The Meaning of 1 Thessalonians 5:3 Explained

1 Thessalonians 5:3

KJV: 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.

YLT: for when they may say, Peace and surety, then sudden destruction doth stand by them, as the travail doth her who is with child, and they shall not escape;

Darby: When they may say, Peace and safety, then sudden destruction comes upon them, as travail upon her that is with child; and they shall in no wise escape.

ASV: 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.

KJV Reverse Interlinear

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. 

What does 1 Thessalonians 5:3 Mean?

Verse Meaning

Evidently the occasion for the false sense of security felt then will be the Antichrist"s signing of a covenant with Israel (cf. Daniel 9:27). Thus the beginning of the day of the Lord and the beginning of Daniel"s seventieth week also coincide. [1] That signing will set the stage for a period of unprecedented destruction even though it will be the signing of a peace treaty. Unbelievers living on earth then will be able to anticipate this period of persecution since God has revealed it in Scripture. It will be much like a pregnant woman"s delivery which observers can anticipate by her appearance (cf. Matthew 24:8). No one living on the earth then will in any way (double negative for emphasis in the Greek text) escape the turmoil to follow. They cannot escape it any more than a pregnant woman can escape delivering her child. This seems to argue against midtribulationism. No one on earth who is living in peace and safety during the first half of the Tribulation will escape the destruction coming in the second half, except those who die.

Context Summary

1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 - Ready For "the Day Of The Lord"
To the Apostle "the day of the Lord" was near. He expected it in his lifetime, and if we remember that the Lord's words with reference to it were in part fulfilled when Jerusalem fell, it is clear that his expectation was not altogether vain.
The suddenness of the Advent was the theme of Jesus' reiterated assurances. See Matthew 24:38; Matthew 24:43; Luke 17:29-30. The world spends its days in careless indifference (sleep), or in sensual enjoyment (drunkenness); but believers are bidden to be soldier-like in their attire and watchfulness. Ponder that wonderful word in 1 Thessalonians 5:10. Together implies that Christians now living are closely united with those who have died. The state we call death, but which the Apostle calls sleep-because our Lord's resurrection has robbed it of its terror-is as full of vitality as the life which we live day by day in this world. We live together, animated by the same purposes-they on that side and we on this. Whether here or there, life is "in Him." The closer we live to Him, the nearer we are to them. [source]

