In the biblical context, the concept of being "cheated" often relates to deceit, dishonesty, and the violation of trust. The Bible addresses the issue of cheating in various forms, including financial deceit, relational betrayal, and spiritual unfaithfulness. The Scriptures consistently emphasize the importance of integrity, honesty, and faithfulness in all aspects of life.

Old Testament References

The Old Testament provides numerous examples and teachings regarding cheating and deceit. One of the most notable accounts involves Jacob and Esau. Jacob, whose name can mean "supplanter" or "deceiver," cheated his brother Esau out of his birthright and blessing (Genesis 25:29-34; 27:1-40). This act of deception led to significant familial strife and serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of deceit.

Leviticus 19:11 explicitly commands, "You must not steal. You must not lie or deceive one another." This verse underscores the importance of honesty and integrity among God's people. The Mosaic Law further addresses cheating in business practices, emphasizing the need for just weights and measures (Leviticus 19:35-36; Deuteronomy 25:13-16).

New Testament References

In the New Testament, the theme of cheating is addressed in various contexts. Jesus Himself condemned deceit and hypocrisy, particularly among the religious leaders of His time. In Matthew 23:27-28, He rebukes the scribes and Pharisees, saying, "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of dead men’s bones and every kind of impurity. In the same way, on the outside you appear to be righteous, but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness."

The Apostle Paul also speaks against deceit and cheating in his epistles. In 1 Thessalonians 4:6, he warns, "In this matter no one should wrong or take advantage of a brother. The Lord will punish all those who commit such sins, as we have told you and warned you before." This admonition highlights the ethical standards expected of believers in their interactions with one another.

Spiritual Implications

Cheating is not only a violation of human relationships but also an affront to God. Proverbs 11:1 states, "Dishonest scales are an abomination to the LORD, but an accurate weight is His delight." This verse illustrates that God values honesty and integrity, and deceit is detestable in His sight.

The Bible also teaches that those who cheat others ultimately harm themselves. Proverbs 20:17 warns, "Food gained by fraud is sweet to a man, but later his mouth is full of gravel." This imagery conveys the temporary satisfaction and eventual regret that accompanies deceitful actions.

Redemption and Restoration

Despite the prevalence of cheating and deceit, the Bible offers hope for redemption and restoration. The account of Zacchaeus, a tax collector who cheated many, demonstrates the transformative power of encountering Christ. In Luke 19:8-9, Zacchaeus declares, "Look, Lord, half of my possessions I give to the poor, and if I have cheated anyone, I will repay it fourfold." Jesus responds, "Today salvation has come to this house, because this man too is a son of Abraham."

This narrative illustrates that repentance and restitution are possible through faith in Christ, leading to a restored relationship with God and others.(imp. & p. p.) of Cheat.8524. talal -- to mock, deceive, trifle with
... root Definition to mock, deceive, trifle with NASB Word Usage cheated (1), deal
deceitfully (1), deceive him as one deceives (1), deceived (4), deceives (1). ...
/hebrew/8524.htm - 6k

Jacob and Esau
... Then when he is cheated, and Leah given him instead, he serves seven years more
for Rachel"'and they seemed to him a short time, for the love he bore to her ...
/.../kingsley/the gospel of the pentateuch/sermon vi jacob and esau.htm

A Notice of Aetius, Eunomius' Master in Heresy, and of Eunomius ...
... a woman belonging to a regiment a gold ornament, a necklace or a bracelet, which
had been broken by a blow, and which he was to mend: but he cheated the poor ...
/.../gregory/gregory of nyssa dogmatic treatises etc/section 6 a notice of.htm

Whether Wicked Priests have the Use of the Keys?
... Reply to Objection 2: An earthly king can be cheated and deceived in the matter
of his treasure, and so he does not entrust his enemy with the dispensation ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether wicked priests have the.htm

The Unrighteous Mammon
... Men who, having cheated their neighbours all their lives, have tried to cheat the
Devil at last, by some such plan as the unjust steward's, but that plan has ...
/.../kingsley/town and country sermons/sermon xxiv the unrighteous mammon.htm

Heathenism.
... Even Zeus or Jupiter, the patriarch of the Olympian family, is cheated by his sister
and wife Hera (Juno), with whom he had lived three hundred years in secret ...
/.../schaff/history of the christian church volume i/section 11 heathenism.htm

Thou Shalt not Steal.
... to which God will help with all misfortunes), it [your perfidy] will bob up again
and come home to you, and you will find that where you have cheated or done ...
//christianbookshelf.org/luther/the large catechism/thou shalt not steal.htm

The Immutability of God
... He had to run away from his father's house to Laban's; and then that surly old Laban
cheated him all the years he was there"cheated him of his wife, cheated ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/the immutability of god.htm

The Prudent Steward.
... This overseer cheated his master, and concealed the fraud for a time under the folds
of complicated accounts; but, as in all similar cases, this career of ...
/.../arnot/the parables of our lord/xxv the prudent steward.htm

The Story of Jacob
... When Esau heard this, he knew that he had been cheated; and he cried aloud, with
a bitter cry, "O, my father, my brother has taken away my blessing, just as he ...
/.../marshall/the wonder book of bible stories/the story of jacob.htm

A Strain of Jonah the Prophet.
... degrees,. Bearing a brood globose, it with the sun. Cohered, and with a train
caliginous. Shut in the cheated day. The main becomes. The ...
/.../fathers of the third century tertullian appendix/1 a strain of jonah.htm

Cheated (5 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (imp. & pp) of Cheat. Multi-Version Concordance
Cheated (5 Occurrences). Luke 19:8 And Zaccheus having ...
/c/cheated.htm - 7k

Cheat (5 Occurrences)

/c/cheat.htm - 8k

Victim (3 Occurrences)
... 4. (n.) Hence, one who is duped, or cheated; a dupe; a gull. Multi-Version Concordance
Victim (3 Occurrences). Psalms 10:14 But you do see trouble and grief. ...
/v/victim.htm - 7k

Gull (2 Occurrences)
... 1. (vt) To deceive; to cheat; to mislead; to trick; to defraud. 2. (n.) A cheating
or cheat; trick; fraud. 3. (n.) One easily cheated; a dupe. ...
/g/gull.htm - 7k

Cheating (1 Occurrence)

/c/cheating.htm - 6k

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