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.

KJV (with Strong's)

That no {G3361} man go beyond {G5233} and {G2532} defraud {G4122} his {G846} brother {G80} in {G1722} any matter {G4229}: because {G1360} that the Lord {G2962} is the avenger {G1558} of {G4012} all {G3956} such {G5130}, as {G2531} we {G4277} also {G2532} have forewarned {G4277} you {G5213} and {G2532} testified {G1263}.

Complete Jewish Bible

No one should wrong his brother in this matter or take advantage of him, because the Lord punishes all who do such things — as we have explained to you before at length.

Berean Standard Bible

and no one should ever violate or exploit his brother in this regard, because the Lord will avenge all such acts, as we have already told you and solemnly warned you.

American Standard Version

that no man transgress, and wrong his brother in the matter: because the Lord is an avenger in all these things, as also we forewarned you and testified.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
First Thessalonians 4:6 serves as a crucial ethical exhortation within Paul's broader teaching on sanctification, urging believers to live with integrity in their interpersonal relationships. It specifically warns against any form of overreaching or exploitation of fellow believers, whether in matters of business, personal trust, or even sexual purity, by emphasizing that the Lord Himself acts as the divine avenger for those who are wronged. This verse underscores the profound seriousness with which God views justice and fairness within His covenant community, reinforcing apostolic teaching on righteous conduct.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within Paul's sustained instruction on Christian living in [1 Thessalonians 4](/1_thessalonians/4 "1 Thessalonians 4 - Living a Life Pleasing to God"). Immediately preceding it, Paul addresses the Thessalonians' call to sanctification, specifically in the realm of sexual purity, urging them to "abstain from sexual immorality" and to "control his own body in holiness and honor" ([1 Thessalonians 4:3-5](/1_thessalonians/4-3-5 "1 Thessalonians 4:3-5 - God's Will for Sanctification")). Verse 6 extends this principle of ethical self-control from personal purity to interpersonal integrity, demonstrating that sanctification is not merely about private morality but also about how believers interact with one another. The transition with "that no man go beyond and defraud his brother" indicates a broadening of the scope of sanctified living to encompass all forms of relational conduct, implying that violations in one area (e.g., sexual sin) often involve defrauding another.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The city of Thessalonica was a bustling port city, a Roman provincial capital, and a hub of commerce and diverse cultures. In such an environment, business dealings often involved sharp practices, and the pagan culture lacked the ethical framework of Christian love and justice. New converts from a pagan background, accustomed to a world where exploitation, deceit, and sexual immorality were commonplace, needed clear instruction on how to live distinctively as followers of Christ. The concept of "defrauding" would have resonated strongly in a commercial setting, but Paul applies it broadly, including potential abuses of power or trust within the nascent Christian community. The warning about the "Lord as avenger" would have been particularly potent in a society where justice was often unevenly applied or sought through personal retaliation, contrasting with the divine, perfect justice of God.
* **Key Themes:** First Thessalonians 4:6 contributes significantly to several key themes in the letter. It reinforces the overarching theme of **sanctification** (holiness), showing that it encompasses not only individual purity but also communal ethics. The phrase "his brother" highlights the theme of **brotherly love (philadelphia)**, which Paul emphasizes as a distinguishing mark of the Christian community ([1 Thessalonians 4:9-10](/1_thessalonians/4-9-10 "1 Thessalonians 4:9-10 - Love One Another More and More")). To defraud a brother is to violate this foundational love. Furthermore, the warning about divine vengeance connects to the letter's strong **eschatological** emphasis and the **Lord's return**. Believers are reminded that God is sovereign and just, and He will indeed bring judgment upon unrighteousness, even within the community, reinforcing the call to live in a manner worthy of their calling ([1 Thessalonians 2:12](/1_thessalonians/2-12 "1 Thessalonians 2:12 - Walk Worthy of God")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **hyperbaínō (Greek, _hyperbaínō'_):** From _hyper_ (over, beyond) and _bainō_ (to go), this verb literally means "to step over" or "to go beyond." Figuratively, as used here, it signifies to transgress boundaries, to overstep limits, or to exceed what is right and proper. In the context of interpersonal relationships, it implies an act of infringement upon another's rights or property, often with an intent to gain an unfair advantage.
