For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, are drunk at night.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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1 Thessalonians 5:7
What does 1 Thessalonians 5:7 mean?
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1 Thessalonians 5:7
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This verse isn't just talking about sleeping and drinking; it's a stark contrast between two kinds of "sleep" and "drunkenness." The "sleep" of night represents the natural rest of those who belong to the day, while the "drunkenness" of night highlights the uninhibited indulgence of those who are spiritually unaware. It's a powerful image urging us to be awake and sober in our spiritual lives, ready for Christ's return.
For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, are drunk at night.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul is urging believers to live awake and alert, contrasting them with the darkness of the world. He's just told them that the Day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night, and this verse explains that the people of the world who are lost in sin will be caught unaware, just as people deep in sleep or drunk are unaware of what's happening around them. The immediate context highlights the urgency for Christians to be ready, not living like the rest of the world.
Paul uses a simple, everyday observation to make a profound spiritual point. Why compare spiritual readiness to the difference between day and night?
Paul is drawing a sharp contrast between two ways of living: one characterized by spiritual sleep and another by spiritual wakefulness.
The Sleepers
Those who 'sleep' are metaphorically lost in the darkness, unaware and unready. Their slumber isn't just physical rest; it's a state of spiritual inactivity, ignorance, or even deadness to God's reality. Just as regular sleep happens at night, their spiritual 'sleep' keeps them from seeing the light of truth.
The Drunkards
Similarly, those who 'get drunk' are depicted as being in a state of impaired judgment and uncontrolled behavior. This isn't necessarily about literal intoxication, but about being so overwhelmed by the 'intoxicants' of this world—sin, worldly desires, or false teachings—that they lose their spiritual senses and self-control. Their 'drunkenness' also happens in the metaphorical night, obscuring their vision.
Both 'sleeping' and 'getting drunk' represent a lack of readiness for what is to come.
Paul connects the metaphors of night and day to a significant future event. What makes this 'day' so different, and why is sobriety crucial?
The verse sets up a crucial comparison: just as normal activities have their times (sleep at night), our spiritual state has eternal consequences related to God's timing.
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The Day of the Lord
The 'day' Paul refers to is the 'Day of the Lord'—a time of divine judgment and the ultimate revelation of God's reign. It's a day that will bring clarity and accountability. Those who are spiritually awake and sober will be ready to meet it, not in fear or shame, but with joyful anticipation.
Sober Readiness
Paul contrasts the darkness of the night with the light and clarity of day. Being 'sober' means being alert, self-controlled, and clear-minded, free from the spiritual stupor of sin and worldly distractions. It's about living with an awareness of God's presence and the reality of His coming kingdom.
This isn't just about avoiding punishment; it's about embracing the fullness of God's plan.
Understand the original words
nyx · Greek Noun
A metaphor for the present evil age characterized by spiritual darkness, ignorance of God, and moral degradation.
Paul uses the common, everyday rhythms of day and night to contrast the ordinary lives of unbelievers with the urgent, watchful expectation believers should have for Christ's return.
c. AD 49-50
Paul Founds the Church in Thessalonica
The Apostle Paul establishes the church in Thessalonica, a major port city in Macedonia, during his second missionary journey. This church would become known for its vibrant faith.
c. AD 50-51
Persecution in Thessalonica
Paul and Silas are forced to flee Thessalonica due to persecution stirred up by hostile Jewish leaders. This early opposition shapes the church's understanding of suffering.
c. AD 51— this verse
Paul Writes 1 Thessalonians
From Corinth, Paul sends his first letter to the Thessalonian believers, addressing issues of persecution, doctrinal confusion, and the return of Christ.
c. AD 52
Paul Writes 2 Thessalonians
A second letter is sent to the Thessalonians to clarify teachings about the Day of the Lord and to encourage steadfastness amidst ongoing challenges.
c. AD 64
Great Fire of Rome
While not directly impacting Thessalonica, this event and subsequent persecution of Christians under Nero highlight the broader Roman context of societal upheaval and potential judgment.
This passage echoes the urgency of 1 Thessalonians 5:7 by calling believers to wake up from sleep, emphasizing the nearness of salvation and the need to shed works of darkness.
Ephesians 5:11Paul here urges believers to have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, directly correlating with the idea of 'sleeping' or living in a way that is characteristic of the night, not the light of Christ.
1 Corinthians 6:10This verse lists drunkenness among other vices that will not inherit the kingdom of God, highlighting the destructive nature of such behaviors that the Apostle contrasts with the sober, watchful life of a believer.
Matthew 24:42Jesus himself instructs his followers to 'be watchful,' because you do not know when your Lord is coming, a command that resonates with the call to distinguish oneself from those who are asleep or lost in drunken revelry.
This verse isn't just talking about sleeping and drinking; it's a stark contrast between two kinds of "sleep" and "drunkenness." The "sleep" of night represents the natural rest of those who belong to the day, while the "drunkenness" of night highlights the uninhibited indulgence of those who are spiritually unaware. It's a powerful image urging us to be awake and sober in our spiritual lives, ready for Christ's return.
Paul is urging believers to live awake and alert, contrasting them with the darkness of the world. He's just told them that the Day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night, and this verse explains that the people of the world who are lost in sin will be caught unaware, just as people deep in sleep or drunk are unaware of what's happening around them. The immediate context highlights the urgency for Christians to be ready, not living like the rest of the world.
Paul is urging believers to live awake and alert, contrasting them with the darkness of the world. He's just told them that the Day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night, and this verse explains that the people of the world who are lost in sin will be caught unaware, just as people deep in sleep or drunk are unaware of what's happening around them. The immediate context highlights the urgency for Christians to be ready, not living like the rest of the world.
"For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, are drunk at night." — This verse isn't just talking about sleeping and drinking; it's a stark contrast between two kinds of "sleep" and "drunkenness." The "sleep" of night represents the natural rest of those who belong t…
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Last reviewed October 2026