1 Thessalonians 4:6

Text (1 Thessalonians 4:6)

6 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.

Translation and Paraphrase

6.

(And) that none (of you) should go too far and (covetously) take advantage of his brother in the matter (of sexual vice). Because the Lord is (an) avenger (who will punish severely when He deals with all) of these things, just as we told you previously and most solemnly charged (you).

Notes (1 Thessalonians 4:6)

1.

The phrase in any matter is interpreted by some scholars to refer to business dealings. Therefore they say that the teaching of this verse is that we should not cheat one another in business. (Indeed we should not do that.)

2.

However, the fact that the matter of sexual vice is discussed in the verses immediately before and after this verse leads us to think that this verse also deals with that subject.

3.

Also the phrase in any manner is rendered in the matter in the Greek text and the American Stan, version. While this reading is a bit uncertain, it is probably the correct one. The matter to which it refers would, therefore, seem to be the matter under discussion in the verses just preceding, the matter of sexual vice.

4.

For us to covet and take another man's wife would be to go beyond (and overreach) what we have a right to do. It is going too far. (The same word is used in 2 Corinthians 7:2; 2 Corinthians 12:17-18.)

5.

No one can commit fornication without defrauding and wronging someone. It is a sin that always wrongs and hurts others, and not just ourselves. By it men can wrong someone's wife, or future wife, someone's sister, someone's marriage or future marriage, someone's home or family life. Besides that, it is a sin against GOD. Psalms 51:4. And it is a sin against our own body. 1 Corinthians 6:18.

6.

Many Scriptures teach that God is an avenger, one who punishes and takes vengeance. Psalms 94:1-2; 2 Peter 2:3; Romans 2:9-11; Romans 2:16. The successful thief may conclude that crime has no penalty. But God's justice will not be thwarted.

Heathen gods were often pictured as indulging in human vices. But the true God is the avenger of vices.

7.

Paul reminds the Thessalonians that he had already forewarned them about this matter of sexual vice. Compare Galatians 1:9. Evidently when the apostles of Christ once spoke, their teaching was not to be modified later to suit someone's pleasure and convenience.