Like A Thief In The Night Quote
“Like a thief in the night” is a phrase used to describe something that happens unexpectedly or suddenly, catching people off guard. This phrase has been used in different contexts, from literature to religion, and popular culture.
Origin of the Phrase
The phrase “like a thief in the night” comes from the New Testament of the Bible. It was used by St. Paul in his first letter to the Thessalonians to describe the suddenness of Christ's return. He wrote:
"For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night."
The metaphor of a thief in the night was used to emphasize the unexpectedness of the event. Just as a thief comes at night when people are unprepared, so will the day of the Lord come when people are not expecting it.
Use of the Phrase in Literature
The phrase “like a thief in the night” has been used in literature to describe sudden events or surprises. It has been used in novels, poems, and other literary works. For example, in William Shakespeare's play "Hamlet," the character Marcellus says:
"Some say that ever 'gainst that season comes
Wherein our Saviour's birth is celebrated,
The bird of dawning singeth all night long:
And then, they say, no spirit dares stir abroad;
The nights are wholesome; then no planets strike,
No fairy takes, nor witch hath power to charm,
So hallow'd and so gracious is the time."
"So have I heard and do in part believe it.
But, look, the morn, in russet mantle clad,
Walks o'er the dew of yon high eastward hill:
Break we our watch up; and by my advice,
Let us impart what we have seen to-night
Unto young Hamlet; for, upon my life,
This spirit, dumb to us, will speak to him.
Do you consent we shall acquaint him with it,
As needful in our loves, fitting our duty?"
In this passage, Marcellus is describing the ghost of Hamlet's father that appeared to him and his companions. The ghost came suddenly and unexpectedly, like a thief in the night.
Use of the Phrase in Popular Culture
The phrase “like a thief in the night” has also been used in popular culture. It has been used in movies, TV shows, and songs. For example, the phrase was used in the movie "Star Trek: Insurrection" when Captain Picard said:
"We're like thieves in the night."
The phrase was also used in the song "Thief in the Night" by Rolling Stones, which was released in 1978.
Interpretation of the Phrase
The phrase “like a thief in the night” can be interpreted in different ways, depending on the context in which it is used. In the religious context, it refers to the second coming of Christ and the suddenness of the event.
In literature and popular culture, the phrase is often used to describe unexpected events or surprises. It can also be used to describe someone who is sneaky or deceitful, like a thief in the night.
Conclusion
The phrase “like a thief in the night” has been used for centuries to describe sudden and unexpected events. Its origin in the Bible has given it a religious connotation, but it has also been used in literature and popular culture. Understanding the meaning and origin of this phrase can help us appreciate its use in different contexts.