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Modern Bible translations are expected to be gender-sensitive while simultaneously respecting the patriarchal nature of the Biblical texts. Navigating this delicate balance is challenging, as illustrated by the case of 1 Thessalonians 4:6: how should the Greek term ἀδελφοί be translated here? On linguistic and exegetical grounds it is correct to generally translate this word as ‘brothers and sisters’. However, in 1 Thessalonians 4:6, the translation ‘brothers’ is to be preferred. The focus is on the relationship between two men. Similar to the Old Testament and the Hellenistic-Roman context, the woman is considered to be part of the man’s possessions, and adultery is primarily seen as a violation of the rights that a man exercises over his wife.