Chapter Summary: 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

Greek Commentary for 1 Thessalonians 5:3

When they are saying [οταν λεγωσιν]
Present active subjunctive picturing these false prophets of peace and safety like Ezekiel 13:10 (Peace, and there is no peace). Ασπαλεια — Asphaleia only in N.T. in Luke 1:4 (which see); Acts 5:23 and here. [source]
Sudden destruction [αιπνιδιος ολετρος]
Ολετρος — Olethros old word from ολλυμι — ollumi to destroy. See also 2 Thessalonians 1:9. Αιπνιδιος — Aiphnidios old adjective akin to απνω — aphnō and in N.T. only here and Luke 21:34 where Westcott and Hort spell it επνιδιος — ephnidios Cometh upon them (αυτοις επισταται — autois epistatai). Unaspirated form instead of the usual επισταται — ephistatai (present middle indicative) from επιστημι — ephistēmi perhaps due to confusion with επισταμαι — epistamai As travail upon a woman with child Earlier form ωδις — ōdis for birth-pang used also by Jesus (Mark 13:8; Matthew 24:8). Technical phrase for pregnancy, to the one who has it in belly (cf. Matthew 1:18 of Mary). They shall in no wise escape (ου μη εκπυγωσιν — ou mē ekphugōsin). Strong negative like that in 1 Thessalonians 4:15 ου μη — ou mē (double negative) and the second aorist active subjunctive. [source]
Cometh upon them [αυτοις επισταται]
Unaspirated form instead of the usual επισταται — ephistatai (present middle indicative) from επιστημι — ephistēmi perhaps due to confusion with επισταμαι — epistamai [source]
As travail upon a woman with child [ωσπερ η ωδιν τηι εν γαστρι εχουσηι]
Earlier form ωδις — ōdis for birth-pang used also by Jesus (Mark 13:8; Matthew 24:8). Technical phrase for pregnancy, to the one who has it in belly (cf. Matthew 1:18 of Mary). They shall in no wise escape (ου μη εκπυγωσιν — ou mē ekphugōsin). Strong negative like that in 1 Thessalonians 4:15 ου μη — ou mē (double negative) and the second aorist active subjunctive. [source]
to the one who has it in belly [cf. Matthew 1:18 of Mary)]
(cf. Matthew 1:18 of Mary). They shall in no wise escape (ου μη εκπυγωσιν — ou mē ekphugōsin). Strong negative like that in 1 Thessalonians 4:15 ου μη — ou mē (double negative) and the second aorist active subjunctive. [source]
They shall in no wise escape [ου μη εκπυγωσιν]
Strong negative like that in 1 Thessalonians 4:15 ου μη — ou mē (double negative) and the second aorist active subjunctive. [source]
When they shall say []
The prediction is thrown into dramatic form. [source]
Cometh upon [ἐπίσταται]
See Luke 21:34, Luke 21:36. Often in N.T. of a person coming suddenly upon another; as Luke 2:9; Luke 24:4; Acts 4:1; Acts 12:7. [source]
Travail [ὠδὶν]
Birth-throe. Only here in its literal sense. Elsewhere as a strong figure of sorrow or pain. See Matthew 24:8; Mark 13:8; Acts 2:24. For the figure in O.T. see Isaiah 13:6-8; Isaiah 37:3; Micah 4:9; Hosea 13:3; Jeremiah 13:21. [source]
Shall not escape [οὐ μὴ ἐκφύγωσιν]
A.V. misses the force of the double negative. They shall in no wise escape. [source]

