1 Thessalonians 4 6

1 Thessalonians 4:6 kjv

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.

1 Thessalonians 4:6 nkjv

that no one should take advantage of and defraud his brother in this matter, because the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also forewarned you and testified.

1 Thessalonians 4:6 niv

and that in this matter no one should wrong or take advantage of a brother or sister. The Lord will punish all those who commit such sins, as we told you and warned you before.

1 Thessalonians 4:6 esv

that no one transgress and wrong his brother in this matter, because the Lord is an avenger in all these things, as we told you beforehand and solemnly warned you.

1 Thessalonians 4:6 nlt

Never harm or cheat a fellow believer in this matter by violating his wife, for the Lord avenges all such sins, as we have solemnly warned you before.

1 Thessalonians 4 verses

1 Thessalonians 4 6 Meaning

This verse states that in all things, no one should wrong or defraud his brother. It emphasizes the importance of honest and upright dealings within the Christian community, specifically concerning property and financial matters. The consequence of violating this principle is also highlighted: the Lord is an avenger.

1 Thessalonians 4 6 Context

This verse is found in 1 Thessalonians chapter 4, where Paul addresses the church in Thessalonica, a young and growing community. The immediate context is Paul's discussion about sexual purity (verses 1-5), and he extends this principle of righteous living to interactions concerning property and finances. The Thessalonians, recently converted, needed clear guidance on how to live distinctively as Christians within their pagan society. This verse acts as a principle governing relationships, ensuring that brotherly love extends to ethical and economic dealings. It was a specific admonition against common practices in the Roman world, where exploitation and fraud were not uncommon.

1 Thessalonians 4 6 Word Analysis

• οὐ (ou): No, not. A straightforward negative particle.
• InBuffer (huper): Over, above, concerning. It signifies that the transgression is against or concerning another person.
• τις (tis): Anyone, someone. An indefinite pronoun, emphasizing the universal application of this rule to every believer.
• πλεονεκτεῖ (pleonektei): To desire more, to covet, to defraud, to take advantage of. This verb comes from pleonexia, which denotes greed or avarice. In this context, it specifically refers to overreaching or taking advantage of another person, especially in a business or financial dealing.
• καὶ (kai): And. A conjunction connecting clauses.
• ὑπερβαίνων (huperbainōn): Transgressing, going beyond. It implies exceeding legitimate bounds or limits, stepping over a boundary that should not be crossed. This reinforces the idea of wrongdoing against another.
• ἐν (en): In, among, by. Indicates the sphere or manner of the action.
• τῷ (tō): The. Definite article.
• πράγματι (pragmati): Matter, affair, deed, thing. Refers to a specific transaction, issue, or situation. Here, it points to any dealings or exchanges between believers.
• τοῦ (tou): Of the. Genitive article.
• ἀδελφοῦ (adelphou): Brother. Refers to a fellow Christian, emphasizing the family bond within the church and the heightened expectation of trust and fairness.
• αὐτοῦ (autou): His. Possessive pronoun.
• αἰτιάσομαι (aitiasomai): To accuse, to blame, to bring a charge against. Here it is used reflexively or in a middle voice construction, meaning "I will bring an accusation" or "I will hold accountable." It directly precedes the statement about the Lord.
• γὰρ (gar): For, because. Introduces a reason or explanation.
• Κύριος (Kurios): Lord. Refers to God, specifically Jesus Christ in the Christian context.
• ἐκδικητὴς (ekdikētēs): Avenger, punisher. One who executes vengeance or justice.
• περὶ (peri): Concerning, about.
• πάντων (pantōn): All.
• τούτων (toutōn): These things. Refers back to the transgressions mentioned, particularly defrauding a brother.
• ὥσπερ (hōsper): As, just as. Introduces a comparison or a manner.
• καὶ (kai): And.
• προεῖπον (proeipon): To say before, to foretell, to warn beforehand. Paul refers to his previous warnings.
• καὶ (kai): And.
• διεμαρτυράμην (diamarturamēn): To testify solemnly, to bear witness, to admonish. It signifies a strong, repeated warning.

Word Group Analysis:

• "οὐδεὶς οὐκ ἐν τῷ πράγματι τούτῳ τοῦ ἀδελφοῦ αὐτοῦ ὑπερβαίνειν" (oudeis ou en tō pragmati toutō tou adelphou autou huperbainein): "No one goes beyond in this matter of his brother." This phrase underscores that transgressing against a brother, particularly in a transaction or dealings, is a violation of the fundamental Christian ethic of love and justice.
• "αἰτιάσομαι ὑμᾶς Κύριος ἐπὶ πᾶσι τούτοις" (aitiasomai hymas Kurios episi pasi toutois): "the Lord will bring charges against you for all these things" or "the Lord will hold you accountable for all these." This highlights divine accountability for any wrongdoing within the community, assuring that unrighteous actions will not go unpunished by God.

1 Thessalonians 4 6 Bonus Section

The concept of "the Lord as avenger" aligns with Old Testament teachings concerning justice for the wronged and the protection of the vulnerable. Phrases like "the LORD is a God of justice" (Isaiah 30:18) and commandments against oppressing the sojourner, the fatherless, and the widow reinforce this principle. The word "avenger" (ekdikētēs) conveys the idea of one who rights a wrong or exacts retribution, ensuring that justice prevails. Paul’s assertion here is not a call for believers to take personal vengeance but rather a statement of God’s own righteous judgment against those who harm their brethren. This warning is also echoed in the broader New Testament context regarding accountability for our actions and the seriousness of sin within the community of faith. The phrase "all these things" implies that this warning applies not only to fraud but to all the ethical failings Paul addresses in this chapter.

1 Thessalonians 4 6 Commentary

This verse serves as a crucial reminder that the Christian faith demands ethical behavior in all aspects of life, not just in worship or belief. Defrauding a brother, whether through deceit, unfair dealing, or covetousness, is seen as a serious sin. It contradicts the principles of brotherly love and mutual support central to the church. The statement that the Lord is an avenger of such acts underscores the solemnity of these interactions. It implies that God Himself will judge and penalize those who exploit their fellow believers, acting as the ultimate judge. Paul’s reference to previous warnings signifies the consistent importance he placed on this teaching, a common theme in apostolic instruction.

Practical Usage Examples:

• When engaged in business transactions with fellow Christians, ensure all terms are clear, fair, and transparent.
• Avoid misleading or omitting information that could financially harm another believer.
• Resist the temptation of greed that might lead to taking advantage of a brother's need or vulnerability.
• When resolving disputes, prioritize restitution and reconciliation rather than seeking personal gain.