Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Etymology: The term "rob" in the biblical context generally refers to the act of taking something unlawfully from someone, often by force or deceit. The Hebrew word most commonly translated as "rob" is "גָּזַל" (gazal), which means to seize, plunder, or take by force. In the New Testament, the Greek equivalent is "ἁρπάζω" (harpazo), which can mean to snatch or take away. Biblical References and Context: The concept of robbery is addressed in various parts of the Bible, often highlighting the moral and ethical implications of such actions. Robbery is condemned as a violation of God's commandments and an affront to justice and righteousness. 1. Old Testament: · Leviticus 19:13 : "You must not defraud your neighbor or rob him. The wages due a hired hand must not remain with you until morning." This verse underscores the importance of fair dealings and timely payment, equating withholding wages with robbery. · Proverbs 22:22-23 : "Do not rob a poor man because he is poor, and do not crush the afflicted at the gate; for the LORD will take up their case and will plunder those who rob them." Here, the text warns against exploiting the vulnerable, emphasizing divine justice for the oppressed. · Malachi 3:8 : "Will a man rob God? Yet you are robbing Me! But you ask, ‘How do we rob You?’ In tithes and offerings." This passage addresses the spiritual dimension of robbery, where withholding what is due to God is equated with theft. 2. New Testament: · Matthew 21:13 : "He declared to them, 'It is written: My house will be called a house of prayer. But you are making it a den of robbers!'" Jesus condemns the misuse of the temple for commercial gain, likening it to a place of robbery. · John 10:10 : "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I have come that they may have life, and have it in all its fullness." This verse contrasts the destructive nature of a thief with the life-giving mission of Christ. Moral and Theological Implications: Robbery is not merely a social or legal issue but a profound moral failing that reflects a heart turned away from God's commandments. It is often associated with greed, injustice, and a lack of trust in God's provision. The Bible consistently calls for honesty, integrity, and care for one's neighbor, urging believers to reflect God's character in their dealings. Robbery and Social Justice: The biblical injunctions against robbery often extend to broader themes of social justice. The prophets frequently denounce those who exploit the poor and vulnerable, calling for a society that reflects God's justice and compassion. The call to avoid robbery is intertwined with the call to love one's neighbor and to act justly, as seen in Micah 6:8 : "He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you but to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?" Conclusion: The biblical perspective on robbery is clear: it is a sin that disrupts the social order and violates the divine law. Believers are called to live in a manner that honors God and respects the rights and dignity of others, reflecting the justice and righteousness of the Kingdom of God. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) The inspissated juice of ripe fruit, obtained by evaporation of the juice over a fire till it acquires the consistence of a syrup. It is sometimes mixed with honey or sugar.2. (v. t.) To take (something) away from by force; to strip by stealing; to plunder; to pillage; to steal from. 3. (v. t.) To take the property of (any one) from his person, or in his presence, feloniously, and against his will, by violence or by putting him in fear. 4. (v. t.) To deprive of, or withhold from, unjustly or injuriously; to defraud; as, to rob one of his rest, or of his good name; a tree robs the plants near it of sunlight. 5. (v. i.) To take that which belongs to another, without right or permission, esp. by violence. Greek 2416. hierosuleo -- to rob a temple ... to rob a temple. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: hierosuleo Phonetic Spelling: (hee-er-os-ool-eh'-o) Short Definition: I commit sacrilege Definition: I ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2416.htm - 6k 4813. sulao -- to plunder 1283. diarpazo -- to plunder 650. apostereo -- to defraud, deprive of 2049. eremoo -- to desolate 3557. nosphizo -- to abandon, to set apart 203. akrobustia -- the prepuce, foreskin, hence uncircumcision 3969. Patrobas -- "father's life," Patrobas, a Christian 5195. hubrizo -- to run riot, to outrage, insult Strong's Hebrew 6906. qaba -- perhaps to rob... 6905, 6906. qaba. 6907 . perhaps to rob. Transliteration: qaba Phonetic Spelling: (kaw-bah') Short Definition: rob. Word Origin a prim. ... /hebrew/6906.htm - 5k 1497. gazal -- to tear away, seize, rob 7230. rob -- multitude, abundance, greatness 8154. shasah -- to spoil, plunder 5749. uwd -- to return, go about, repeat, do again 3423. yarash -- to take possession of, inherit, dispossess 6231. ashaq -- to oppress, wrong, extort 7921. shakol -- to be bereaved 962. bazaz -- to spoil, plunder 3379. Yarobam -- "the people increase," the name of two Israelites ... Library For we -- But, Perhaps, You Would Rob and Deprive us of Common ... The Life of Sir Rob^T. Hamilton of Preston. The Kingdom of Israel. "Little Mother" Questions which Ought to be Asked The Eighth Commandment The Latest Improved. Firm to the End. The Child in the Midst. Thou Shalt not Steal. Thesaurus Rob (27 Occurrences)... 4. (vt) To deprive of, or withhold from, unjustly or injuriously; to defraud; as, to rob one of his rest, or of his good name; a tree robs the plants near it ... /r/rob.htm - 15k Robbing (7 Occurrences) Despoil (13 Occurrences) Robbed (27 Occurrences) Robbery (18 Occurrences) Heave-offerings (13 Occurrences) Temples (17 Occurrences) Robber (14 Occurrences) Tithes (23 Occurrences) Oppress (57 Occurrences) Resources What does it mean to rob God (Malachi 3:8)? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is ultimate reconciliation? | GotQuestions.org Why is "You shall not steal" in the Ten Commandments? | GotQuestions.org Rob: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Rob (27 Occurrences)Matthew 12:29 Mark 3:27 Luke 3:14 Romans 2:22 2 Corinthians 11:8 Galatians 2:4 Colossians 2:8 Colossians 2:18 Leviticus 19:13 Leviticus 26:22 Judges 9:25 Judges 14:15 1 Samuel 23:1 Esther 8:15 Psalms 35:10 Psalms 89:41 Proverbs 22:22 Proverbs 22:23 Isaiah 10:2 Isaiah 17:14 Ezekiel 5:17 Ezekiel 39:10 Hosea 7:1 Micah 2:2 Micah 3:2 Malachi 3:8 Malachi 3:9 Subtopics Related Terms Liers-in-wait (10 Occurrences) Threshingfloor (18 Occurrences) |