Lexical Summary huperbainó: To transgress, to go beyond, to overstep Original Word: ὑπερβαίνω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance go beyond. From huper and the base of basis; to transcend, i.e. (figuratively) to overreach -- go beyond. see GREEK huper see GREEK basis NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom huper and the same as basis Definition to step over, transgress NASB Translation transgress (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 5233: ὑπερβαίνωὑπερβαίνω; from Homer down; to step over, go beyond; metaphorically, to transgress: δίκην, νόμου, etc., often from Herodotus and Pindar down; absolutely, to overstep the proper limits, i. e. to transgress, trespass, do wrong, sin: joined with ἁμαρτάνειν, Homer, Iliad 9, 501; Plato, Pep. 2, p. 366 a.; specifically, of one who defrauds another in business, overreaches (Luth.zu weit greifen), with καί πλεονεκτεῖν added, 1 Thessalonians 4:6 (but see πρᾶγμα, b.). Topical Lexicon Semantic Scope and Conceptual Background The verb conveys the idea of deliberately crossing a divinely set boundary. In secular Greek literature it could describe trespassing on another’s land or overreaching in legal dealings. Within Scripture the sense is moral and relational: the conscious choice to violate limits that protect covenant community life. Canonical Occurrence 1 Thessalonians 4:6 contains the word’s sole New Testament appearance: “and in this matter no one should overstep and defraud his brother, because the Lord is the avenger in all these things, as we have already told you and solemnly warned you” (Berean Standard Bible). Immediate Context in 1 Thessalonians 1 Thessalonians 4:3–8 calls believers to “sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality” (4:3). The “matter” is the realm of sexual conduct, especially marital faithfulness. To “overstep” is to intrude upon the marital rights of a fellow believer—adultery or any violation of sexual purity that wrongs another. Paul roots the prohibition in three realities: Moral and Ethical Implications 1. Personal Holiness: The word underscores that holiness is not merely private; sin invariably harms others (compare Exodus 20:14; Hebrews 13:4). Old Testament Resonance The notion of boundary violation echoes Deuteronomy 19:14, which forbids moving a neighbor’s landmark. Just as physical markers protected inheritance, moral boundaries safeguard covenant life. Proverbs 6:27-29 likens adultery to playing with fire; the trespasser “will not go unpunished,” paralleling Paul’s assurance of retribution. The Lord as Avenger In using forensic language, Paul proclaims that God Himself defends the injured party. The title “avenger” recalls Numbers 35:19’s “goel” (kinsman-redeemer) who seeks justice for bloodshed. Here the Lord assumes that role for every moral violation, emphasizing His active holiness and perfect justice. Historical-Cultural Setting Greco-Roman society tolerated extramarital liaisons and temple prostitution. Converts in Thessalonica faced constant pressure to revert to accepted norms. By introducing ὑπερβαίνειν, Paul confronts cultural permissiveness with the counter-cultural ethic of the kingdom, elevating sexual fidelity to a sacred trust. Pastoral and Ministry Applications • Church Discipline: The term supports restorative measures when members “overstep” sexual boundaries (Matthew 18:15-17; 1 Corinthians 5:1-5). Reception in Church Tradition Early fathers such as Chrysostom cited 1 Thessalonians 4:6 to denounce adultery, highlighting divine vengeance as a deterrent. Reformers applied the passage to broader economic exploitation, extending the concept of “overstepping” to any form of fraud. Summary Strong’s Greek 5233 spotlights a serious breach—conscious transgression that injures a fellow believer and invites God’s judicial response. Its solitary New Testament use serves as a strategic warning: holiness demands respect for boundaries established by the Creator for the protection and flourishing of His people. Forms and Transliterations υπερβαινειν υπερβαίνειν ὑπερβαίνειν υπερβαίνοντες υπερβαίνουσι υπερβαίνων υπερβή υπερβήσεται υπερβήση υπερβήσομαι υπερέβη υπερέβησαν hyperbainein hyperbaínein uperbaineinLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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