60. 1Th_5:7

1 Thessalonians 5:7 1 Thessalonians 5:7, “They that be drunken are drunken in the night.” This simply states a fact in that age, but implies no approbation of intoxicating drinks. The ancient heathen regarded being drunk in the daytime as indecent. In contrast with the stupidity, sensuality, and darkness in which the heathen lived, the exhortation to the Christians who are of the day is to be sober. The Greek word is nee-phomen, from neephoo, which occurs six times, and is four times rendered sober, and twice watch. The idea of vigilant circumspection and abstinence is impressed by all the context. The classical lexicon defines nepho by—“sobrius sum, vigilo, non bib”—to be sober, vigilant, not to drink. Donnegan, “To live abstemiously, to abstain from wine;” metaphorically, “to be sober, discreet, wise, circumspect, or provident, to act with prudence.” Robinson’s New Testament Lexicon, “To be sober, temperate, abstinent, especially in respect of wine.” This sobriety is associated with putting on the Christian armor, and it is the call for vigilant wakefulness, having all the powers of mind and body in proper condition.