1Th 5:3 | RWP | e4.org | When they are saying ( οταν λεγωσιν ). Present active subjunctive picturing these false prophets of peace and safety like (Peace, and there is no peace). Ασφαλεια only in N.T. in (which see); and here. Sudden destruction ( αιφνιδιος ολεθρος ). Ολεθρος old word from ολλυμ , to destroy. See also . Αιφνιδιος , old adjective akin to αφνω and in N.T. only here and 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 ( ; ). Technical phrase for pregnancy, to the one who has it in belly (cf. of Mary). They shall in no wise escape ( ου μη εκφυγωσιν ). Strong negative like that in ου μη (double negative) and the second aorist active subjunctive.

‏ 1 Thessalonians 5:3

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); Ac 5:23 and here.

Sudden destruction ( αιφνιδιος ολεθρος ). Ολεθρος old word from ολλυμ, to destroy. See also 2Th 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 (Mr 13:8; Mt 24:8). Technical phrase for pregnancy,

to the one who has it in belly (cf. Mt 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.