Reverse Greek Commentary Search for 1 Thessalonians 5:3

Luke 21:34 Suddenly [αἰφνίδιος]
Only here and 1 Thessalonians 5:3. [source]
Romans 2:3 That thou shalt escape [συ εκπευχηι]
Emphasis on συ — su “thou conceited Jew expecting to escape God‘s κριμα — krima because thou art a Jew.” Cf. Matthew 3:8. Paul justifies the bitter words of the Baptist to the Pharisees and Sadducees. The future middle of the old verb εκπευγω — ekpheugō (cf. 1 Thessalonians 5:3). The Jew posed as immune to the ordinary laws of ethics because a Jew. Alas, some Christians affect the same immunity. [source]
2 Thessalonians 1:9 Shall suffer punishment [δικην τισουσιν]
Future active of old verb τινω — tinō to pay penalty Accusative case in apposition with δικην — dikēn (penalty). This phrase does not appear elsewhere in the N.T., but is in 4 Maccabees 10:15 τον αιωνιον του τυραννου ολετρον — ton aiōnion tou turannou olethron the eternal destruction of the tyrant (Antiochus Epiphanes). Destruction (cf. 1 Thessalonians 5:3) does not mean here annihilation, but, as Paul proceeds to show, separation from the face of the Lord (απο προσωπου του κυριου — apo prosōpou tou kuriou) and from the glory of his might (και απο της δοχης της ισχυος αυτου — kai apo tēs doxēs tēs ischuos autou), an eternity of woe such as befell Antiochus Epiphanes. Αιωνιος — Aiōnios in itself only means age-long and papyri and inscriptions give it in the weakened sense of a Caesar‘s life (Milligan), but Paul means by age-long the coming age in contrast with this age, as eternal as the New Testament knows how to make it. See note on Matthew 25:46 for use of aiōnios both with zōēn life, and αιωνιος — kolasin punishment. [source]
2 Thessalonians 1:9 Eternal destruction [ολετρον αιωνιον]
Accusative case in apposition with δικην — dikēn (penalty). This phrase does not appear elsewhere in the N.T., but is in 4 Maccabees 10:15 τον αιωνιον του τυραννου ολετρον — ton aiōnion tou turannou olethron the eternal destruction of the tyrant (Antiochus Epiphanes). Destruction (cf. 1 Thessalonians 5:3) does not mean here annihilation, but, as Paul proceeds to show, separation from the face of the Lord (απο προσωπου του κυριου — apo prosōpou tou kuriou) and from the glory of his might (και απο της δοχης της ισχυος αυτου — kai apo tēs doxēs tēs ischuos autou), an eternity of woe such as befell Antiochus Epiphanes. Αιωνιος — Aiōnios in itself only means age-long and papyri and inscriptions give it in the weakened sense of a Caesar‘s life (Milligan), but Paul means by age-long the coming age in contrast with this age, as eternal as the New Testament knows how to make it. See note on Matthew 25:46 for use of aiōnios both with zōēn life, and αιωνιος — kolasin punishment. [source]
1 Timothy 6:9 Fall into [εμπιπτουσιν εις]
See note on 1 Timothy 3:6 for εν εις — en -παγιδα — eis and note on 1 Timothy 3:7 for ανοητους — pagida (snare). Foolish (βλαβερας — anoētous). See Galatians 3:1, Galatians 3:3. Hurtful Old adjective from βυτιζουσιν — blaptō to injure, here alone in N.T. Drown (βυτος — buthizousin). Late word (literary Koiné{[28928]}š) from εις ολετρον και απωλειαν — buthos (bottom), to drag to the bottom. In N.T. only here and Luke 5:7 (of the boat). Drown in the lusts with the issue “in destruction and perdition” (ολετρος — eis olethron kai apōleian). Not annihilation, but eternal punishment. The combination only here, but for απωλεια — olethros see note on 1 Thessalonians 5:3; 2 Thessalonians 1:9; 1 Corinthians 5:5 and for apōleia see note on 2 Thessalonians 2:3; Philemon 3:19. [source]
1 Timothy 6:9 Hurtful [βλαπτω]
Old adjective from βυτιζουσιν — blaptō to injure, here alone in N.T. Drown (βυτος — buthizousin). Late word (literary Koiné{[28928]}š) from εις ολετρον και απωλειαν — buthos (bottom), to drag to the bottom. In N.T. only here and Luke 5:7 (of the boat). Drown in the lusts with the issue “in destruction and perdition” (ολετρος — eis olethron kai apōleian). Not annihilation, but eternal punishment. The combination only here, but for απωλεια — olethros see note on 1 Thessalonians 5:3; 2 Thessalonians 1:9; 1 Corinthians 5:5 and for apōleia see note on 2 Thessalonians 2:3; Philemon 3:19. [source]
1 Timothy 6:9 Drown [βυτος]
Late word (literary Koiné{[28928]}š) from εις ολετρον και απωλειαν — buthos (bottom), to drag to the bottom. In N.T. only here and Luke 5:7 (of the boat). Drown in the lusts with the issue “in destruction and perdition” Not annihilation, but eternal punishment. The combination only here, but for απωλεια — olethros see note on 1 Thessalonians 5:3; 2 Thessalonians 1:9; 1 Corinthians 5:5 and for apōleia see note on 2 Thessalonians 2:3; Philemon 3:19. [source]
2 Timothy 4:2 Be instant [ἐπίστηθι]
Better, be ready. Once in Paul, 1 Thessalonians 5:3. Frequent in Luke and Acts. Lit. stand by, be at hand, be present. To come suddenly upon, Luke 2:38. Hence, be ready. Instant signifies urgent, importunate, persevering. Lat. instare to press upon. Thus Latimer, “I preached at the instant request of a curate.” So N.T., Romans 12:12, “Continuing instant in prayer.” [source]
2 Timothy 4:6 Of my departure [της αναλυσεως μου]
Our very word “analysis.” Old word from αναλυω — analuō to loosen up or back, to unloose. Only here in N.T., though αναλυσαι — analusai for death is used by Paul in Philemon 1:23 which see for the metaphor. Is come (επεστηκεν — ephestēken). Perfect active indicative of επιστημι — ephistēmi (intransitive use). See note on 1 Thessalonians 5:3; Luke 21:34. The hour has struck. The time has come. [source]
2 Timothy 4:6 Is come [επεστηκεν]
Perfect active indicative of επιστημι — ephistēmi (intransitive use). See note on 1 Thessalonians 5:3; Luke 21:34. The hour has struck. The time has come. [source]
Revelation 12:2 Travailing in birth [ωδινουσα]
Present active participle of ωδινω — ōdinō old verb (from ωδιν — ōdin birth-pangs 1 Thessalonians 5:3), in N.T. only here and Galatians 4:27.And in pain (και βασανιζομενη — kai basanizomenē). “And tormented” (present passive participle of βασανιζω — basanizō for which see note on Revelation 9:5 and note on Revelation 11:10), only here in N.T. in sense of childbirth.To be delivered Second aorist active infinitive of τικτω — tiktō to give birth, epexegetical use. Also in Revelation 12:4. [source]

