Lexical Summary kleptó: To steal Original Word: κλέπτω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance steal. A primary verb; to filch -- steal. HELPS Word-studies Cognate: 2813 kléptō – to take, steal secretively (by stealth). See 2812 (kleptēs). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origina prim. verb Definition to steal NASB Translation steal (10), steal...away (1), steals (1), stole...away (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 2813: κλέπτωκλέπτω; future κεψω (the Sept. also in Exodus 20:14; Leviticus 19:11; Deuteronomy 5:19, for κλέψομαι more common ((?) cf. Veitch, under the word; Kühner, § 343, under the word, 1:848) in secular authors); 1 aorist ἐκλεψα; (from Homer down); the Sept. for גָּנַב; a. to steal; absolutely, to commit a theft: Matthew 6:19; Matthew 19:18; Mark 10:19; Luke 18:20; John 10:10; Romans 2:21; Romans 13:9; Ephesians 4:28. b. transitive, to steal i. e. take away by stealth: τινα, the dead body of one, Matthew 27:64; Matthew 28:13. Strong’s Greek 2813 conveys the deliberate act of taking what belongs to another. The verb always carries moral culpability; it is never treated as a neutral action. In every context it is contrasted with righteousness, honesty, and neighbor-love. Old Testament Foundations The New Testament usage rests squarely on the Eighth Commandment, “You shall not steal” (Exodus 20:15). Israel’s covenant life understood theft not merely as a social offense but as rebellion against the Lord, who apportions every possession (Leviticus 19:11; Proverbs 30:8-9). That moral center remains unchanged in the New Testament’s application of κλέπτω. Occurrences in the New Testament Thirteen uses span Gospels, Acts-epistles, and pastoral exhortation: • Matthew 6:19-20 (twice) – earthly treasures invite thieves; heavenly treasures are theft-proof. Teaching of Jesus 1. Kingdom Values: In the Sermon on the Mount Jesus redirects focus from material accumulation to heavenly investment, declaring, “where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:21). Apostolic Instruction Paul treats stealing as incompatible with new-creation life. In Romans 13:9 he situates the prohibition inside the ethic of love, demonstrating that genuine love safeguards another’s property. In Ephesians 4:28 he moves further: repentance is not mere cessation but transformation—“rather, let him labor, performing with his own hands what is good, so that he may have something to share.” Restoration includes generosity. Historical and Cultural Background First-century Roman law recognized both petty and aggravated theft, with penalties ranging from restitution to slavery. Jewish law demanded multiple restitution (Exodus 22:1-4). The Gospel narratives play into this cultural awareness: the religious establishment calls Jesus’ disciples potential grave-robbers, knowing Roman authorities would respond harshly. Theological Significance 1. Sin’s Progression: Theft unfolds the deeper issue of covetous desire (James 1:14-15). Implications for Ministry • Discipleship calls for holistic transformation—hands that once seized now serve. Spiritual Application Examination: Do possessions grip the heart? Confession: Grace invites thieves—literal or metaphorical—to the cross (Luke 23:39-43). Restitution and Service: Like Zacchaeus, redeemed people make wrongs right and become conduits of blessing (Luke 19:8). Kλέπτω thus stands as a vivid reminder that the Gospel addresses every sphere—economic, relational, spiritual—calling sinners from taking to giving, from darkness to light, through the saving power of Jesus Christ. Englishman's Concordance Matthew 6:19 V-PIA-3PGRK: διορύσσουσιν καὶ κλέπτουσιν NAS: thieves break in and steal. KJV: break through and steal: INT: break in and steal Matthew 6:20 V-PIA-3P Matthew 19:18 V-FIA-2S Matthew 27:64 V-ASA-3P Matthew 28:13 V-AIA-3P Mark 10:19 V-ASA-2S Luke 18:20 V-ASA-2S John 10:10 V-ASA-3S Romans 2:21 V-PNA Romans 2:21 V-PIA-2S Romans 13:9 V-FIA-2S Ephesians 4:28 V-PPA-NMS Ephesians 4:28 V-PMA-3S Strong's Greek 2813 |
    |