Dictionary of Bible Themes  »  5000 Humanity  »  5200 Human civilisation  »  5555 stealing

Theft is always condemned in Scripture, though the possibility of mitigating circumstances is recognised. Converted thieves must show their repentance, if possible, in a practical way.

Stealing is condemned as a sin

It is prohibited

Exodus 20:15 pp Deuteronomy 5:19 See also Leviticus 19:11; Psalm 62:10; Mark 10:19 pp Luke 18:20; Romans 2:21; Romans 13:9

Punishment for stealing

1 Corinthians 6:9-10 See also Exodus 21:16; Exodus 22:1-4; Leviticus 6:2-5

The disgrace of thieves

Jeremiah 2:26

The company of thieves is to be avoided

See also Proverbs 29:24; Isaiah 1:23

Stealing is denied

Genesis 44:8; 1 Samuel 12:3-5

Mitigating circumstances for stealing

Poverty

Proverbs 6:30-31 See also Proverbs 30:7-9

Stealing is commonplace in this world

It is part of life in a sinful world

Hosea 4:2; Matthew 6:19 See also Matthew 15:19

Roadside robbery

Luke 10:30 See also Proverbs 1:10-15; 2 Corinthians 11:26

Sheep stealing

Job 24:2; 2 Samuel 12:4

Dishonesty in trade

Jeremiah 22:17; Ezekiel 28:18; Hosea 12:7; Amos 8:5

Dishonest tax collectors

Luke 3:13; Luke 19:8

Theft in the temple

Matthew 21:12-13 pp Mark 11:15-17 pp Luke 19:45-46; Jeremiah 7:11

Theft in the family

Genesis 31:19; Judges 17:1-2

Wife stealing

2 Samuel 11:3

Kidnapping

2 Kings 11:2 pp 2 Chronicles 22:11

Temple robbers

Acts 19:37; Romans 2:22

Body stealing

Matthew 27:64

Examples of stealing

Genesis 31:19 Rachel

Achan:

Joshua 7:11,20-21 Judges 17:1-2 Micah the Ephraimite

Two crucified thieves:

Matthew 27:38 pp Mark 15:27; Matthew 27:44; Luke 23:32 John 12:6 Judas

Stealing as an image

Of forbidden pleasures

Proverbs 9:17

Of a captivated heart

2 Samuel 15:6; Songs 4:9

Of unexpected loss

Proverbs 6:10-11; Proverbs 24:33-34

Of God's judgment

1 Thessalonians 5:2 See also Jeremiah 49:9-10 pp Ob 5-6; Matthew 24:42-44; 2 Peter 3:10

Spiritual stealing

Stealing from God

Malachi 3:8-9

Lying prophets

See also Jeremiah 23:30

False shepherds

John 10:1 See also John 10:8,10

Converted thieves

Luke 23:39-43 the thief on the cross; 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 some of the Corinthians

Repentance must be borne out in practical actions

Ephesians 4:28 See also Ezekiel 33:15; Luke 19:8 Zacchaeus; Titus 2:10

There is no stealing in heaven

Matthew 6:20

See also

5253  cheating
5277  criminals
5311  extortion
5365  kidnapping
5377  law, Ten Commandments
5492  restitution
6626  conversion
6732  repentance
8488  tithing
8714  dishonesty
8790  oppression