What do the individual words in 1 Thessalonians 5:3 mean?

For when they might say Peace and security then suddenly upon them comes destruction as the labor pains to her in womb having no not shall they escape
ὅταν λέγωσιν Εἰρήνη καὶ ἀσφάλεια τότε αἰφνίδιος αὐτοῖς ἐφίσταται ὄλεθρος ὥσπερ ὠδὶν τῇ ἐν γαστρὶ ἐχούσῃ οὐ μὴ ἐκφύγωσιν

ὅταν  For  when 
Parse: Conjunction
Root: ὅταν  
Sense: when, whenever, as long as, as soon as.
λέγωσιν  they  might  say 
Parse: Verb, Present Subjunctive Active, 3rd Person Plural
Root: λέγω 
Sense: to say, to speak.
Εἰρήνη  Peace 
Parse: Noun, Nominative Feminine Singular
Root: εἰρήνη  
Sense: a state of national tranquillity.
ἀσφάλεια  security 
Parse: Noun, Nominative Feminine Singular
Root: ἀσφάλεια  
Sense: firmness, stability.
αἰφνίδιος  suddenly 
Parse: Adjective, Nominative Masculine Singular
Root: αἰφνίδιος  
Sense: unexpected, sudden, unforeseen.
αὐτοῖς  upon  them 
Parse: Personal / Possessive Pronoun, Dative Masculine 3rd Person Plural
Root: αὐτός  
Sense: himself, herself, themselves, itself.
ἐφίσταται  comes 
Parse: Verb, Present Indicative Middle or Passive, 3rd Person Singular
Root: ἐφίστημι  
Sense: to place at, place upon, place over.
ὄλεθρος  destruction 
Parse: Noun, Nominative Masculine Singular
Root: ὀλέθριος 
Sense: ruin, destroy, death.
ὠδὶν  labor  pains 
Parse: Noun, Nominative Feminine Singular
Root: ὠδίν  
Sense: the pain of childbirth, travail pain, birth pangs.
τῇ  to  her 
Parse: Article, Dative Feminine Singular
Root:  
Sense: this, that, these, etc.
γαστρὶ  womb 
Parse: Noun, Dative Feminine Singular
Root: γαστήρ  
Sense: the belly.
οὐ  no 
Parse: Adverb
Root: οὐ  
Sense: no, not; in direct questions expecting an affirmative answer.
ἐκφύγωσιν  shall  they  escape 
Parse: Verb, Aorist Subjunctive Active, 3rd Person Plural
Root: ἐκφεύγω  
Sense: to flee out of, flee away.