Men do not despise
The phrase "Men do not despise" suggests a societal understanding and empathy towards certain actions under specific circumstances. In the Hebrew context, the word for "despise" is "בּוּז" (buz), which means to hold in contempt or scorn. This indicates that while theft is generally condemned, there is a nuanced view when it comes to the motivations behind the act. Historically, this reflects a culture that recognizes human frailty and the desperate measures one might take in dire situations. It speaks to the broader biblical theme of mercy and understanding, as seen in other scriptures where God calls for compassion and justice.

the thief
The term "the thief" refers to one who takes what is not theirs. In Hebrew, the word is "גַּנָּב" (ganav), which is used throughout the Old Testament to describe someone who steals. The Bible consistently condemns theft, as seen in the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:15). However, this verse acknowledges the complexity of human behavior and the reasons behind such actions. The thief here is not a hardened criminal but someone driven by necessity, which invites readers to consider the circumstances and motivations behind actions rather than judging solely by the act itself.

if he steals
The phrase "if he steals" introduces a conditional scenario, highlighting the act of theft as a response to a specific need. The Hebrew verb "גָּנַב" (ganav) is used here, emphasizing the act of taking something unlawfully. This conditional clause suggests that while the act of stealing is wrong, the motivation behind it can alter the perception of the act. It calls for discernment and understanding, encouraging believers to look beyond the surface and consider the heart and circumstances of individuals.

to satisfy his hunger
"To satisfy his hunger" provides the motivation behind the theft, which is a basic human need. The Hebrew word for "satisfy" is "מָלֵא" (male), meaning to fill or fulfill, and "hunger" is "נֶפֶשׁ" (nephesh), often translated as soul or life, but here it refers to physical hunger. This phrase underscores the desperation that can drive a person to commit acts they would not normally consider. It reflects a biblical understanding of human needs and the importance of compassion. Throughout scripture, God shows concern for the poor and hungry, urging His people to care for those in need (Isaiah 58:7, Matthew 25:35). This verse challenges believers to respond with empathy and support rather than judgment.

1. The Thief
Represents individuals who resort to stealing due to dire circumstances, such as hunger. This figure is used to illustrate a broader moral lesson.

2. The Hungry
Symbolizes those in desperate need, highlighting the human condition and the lengths to which one might go to meet basic needs.

3. The Community
Implied as the societal body that observes and judges the actions of individuals, including those who steal out of necessity.Understanding Human Desperation
Recognize that while theft is wrong, understanding the desperation that leads to such actions can foster compassion and a desire to help those in need.

Moral Law and Compassion
While upholding the moral law against theft, Christians are called to balance justice with mercy, reflecting God's character.

Community Responsibility
The community has a role in addressing the needs of the poor and hungry, reducing the desperation that leads to theft.

Trust in God's Provision
Encourage believers to trust in God's provision and seek His kingdom first, as a means to avoid the desperation that leads to sin.

Restoration and Redemption
Emphasize the importance of repentance and the possibility of redemption for those who have stolen, encouraging a path of honest work and generosity.(30) Men do not despise a thief . . .--A man who is driven to theft by poverty is more worthy of pity than disdain; not so the adulterer. Again, the thief can make retribution, while the adulterer can have none to offer.

Verse 30. - The teacher continues his argument with another illustration, still keeping in view his object, which is to show that the punishment of the adulterer is a surely impending one and severe in its character. The argument in vers. 30-33 is one a fortiori. If men do not overlook but severely punish a crime which has been committed under extenuating circumstances, much less will they do so where the crime is of a much graver character and has nothing to excuse it. Theft and adultery are brought into comparison. Theft under all circumstances is a lesser crime than adultery, but here it is minimized to the lowest degree. The case of a man is taken who steals to satisfy his hunger; the extent of the theft cannot be large, but yet he is punished, and called upon to make the amplest restitution. Much more, does the teacher infer, will be the punishment, and equally certain, where adultery is in question, and the crime is of the most heinous character affecting the most precious interests, and indulged in from the lowest of motives. Men do not despise a thief, etc.; i.e. they do not condemn him under the circumstances, non grandis est culpa (Vulgate), "the fault is not a great one;" but they do despise an adulterer - him they hold in contempt as one "who lacketh understanding" and destroyeth his own soul (ver. 32). The verb buz has, however, been otherwise rendered as "to overlook." Zockler and Holden explain, "men do not overlook," though the former gives the literal sense as "men do not despise." Gesenius renders "despise," but explains, "i.e. they do not let him go unpunished." Vatablus, the Versions, Ariae, Montani, and Munsteri, Hitzig, Delitzsch, and Gesenius, Stuart, Muenscher, and Wordsworth, all agree m regarding the proper meaning of the verb to be "to despise" or "to treat scornfully." The verb buz, moreover, occurs in this sense in Proverbs 1:7; Proverbs 11:12; Proverbs 13:13; Proverbs 14:21; Proverbs 23:9; and Song of Solomon 8:1, 7. Michaelis's explanation is as follows: "although a theft is deservedly regarded as infamous in the commonwealth, nevertheless, if it be compared with adultery, it is less wicked." The rendering of the LXX., οὐ θαυμαστὸν ἐάν ἁλῷ τις κλέπτων, i.e. "it is not a wonder if any thief be taken," it is difficult to reconcile with the text in the original, though it may be explained as expressing the certainty of arrest which follows theft, and thus gives colour to the secondary meaning attached to the verb, i.e. that of overlooking. The Syriac and Arabic Versions follow the LXX. while the Chaldee Paraphrase renders, "It is not a matter of surprise if a thief steals," etc. His soul; Hebrew, naph'sko. Nephesh is used here for desire, craving, or appetite, as in Ecclesiastes 6:2, 7; Ezekiel 7:19. "To satisfy his soul" is "to sustain his life." Anima, Vulgate; ψυχή, LXX.

Parallel Commentaries ...


[Men] do not
לֹא־ (lō-)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

despise
יָב֣וּזוּ (yā·ḇū·zū)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 936: To disrespect

the thief
לַ֭גַּנָּב (lag·gan·nāḇ)
Preposition-l, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1590: A stealer

if
כִּ֣י (kî)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

he steals
יִגְנ֑וֹב (yiḡ·nō·wḇ)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1589: To thieve, to deceive

to satisfy
לְמַלֵּ֥א (lə·mal·lê)
Preposition-l | Verb - Piel - Infinitive construct
Strong's 4390: To fill, be full of

his
נַ֝פְשׁ֗וֹ (nap̄·šōw)
Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 5315: A soul, living being, life, self, person, desire, passion, appetite, emotion

hunger.
יִרְעָֽב׃ (yir·‘āḇ)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7456: To be hungry


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OT Poetry: Proverbs 6:30 Men don't despise a thief if he (Prov. Pro Pr)