1 Thessalonians 4:6

That no man go beyond [τ ο μ η υ π ε ρ β α ι ν ε ι ν]. Lit. the not going beyond. Dependent on this is the will of Glod, ver. 3. The verb N. T.. Often in LXX, mostly in the literal sense of overpassing limits. Also of overtaking, passing by, surpassing, as in wickedness or cruelty. It is an expansion of the preceding thought. Pursue your business as holy men : do not overreach or defraud.

It is the overstepping of the line between mine and thine. It is used absolutely, being defined by the succeeding clause. The A. V. is literal, go beyond. Rev. renders tranegress. Weizsacker and Bornemann "ubergreife overreach." So. Rev. margin. This last is the best.

Defraud [π λ ε ο ν ε κ τ ε ι ν]. P o. See on 2 Corinthians 2:11, and covetousness, Romans 1:29. It emphasises gain as the motive of fraud. Three times in LXX, Jude 1:4 :11; Habakkuk 2:9; Ezekiel 22:27. Often in Class.

In any matter [ε ν τ ω π ρ α γ μ α τ ι]. Rev. correctly, in the matter. Comp. 2 Corinthians 7:11. The sense is the business in hand, whatever it be. The tw does not stand for tini any. For pragmati, matter, see on Matthew 18:19. Those who connect this clause with the preceding, explain tw as the matter just mentioned - adultery.

Avenger [ε κ δ ι κ ο ς]. P o. Here and Romans 13:4. In LXX rarely, and in the same sense as here. In this sense it occurs only in late Greek. For the warning comp. Ephesians 5:6; Colossians 3:6; Romans 13:4; Galatians 5:21.