King James Version

What Does 1 Thessalonians 4:6 Mean?

1 Thessalonians 4:6 in the King James Version says “That no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter: because that the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we als... — study this verse from 1 Thessalonians chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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. defraud: or, oppress, or, overreach in: or, in the matter

1 Thessalonians 4:6 · KJV


Context

4

That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour;

5

Not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God:

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. defraud: or, oppress, or, overreach in: or, in the matter

7

For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness.

8

He therefore that despiseth, despiseth not man, but God, who hath also given unto us his holy Spirit. despiseth: or, rejecteth


Commentary

KJV Study 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 testifiedto 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.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural 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.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does recognizing the Lord as 'avenger' of sexual sin affect your motivation for purity beyond avoiding natural consequences?
  2. What does 'go beyond and defraud your brother' teach about sexual sin's communal impact, not merely individual choice?
  3. How do you balance warning about divine judgment with gospel grace when teaching sexual ethics?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 24 words
τὸ1 of 24
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

μὴ2 of 24

That no

G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

ὑπερβαίνειν3 of 24

man go beyond

G5233

to transcend, i.e., (figuratively) to overreach

καὶ4 of 24

also

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

πλεονεκτεῖν5 of 24

defraud

G4122

to be covetous, i.e., (by implication) to over-reach

ἐν6 of 24

in

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

τῷ7 of 24
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

πράγματι8 of 24

any matter

G4229

a deed; by implication, an affair; by extension, an object (material)

τὸν9 of 24
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἀδελφὸν10 of 24

brother

G80

a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)

αὐτοῦ11 of 24
G846

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

διότι12 of 24

because

G1360

on the very account that, or inasmuch as

ἔκδικος13 of 24

is the avenger

G1558

carrying justice out, i.e., a punisher

14 of 24
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

κύριος15 of 24

that the Lord

G2962

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

περὶ16 of 24

of

G4012

properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas

πάντων17 of 24

all

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

τούτων18 of 24

such

G5130

of (from or concerning) these (persons or things)

καθὼς19 of 24

as

G2531

just (or inasmuch) as, that

καὶ20 of 24

also

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

προείπαμεν21 of 24

have forewarned

G4277

to say already, to predict

ὑμῖν22 of 24

you

G5213

to (with or by) you

καὶ23 of 24

also

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

διεμαρτυράμεθα24 of 24

testified

G1263

to attest or protest earnestly, or (by implication) hortatively


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 1 Thessalonians. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

1 Thessalonians 4:6 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 1 Thessalonians 4:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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