we may sleep, paired with the negative command μὴ (mē) = not, forms the core prohibition against spiritual passivity.
The thread — This warning against spiritual slumber and call to vigilance appears in Matthew 24:42; Luke 22:46; and 1 Peter 1:13.
Why it lands — It commands the reader to maintain conscious alertness and self-control rather than adopting a passive or indifferent posture toward spiritual reality.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober.
Cross-references
- 1 Peter 1:13 Therefore prepare your minds for action. Be sober-minded. Set your hope fully on the grace to be given you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.
- Matthew 24:42 Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day on which your Lord will come.
- Luke 22:46 “Why are you sleeping?” He asked. “Get up and pray so that you will not enter into temptation.”
- 1 Peter 5:8 Be sober-minded and alert. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.
- Romans 13:11 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.
- Revelation 16:15 “Behold, I am coming like a thief. Blessed is the one who remains awake and clothed, so that he will not go naked and let his shame be exposed.”
- 1 Corinthians 16:13 Be on the alert. Stand firm in the faith. Be men of courage. Be strong.
- Ephesians 5:14 So it is said: “Wake up, O sleeper, rise up from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.”
- Proverbs 19:15 Laziness brings on deep sleep, and an idle soul will suffer hunger.
- Mark 13:34 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.