1 Thessalonians 4:6
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.
Original Language Analysis
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
μὴ
That no
G3361
μὴ
That no
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
2 of 24
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
ὑπερβαίνειν
man go beyond
G5233
ὑπερβαίνειν
man go beyond
Strong's:
G5233
Word #:
3 of 24
to transcend, i.e., (figuratively) to overreach
καὶ
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
4 of 24
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
πλεονεκτεῖν
defraud
G4122
πλεονεκτεῖν
defraud
Strong's:
G4122
Word #:
5 of 24
to be covetous, i.e., (by implication) to over-reach
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πράγματι
any matter
G4229
πράγματι
any matter
Strong's:
G4229
Word #:
8 of 24
a deed; by implication, an affair; by extension, an object (material)
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀδελφὸν
brother
G80
ἀδελφὸν
brother
Strong's:
G80
Word #:
10 of 24
a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)
αὐτοῦ
G846
αὐτοῦ
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
11 of 24
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
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
14 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κύριος
that the Lord
G2962
κύριος
that the Lord
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
15 of 24
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
περὶ
of
G4012
περὶ
of
Strong's:
G4012
Word #:
16 of 24
properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas
καὶ
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
20 of 24
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Cross References
Hebrews 13:4Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.Exodus 20:17Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbour's.Romans 12:19Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.Exodus 20:15Thou shalt not steal.Proverbs 28:24Whoso robbeth his father or his mother, and saith, It is no transgression; the same is the companion of a destroyer.Romans 13:4For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.Luke 12:5But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear: Fear him, which after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear him.James 2:6But ye have despised the poor. Do not rich men oppress you, and draw you before the judgment seats?James 5:4Behold, the hire of the labourers who have reaped down your fields, which is of you kept back by fraud, crieth: and the cries of them which have reaped are entered into the ears of the Lord of sabaoth.Ezekiel 22:13Behold, therefore I have smitten mine hand at thy dishonest gain which thou hast made, and at thy blood which hath been in the midst of thee.
Historical Context
Greco-Roman culture rarely punished sexual immorality unless it violated property rights (adultery with a citizen's wife could be prosecuted, but prostitution and slave exploitation faced no sanctions). Paul teaches different standards: all porneia offends God and invites His judgment, regardless of human legal consequences. Early Christians' sexual purity contrasted with pagan license, demonstrating transformed lives. Later, when Christianity influenced law, Western civilization developed legal protections against sexual exploitation—though contemporary culture increasingly reverts to Roman permissiveness.
Questions for Reflection
- How does recognizing the Lord as 'avenger' of sexual sin affect your motivation for purity beyond avoiding natural consequences?
- What does 'go beyond and defraud your brother' teach about sexual sin's communal impact, not merely individual choice?
- How do you balance warning about divine judgment with gospel grace when teaching sexual ethics?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
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—to mē hyperbainein kai pleonektein en tō pragmati ton adelphon autou, dioti ekdikos Kyrios peri pantōn toutōn, kathōs kai proeipomen hymin kai diemartyroametha (τὸ μὴ ὑπερβαίνειν καὶ πλεονεκτεῖν ἐν τῷ πράγματι τὸν ἀδελφὸν αὐτοῦ, διότι ἔκδικος Κύριος περὶ πάντων τούτων, καθὼς καὶ προείπομεν ὑμῖν καὶ διεμαρτυράμεθα). Hyperbainein (ὑπερβαίνειν, 'to transgress/go beyond') and pleonektein (πλεονεκτεῖν, 'to take advantage of/defraud') indicate violation of boundaries and exploitation. En tō pragmati (ἐν τῷ πράγματι, 'in the matter') likely continues the sexual ethics discussion—don't violate your brother by committing adultery with his wife or sexual immorality with his daughter/sister.
The Lord is the avenger (ekdikos Kyrios, ἔκδικος Κύριος)—God actively punishes sexual sin. Ekdikos (ἔκδικος) means 'one who avenges/punishes.' This isn't mere natural consequence but divine judgment. Paul appeals to previous warning ('as we forewarned you')—he taught God's judgment during his initial ministry. Sexual sin isn't private behavior without consequences but rebellion against God inviting His wrath. This sobering truth motivates holiness: not merely avoiding natural disease or relational damage but fearing holy God who judges immorality.