* **pleonektéō (Greek, _pleonektéō'_):** Derived from _pleon_ (more) and _echō_ (to have), this word means "to have more," "to gain an advantage," or "to be covetous." When used transitively, as it is here, it means "to defraud," "to exploit," or "to take advantage of." It describes the act of grasping for more than one's rightful share, often at the expense of another, driven by greed or a desire for illicit gain. The combination with _hyperbaínō_ emphasizes both the transgression of a boundary and the active exploitation that results.
* **ékdikos (Greek, _ékdikos'_):** This noun comes from _ek_ (out of) and _dikē_ (justice, right). It refers to one who carries out justice, a punisher, or an avenger. In this context, it describes God's role as the righteous judge who will execute justice against those who defraud or exploit others. It highlights God's active involvement in upholding righteousness and rectifying wrongs within His creation, particularly within His covenant people.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"That no [man] go beyond and defraud his brother":** This opening clause sets forth the primary prohibition. The phrase "go beyond" (hyperbaínō) speaks to overstepping ethical or relational boundaries, while "defraud" (pleonektéō) specifies the act of exploiting or taking unfair advantage. The object "his brother" emphasizes the familial bond within the Christian community, making the act of exploitation a betrayal of trust and love. The scope of "defraud" is broad, encompassing any act where one seeks to gain at another's expense, whether financially, sexually, or through manipulation.
* **"in [any] matter":** The Greek phrase _en tō pragmati_ (literally "in the matter" or "in this business") signifies the comprehensive scope of the prohibition. While the immediate preceding context is sexual purity, this phrase broadens the application to all aspects of life and interaction. It could refer to business dealings, property disputes, marital fidelity (defrauding a spouse by committing adultery), or any situation where one person might take advantage of another. Paul ensures that the command for integrity is all-encompassing.
* **"because that the Lord [is] the avenger of all such":** This clause provides the powerful motivation and deterrent for obeying the command. It grounds the ethical imperative in the character of God. The "Lord" (Kyrios) refers to God, and specifically to Jesus Christ in many New Testament contexts, underscoring His divine authority and role as the ultimate judge. As the "avenger" (ékdikos), God will actively intervene to bring justice and retribution upon those who perpetrate such wrongs. This assures believers that wrongs will not go unpunished and provides a basis for trusting divine justice rather than seeking personal revenge.
* **"as we also have forewarned you and testified":** This concluding phrase serves as a reminder of the apostolic authority and the consistent teaching of Paul and his companions. It indicates that this instruction is not new but a foundational truth that they had previously emphasized. This reinforces the gravity and importance of the command, demonstrating that ethical conduct and integrity were core components of the gospel message preached to the Thessalonians from the very beginning.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several **rhetorical devices** to underscore the gravity of his instruction. The use of **strong negative commands** ("no man go beyond and defraud") creates an emphatic prohibition, leaving no room for ambiguity regarding the expected conduct. The phrase "in any matter" functions as a form of **hyperbole** or **synecdoche**, representing the totality of human interactions, thereby extending the principle of integrity to every facet of life and preventing narrow interpretations. Furthermore, the declaration that "the Lord is the avenger" serves as a powerful **divine warrant** and a **theological motivation**. It is a stark reminder of God's active **justice** and **sovereignty**, acting as a deterrent against wrongdoing and an assurance to the wronged. Finally, Paul's concluding statement, "as we also have forewarned you and testified," is an appeal to **apostolic authority** and **reiteration**, emphasizing the consistency and foundational nature of this teaching within their gospel proclamation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly connects to the biblical understanding of God's character as a righteous and just judge who upholds moral order, especially within His covenant community. It reveals that God is not indifferent to the suffering or exploitation of His people but actively intervenes to ensure justice. The command to avoid defrauding a "brother" elevates interpersonal relationships within the church to a sacred level, reflecting the divine family structure and the call to imitate God's own holiness and love. It teaches that true sanctification is holistic, encompassing both private purity and public integrity, and that violations against a fellow believer are ultimately offenses against God Himself, who champions the cause of the vulnerable and wronged.

