### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word G5233 (hyperbaínō) is a compound verb derived from the preposition ὑπέρ (hyper - `{{G5228}}`), meaning "over" or "beyond," and the base of βαίνω (bainō), meaning "to go" or "to step." Literally, it signifies "to step over" or "to go beyond" a physical boundary or limit. In its figurative and more common New Testament usage, as indicated by its base definition, it carries the sense of "to overreach," "to transgress," or "to violate a boundary." This is not a positive "transcendence" in the sense of spiritual elevation, but rather a negative "transgression" or "overstepping" of moral or ethical limits, often with an implication of taking advantage of another. The core semantic range thus includes the ideas of exceeding proper bounds, infringing upon rights, or acting in a way that is unjust or exploitative.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word G5233 (hyperbaínō) appears only once in the New Testament, in Paul's First Epistle to the Thessalonians:
* **[[1 Thessalonians 4:6]]**: "that no one should transgress and defraud his brother in this matter, because the Lord is an avenger in all these things, just as we also told you before and solemnly warned you."
In this sole occurrence, hyperbaínō is used in parallel with πλεονεκτέω (pleonekteō - `{{G4122}}`), meaning "to defraud" or "to take advantage of." The context of [[1 Thessalonians 4:3-8]] is a strong exhortation to sexual purity and holiness, contrasting it with the practices of the Gentiles who "do not know God." The phrase "in this matter" (ἐν τῷ πράγματι) most likely refers to the context of sexual immorality and the violation of another person's body or marital rights, though some interpretations also extend it to general financial exploitation. The pairing with πλεονεκτέω strongly emphasizes the idea of overstepping boundaries to gain an illicit advantage, specifically at the expense of a "brother" or "sister" within the Christian community. This transgression is not merely a personal sin but an offense against the community and, ultimately, against God, who is described as an "avenger" (ἔκδικος - ekdikos, `{{G1556}}`) for such actions.
### Related Words & Concepts
The meaning of G5233 (hyperbaínō) is illuminated by its etymology and its co-occurrence with other terms:
* **ὑπέρ (hyper - `{{G5228}}`)**: The preposition "over, beyond," which forms the first part of the compound, highlights the idea of exceeding a limit.
* **βαίνω (bainō)**: The root verb "to go, to step," which contributes the action of movement across a boundary.
* **πλεονεκτέω (pleonekteō - `{{G4122}}`)**: "To defraud, to take advantage of, to exploit." This word is directly linked with hyperbaínō in [[1 Thessalonians 4:6]], solidifying the meaning of transgression as an act of unjust gain or exploitation.
* **παραβαίνω (parabainō - `{{G3845}}`)**: "To transgress, to go beyond, to violate." This verb shares a similar semantic range, often referring to the breaking of laws or commands. While hyperbaínō implies going *over* a boundary, parabainō implies stepping *beside* or *across* a boundary, both resulting in transgression.
* **ἀδικέω (adikeō - `{{G91}}`)**: "To do wrong, to act unjustly, to injure." This broader term encompasses the unjust actions implied by hyperbaínō.
* **Concepts**: Transgression, overreaching, exploitation, defrauding, violation of boundaries (especially ethical and sexual), injustice, unrighteousness.
### Theological Significance
The singular occurrence of G5233 (hyperbaínō) in [[1 Thessalonians 4:6]] imbues it with significant theological weight, particularly in the realm of Christian ethics and community life. It underscores the sanctity of personal boundaries and relationships within the body of Christ. The command not to "transgress and defraud" (μηδὲ ὑπερβαίνειν μηδὲ πλεονεκτεῖν) highlights God's demand for integrity, respect, and purity among believers. This is not merely a suggestion but a divine imperative, as the Lord Himself is depicted as the "avenger" of such transgressions.
The theological implication is profound: actions that overstep ethical boundaries, particularly in matters of sexual morality or exploitation, are not just interpersonal offenses but are seen as affronts to God's holiness and His established order. The warning serves as a powerful deterrent, emphasizing that God actively upholds justice and will intervene on behalf of those who are wronged. It reinforces the call to live a life of holiness (ἁγιασμός - hagiasmos, `{{G38}}`) as a testament to one's knowledge of God and as a reflection of His character.
### Summary
G5233 (hyperbaínō) literally means "to step over" or "to go beyond." In its sole biblical occurrence in [[1 Thessalonians 4:6]], it carries the figurative and morally charged meaning of "to transgress" or "to overreach," specifically in the sense of violating established boundaries or defrauding another. Paired with πλεονεκτέω (pleonekteō - `{{G4122}}`), it strongly denotes an act of unjust exploitation, particularly within the context of sexual purity and the sanctity of interpersonal relationships within the Christian community. The theological significance lies in its emphasis on God's demand for ethical integrity, His active role as an "avenger" against such transgressions, and the call for believers to live in holiness, respecting the boundaries He has set for human conduct.
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