A.T. Robertson Commentary 1 Thessalonians 5

But concerning the times and the seasons (περ δε των χρονων κα των καιρων). See both words used also in Tit 1:2f. Χρονος is rather an extended period and καιρος a definite space of time.

Know perfectly (ακριβως οιδατε). Accurately know, not "the times and the seasons," but their own ignorance.

As a thief in the night (ως κλεπτης εν νυκτ). As a thief at night, suddenly and unexpectedly. Reminiscence of the word of Jesus (Matthew 24:43; Luke 12:39), used also in 2 Peter 3:10; Revelation 3:3; 16:15.

Cometh (ερχετα). Prophetic or futuristic present tense.

When they are saying (οταν λεγωσιν). Present active subjunctive picturing these false prophets of

peace and safety like Eze 13:10 (Peace, and there is no peace). Ασφαλεια only in N.T. in Lu 1:4 (which see); Acts 5:23 and here.

Sudden destruction (αιφνιδιος ολεθρος). Ολεθρος old word from ολλυμ, to destroy. See also 2 Thessalonians 1:9. Αιφνιδιος, old adjective akin to αφνω and in N.T. only here and Lu 21:34 where Westcott and Hort spell it εφνιδιος.

Cometh upon them (αυτοις επιστατα). Unaspirated form instead of the usual εφιστατα (present middle indicative) from εφιστημ perhaps due to confusion with επισταμα.

As travail upon a woman with child (ωσπερ η ωδιν τη εν γαστρ εχουση). Earlier form ωδις for birth-pang used also by Jesus (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 εκφυγωσιν). Strong negative like that in 4:15 ου μη (double negative) and the second aorist active subjunctive.

As a thief (ως κλεπτης). As in verse 2, but A B Bohairic have κλεπτας (thieves), turning the metaphor round.

Sons of light (υιο φωτος),

sons of day (υιο ημερας). Chiefly a translation Hebraism (Deissmann, Bible Studies, pp. 161ff.). Cf. words of Jesus in Lu 16:8 and Paul in Eph 5:9. He repeats the same idea in turning from "ye" to "we" and using νυκτος (night) and σκοτους (darkness), predicate genitives.