1 Thessalonians 4:6

Authorized King James Version

That no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter: because that the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you and testified.

Word-by-Word Analysis

τὸ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

μὴ

G3361

That no

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

ὑπερβαίνειν

G5233

man go beyond

to transcend, i.e., (figuratively) to overreach

καὶ

G2532

also

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

πλεονεκτεῖν

G4122

defraud

to be covetous, i.e., (by implication) to over-reach

ἐν

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

τῷ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

πράγματι

G4229

any matter

a deed; by implication, an affair; by extension, an object (material)

τὸν

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#10

ἀδελφὸν

G80

brother

a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)

#11

αὐτοῦ

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

#12

διότι

G1360

because

on the very account that, or inasmuch as

#13

ἔκδικος

G1558

is the avenger

carrying justice out, i.e., a punisher

#14

ὁ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#15

κύριος

G2962

that the Lord

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

#16

περὶ

G4012

properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas

#17

πάντων

G3956

all

all, any, every, the whole

#18

τούτων

G5130

such

of (from or concerning) these (persons or things)

#19

καθὼς

G2531

just (or inasmuch) as, that

#20

καὶ

G2532

also

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#21

προείπαμεν

G4277

have forewarned

to say already, to predict

#22

ὑμῖν

G5213

you

to (with or by) you

#23

καὶ

G2532

also

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#24

διεμαρτυράμεθα

G1263

testified

to attest or protest earnestly, or (by implication) hortatively

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to 1 Thessalonians. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of 1 Thessalonians Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?

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Topics

Prayer