In biblical times, the concept of burglary, or theft, was addressed within the broader context of stealing and was considered a serious offense against both God and neighbor. The Bible provides clear commandments and teachings regarding the sanctity of property and the moral implications of taking what does not belong to oneself.

Biblical Commandments and Teachings

The Eighth Commandment explicitly states, "You shall not steal" (Exodus 20:15). This commandment underscores the importance of respecting others' property and is foundational to understanding the biblical view on burglary. Stealing, in any form, is seen as a violation of God's law and an act that disrupts the harmony and trust within a community.

In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul reiterates this commandment, emphasizing that those who have been transformed by Christ should abandon their former ways, including theft. Ephesians 4:28 instructs, "He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing good with his own hands, that he may have something to share with the one in need." This passage not only condemns theft but also encourages productive and honest labor as a means of contributing positively to society.

Moral and Spiritual Implications

Burglary, as a form of theft, is not merely a legal issue but a moral and spiritual one. It reflects a heart that is not aligned with God's will and a lack of trust in His provision. Proverbs 6:30-31 acknowledges the desperation that might drive a person to steal, yet it also affirms the necessity of restitution: "Men do not despise the thief if he steals to satisfy his hunger. Yet if caught, he must pay sevenfold; he must give up all the wealth of his house."

The act of burglary is seen as a breach of trust and a violation of the community's peace. It is an act that not only harms the victim but also damages the soul of the perpetrator. The Bible calls for repentance and restitution, encouraging those who have wronged others to seek forgiveness and make amends.

Consequences and Restitution

The Mosaic Law provided specific guidelines for restitution in cases of theft. Exodus 22:1 states, "If a man steals an ox or a sheep and slaughters or sells it, he must pay back five oxen for an ox and four sheep for a sheep." This principle of restitution highlights the importance of restoring what was lost and compensating for the harm caused.

In the New Testament, the account of Zacchaeus, a tax collector who repented of his dishonest ways, illustrates the transformative power of encountering Christ. In Luke 19:8 , Zacchaeus declares, "Look, Lord, half of my possessions I give to the poor, and if I have cheated anyone, I will repay it fourfold." His willingness to make restitution is a testament to genuine repentance and the desire to live righteously.

Spiritual Renewal and Transformation

The Bible offers hope for those who have engaged in burglary or theft, emphasizing the possibility of spiritual renewal and transformation through Christ. 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 lists thieves among those who will not inherit the kingdom of God but follows with a message of redemption: "And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God."

Through repentance and faith in Jesus Christ, individuals can be forgiven and empowered to live lives of integrity and honesty. The call to abandon theft and embrace a life of righteousness is a testament to the transformative power of the Gospel and the hope it offers to all who seek to follow God's commandments.

Little Sins
... Little sins often act as burglars do;" burglars sometimes take with them a little
child; they put the little child into a window that is too small for them ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/little sins.htm

Sixth Commandment
... disciples and the people to eat. It does not forbid the killing of burglars,
etc., in self-defence. Directly after the giving of ...
//christianbookshelf.org/moody/weighed and wanting/sixth commandment.htm

What it Means to Trust the Lord
... How many there are who are constantly agitated by fear! They fear the devil, trials,
temptations, the wind, lightning, burglars, and a thousand other things. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/naylor/heart talks/talk one what it means.htm

Whether Robbery May be Committed Without Sin?
... consequently, if a private individual not having public authority takes another's
property by violence, he acts unlawfully and commits a robbery, as burglars do ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether robbery may be committed.htm

The Suicide of Thought
... glorious. But the modern critics of religious authority are like men who should
attack the police without ever having heard of burglars. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/chesterton/orthodoxy/iii the suicide of thought.htm

Confession of Sin --A Sermon with Seven Texts
... their promise? Justice might raise the same outcry against them as they do
against the burglars so constantly let loose upon us. The ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 3 1857/confession of sina sermon with.htm

Commendation for the Steadfast
... they have no esteem, and for this very reason many are quite willing to give up
the Bible to critics and philosophers, those footpads and burglars of faith. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 30 1884/commendation for the steadfast.htm

The Siege. (xxi, xxxii-xxxiv, xxxvii, xxxviii. )
... that the example of the man, who rouses his family to flee when he finds their home
hopelessly on fire, is valid for him whose house is threatened by burglars. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/smith/jeremiah/3 the siege xxi xxxii-xxxiv.htm

A Blast of the Trumpet against False Peace
... There is a foolish farmer yonder in his house. It is the dead of night: the burglars
are breaking in"men who will neither spare his life nor his treasure. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 6 1860/a blast of the trumpet.htm

Our Attitude Toward his Sovereignty
... Or, suppose I have had a poor week in business, or that lightning struck my shop
and set it on fire, or that burglars broke in and rifled it, then what: do I ...
/.../pink/the sovereignty of god/chapter ten our attitude toward.htm

Burglars (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Burglars (1 Occurrence). Jeremiah 7:11 A den of burglars
hath this house, On which My name is called, been in your eyes? ...
/b/burglars.htm - 6k

Burglary (1 Occurrence)

/b/burglary.htm - 7k

Burglar (1 Occurrence)

/b/burglar.htm - 6k

Affirmation (335 Occurrences)
... (YLT). Jeremiah 7:11 A den of burglars hath this house, On which My name is called,
been in your eyes? Even I, lo, I have seen, an affirmation of Jehovah. (YLT) ...
/a/affirmation.htm - 39k

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus