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.

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}.

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.

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.

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

Context of 1 Thessalonians 4:6

This verse is part of Paul's broader exhortation to the believers in Thessalonica concerning sanctification and holy living. In the preceding verses (1 Thessalonians 4:3-5), Paul emphasizes God's will for their sanctification, specifically in abstaining from sexual immorality and controlling their bodies in holiness and honor, not in the lust of concupiscence, as the Gentiles who do not know God. Verse 6 extends this principle of ethical conduct beyond personal purity to interpersonal relationships within the Christian community, warning against any form of exploitation or dishonesty towards fellow believers. It underscores that godly living encompasses both private morality and public integrity.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Ethical Conduct and Integrity: The verse strongly calls for honesty and fairness in all dealings, urging believers not to "go beyond and defraud" their fellow Christians. This emphasizes that Christian faith must manifest in righteous and just behavior towards others, preventing any form of exploitation or taking unfair advantage.
  • Brotherly Love and Community: The phrase "his brother" highlights the familial bond shared among believers in Christ. To defraud a brother is to violate this sacred relationship and undermine the unity and trust essential for a healthy Christian community.
  • Divine Justice and Vengeance: A powerful deterrent is presented: "the Lord is the avenger of all such." This serves as a solemn reminder that God, in His perfect righteousness, will bring justice to those who practice deceit or exploitation. Believers are not to take revenge into their own hands, but to trust in God's ultimate judgment (Romans 12:19).
  • Apostolic Authority and Warning: Paul reminds them that he and his companions had "forewarned you and testified" about these matters. This underscores the importance and gravity of the command, indicating that ethical conduct was a foundational teaching of the apostles.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "go beyond and defraud" translates the Greek compound verb hyperbainō (to go beyond, transgress) and pleonekteō (to take advantage of, to covet, to defraud, to exploit). The combination suggests an act of overstepping rightful boundaries to gain an unfair advantage, often implying covetousness or greed. While the immediate context follows sexual purity, the phrase "in any matter" (Greek en tō pragmati, literally "in the matter" or "in this business") suggests a broad application to any form of unrighteous dealings, including financial, relational, or even sexual exploitation (e.g., seducing someone's spouse, thus defrauding the spouse).

The term "avenger" (Greek ekdikos) refers to one who executes justice or punishment. This highlights God's active role as the righteous judge who will uphold justice for those who have been wronged, especially within His covenant community.

Practical Application

1 Thessalonians 4:6 is a timeless call to ethical integrity for all believers. It teaches us:

  1. Honesty in All Dealings: We are to conduct all our relationships—whether in business, personal friendships, or within the church—with utmost honesty and fairness, avoiding any temptation to cheat, deceive, or exploit others for personal gain.
  2. Respect for Others' Rights and Boundaries: This verse encourages a profound respect for the rights, dignity, and possessions of others, recognizing that each person is a "brother" or "sister" in Christ, deserving of honor and protection.
  3. Trust in Divine Justice: When wronged, believers are encouraged to trust that the Lord will ultimately bring justice. This frees us from the burden of seeking personal revenge and allows us to focus on living righteously.
  4. Living a Consistent Christian Life: Our spiritual walk (sanctification) is not just about private piety but also about how we interact with the world and with fellow believers. Our actions in "any matter" reflect our commitment to Christ and His teachings. This echoes Paul's broader exhortation to walk worthy of the calling we have received.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified 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.