Greek word · G5233

ὑπερβαίνω

hyperbainō

to wrong

Literally to step over or cross (a wall, a river, a boundary). Figuratively to overstep, to transgress a law or limit, and so to wrong someone (BDAG, LSJ). Used only here in the NT.

Appears once in the Greek New Testament. ·

What it means

ὑπερ-βαίνω

[in LXX for עָבַר, etc. ;]

1. trans., to step over, trans­gress (R, overreach: 1 Thessalonians 4:6).

2. Intrans., to transgress: metaphorically, 1 Thessalonians 4:6 (R, txt.; see M, Th., in l).†

(AS)

From G. Abbott-Smith, A Manual Greek Lexicon of the New Testament (1922), via STEPBible.org (CC BY 4.0).

In depth

From the study of 1 Thessalonians 4:6

Range of meaning

Literally to step over or cross (a wall, a river, a boundary). Figuratively to overstep, to transgress a law or limit, and so to wrong someone (BDAG, LSJ). Used only here in the NT.

Against the English

KJV/YLT "go beyond" keep the spatial picture but are unclear to a modern ear. BSB "violate" and ESV/NASB "transgress" give the moral sense. "Violate" adds a sexual edge that fits the context but is the translator's interpretation.

Used elsewhere in the period

Used in classical Greek for crossing boundaries and for transgressing oaths and laws (e.g. Homer, Il. 9.501 of overstepping; Herodotus). LXX: Job 14:5 of limits God has set that a person cannot pass; 2 Sam 22:30 / Ps 18:29 of leaping over a wall.

Similar words

Where it appears

1 Thessalonians · 1

  1. 1 Thessalonians 4:6 ὑπερβαίνειν to go beyond

    and no one should ever violate or exploit his brother in this regard, because the Lord will avenge all such acts, as we have already told you and solemnly warned you.

    Here: Literally "to step over" a line or boundary. Here it is used figuratively: to cross a line you have no right to cross, and so to wrong someone. The present tense presents it as a standing rule, not a single act.

Word data: STEPBible.org (CC BY 4.0), main text only.