* [Romans 12:19](/romans/12-19 "Romans 12:19 - Avenge Not Yourselves")
* [Leviticus 19:13](/leviticus/19-13 "Leviticus 19:13 - Do Not Defraud Your Neighbor")
* [Proverbs 22:22-23](/proverbs/22-22-23 "Proverbs 22:22-23 - Do Not Oppress the Poor")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
First Thessalonians 4:6 remains profoundly relevant for believers today, calling us to a radical commitment to integrity and fairness in all our dealings. It challenges us to examine our motives and actions, ensuring that we never seek to gain advantage at the expense of another, especially a fellow believer. This applies to business transactions, financial dealings, personal relationships, and even the way we use information or influence. The verse reminds us that our walk of sanctification is not confined to private piety but extends to every interaction, reflecting the character of Christ. It also offers immense comfort and empowerment: when we are wronged, we are not called to seek personal revenge but to trust in the Lord, who sees all and will execute perfect justice. This frees us from bitterness and allows us to focus on living righteously, knowing that our God is a God of justice who defends the oppressed.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of my life might I be tempted to "go beyond and defraud" others, even subtly?**
* **How does understanding God as the "avenger" impact my response when I feel wronged or exploited by others?**
* **Am I living out my sanctification holistically, demonstrating integrity not just in private but in all my public and relational dealings?**
* **What practical steps can I take to ensure my interactions with others, especially fellow believers, are marked by absolute honesty and selfless love?**

### FAQ
**What does "in any matter" (KJV) or "in this matter" (ESV/NIV) truly imply in 1 Thessalonians 4:6?**

Answer: The phrase "in any matter" (Greek: _en tō pragmati_) is intentionally broad and comprehensive. While the immediate preceding context in [1 Thessalonians 4:3-5](/1_thessalonians/4-3-5 "1 Thessalonians 4:3-5 - God's Will for Sanctification") deals with sexual purity, the use of _pragma_ ("matter," "business," "affair") here is not limited to sexual misconduct. It extends the prohibition against defrauding to all areas of life where one might take advantage of another. This includes, but is not limited to, financial dealings, business transactions, contractual agreements, and any situation where one person might exploit another's vulnerability or trust. For example, some scholars interpret it as encompassing sexual exploitation (e.g., adultery, which defrauds a spouse), but the primary emphasis is on a general principle of ethical integrity and avoiding any form of overreaching or taking unfair advantage in any aspect of interpersonal relationships within the community. Paul's intent is to cover all forms of injustice and exploitation against a "brother" or "sister" in Christ.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
First Thessalonians 4:6, with its stern warning against defrauding one's brother and its declaration of the Lord as avenger, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in several ways. Jesus Himself is the embodiment of perfect justice and integrity, never seeking to gain at another's expense but rather giving Himself fully for the sake of others. His life perfectly modeled the selfless love that precludes any form of exploitation, culminating in His ultimate sacrifice on the cross, where He became the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). Furthermore, Christ is the ultimate "avenger" not in the sense of personal retribution, but as the righteous Judge who will one day [return to judge the living and the dead](/2_timothy/4-1 "2 Timothy 4:1 - Christ Will Judge the Living and the Dead"). His first coming was to secure redemption for those who believe, paying the price for our own propensity to defraud and fall short of God's glory ([Romans 3:23-24](/romans/3-23-24 "Romans 3:23-24 - All Have Sinned and Are Justified by Grace")). Through His atoning work, believers are empowered by the Holy Spirit to live lives of integrity and brotherly love, reflecting His character and fulfilling the Law's demands for justice and righteousness ([Romans 8:4](/romans/8-4 "Romans 8:4 - The Righteous Requirement of the Law Fulfilled in Us")). Thus, the call to avoid defrauding is not merely a legalistic command but an invitation to live out the new life found in Christ, who perfectly exemplifies and enables true, selfless, and just relationships.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Hebrews 13:4

Marriage [is] honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.

Exodus 20:17

Thou 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 12:19

Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but [rather] give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance [is] mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.

Proverbs 28:24

¶ Whoso robbeth his father or his mother, and saith, [It is] no transgression; the same [is] the companion of a destroyer.

Exodus 20:15

Thou shalt not steal.

Romans 1:18

For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;

Ezekiel 22:13

Behold, 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.