Lexical Summary klemma: Theft, stealing Original Word: κλέμμα Strong's Exhaustive Concordance theft. From klepto; stealing (properly, the thing stolen, but used of the act) -- theft. see GREEK klepto NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom kleptó Definition theft NASB Translation thefts (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 2809: κλέμμακλέμμα, κλέμματος, τό (κλέπτω); a. thing stolen (Aristotle). b. equivalent to κλοπή theft, i. e. the act committed (Euripides, Aristophanes, others): plural Revelation 9:21. Strong’s Greek 2809 designates concrete acts of taking what belongs to another—“thefts.” Scripture treats such acts not merely as social wrongs but as violations of divine order, for all possessions ultimately belong to God (Psalm 24:1). The term surfaces once in the New Testament yet stands within a long biblical witness that portrays theft as rebellion against the Creator’s covenant standards. Biblical Occurrence Revelation 9:21 lists “thefts” among four unrepented sins during the trumpet judgments: “Nor did they repent of their murders or their sorceries or their sexual immorality or their thefts”. This single occurrence highlights theft as an enduring feature of human depravity even in the face of escalating divine warnings. Old Testament Foundations 1. Moral Law. The eighth commandment, “You shall not steal” (Exodus 20:15), establishes theft as a breach of covenant fidelity. The prohibition is repeated in Deuteronomy 5:19, underscoring its permanence for the covenant community. 2. Civil Restitution. Mosaic legislation required restitution exceeding the loss (Exodus 22:1-4), teaching that true justice involves restoration, not mere punishment. 3. Prophetic Denunciations. Prophets linked theft with idolatry and oppression (Jeremiah 7:9-11; Amos 3:10), revealing that systemic injustice stems from individual covetous hearts. Wisdom Literature Proverbs recognizes societal sympathy for a starving thief (Proverbs 6:30) yet insists he “must repay sevenfold” (verse 31). Wisdom thus balances compassion with accountability. New Testament Ethical Teaching 1. Jesus and the Law. When Jesus recites commandments to the rich young ruler, “Do not steal” (Matthew 19:18), He affirms its continuing moral authority. 2. Inner Source of Sin. Jesus lists thefts among evils arising from the heart (Mark 7:21-22), locating the crime in corrupted desires rather than external circumstances. 3. Apostolic Exhortation. Paul commands transformation through honest labor: “He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must labor, performing with his own hands what is good, so that he may have something to share with the needy” (Ephesians 4:28). Redemption not only halts theft but produces generosity. 4. Eschatological Warning. Thieves will not “inherit the kingdom of God” (1 Corinthians 6:9-10), unless washed, sanctified, and justified (verse 11). This parallels Revelation 9:21, where refusal to repent signals final judgment. Eschatological Significance in Revelation The persistence of thefts during catastrophic plagues demonstrates hardened unbelief. While judgments intensify, human hearts may still cling to covetousness, illustrating that external pressure alone cannot produce true repentance; only the regenerating work of the Spirit can. Historical Background In the Greco-Roman world, private property was fiercely protected, yet petty theft flourished, especially among the impoverished. Revelation’s audience in Asia Minor knew Roman penalties for theft, ranging from fines to slavery. The apostle John’s inclusion of “thefts” would therefore strike a familiar chord, exposing sin in all social strata. Pastoral and Discipleship Implications 1. Integrity in Stewardship. Believers recognize themselves as stewards, not owners; therefore, honest dealings in business, taxes, and offerings become acts of worship. 2. Restitution and Witness. Zacchaeus’s fourfold restitution (Luke 19:8) models repentance that seeks to repair harm, turning former thieves into benefactors. 3. Spiritual Theft. Malachi 3:8-10 broadens the concept to withholding tithes and offerings—robbing God. Faithful giving thus stands opposed to theft. 4. Protection of the Vulnerable. Scripture consistently links theft with oppression of the poor (Isaiah 10:1-2). Church ministry should therefore uphold justice, defend property rights, and promote generosity. Related Greek Terms While 2809 focuses on the deeds (“thefts”), other terms address the perpetrator (2812 kleptēs, “thief”) and the act of stealing (2813 kleptō). Together they form a linguistic family portraying the sin from motive to action to identity. Theological Summary Thefts violate God’s ownership, neighborly love, and covenant order. From Sinai to the New Jerusalem, Scripture presents theft as a persistent, yet conquerable, manifestation of sin. Revelation 9:21 serves as a sober reminder that without repentance the thief’s heart remains unbroken even under judgment. In Christ, however, hearts are transformed: hands once used to steal become instruments of service, illustrating the redemptive power of the gospel to restore both individuals and communities. |
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