Topical Bible: Servant: Bond: Thieves Punished by Being Made

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In the biblical context, the concept of servitude or bondage as a form of punishment for theft is rooted in the ancient legal and social systems of Israel. The Mosaic Law, given to the Israelites, provided specific guidelines on how to deal with theft and the restitution required from the thief. This system reflects the broader biblical principles of justice, restitution, and the restoration of community order.

Biblical Foundation

The primary scriptural basis for the punishment of thieves by making them servants is found in the Book of Exodus. Exodus 22:3-4 states: "If a thief is caught breaking in and is struck so that he dies, there shall be no bloodguilt for him. But if it happens after sunrise, there is bloodguilt for him. A thief must make full restitution; if he has nothing, he must be sold to pay for his theft." This passage outlines the principle that if a thief cannot make restitution for what he has stolen, he may be sold into servitude to compensate for his crime.

Restitution and Justice

The law emphasizes restitution as a key component of justice. The thief is required to repay multiple times the value of what was stolen, as seen in Exodus 22:1 : "If a man steals an ox or a sheep and slaughters or sells it, he must repay five oxen for an ox or four sheep for a sheep." This restitution serves both as a deterrent to theft and as a means to restore what was lost to the victim.

Servitude as a Temporary Condition

It is important to note that servitude in this context was not intended to be a permanent state. The servitude was a means to an end—specifically, the repayment of debt incurred by the theft. The biblical laws provided mechanisms for the eventual release of servants. For example, the Year of Jubilee, described in Leviticus 25:39-41 , ensured that all Israelite servants were to be released and allowed to return to their families and ancestral lands: "If your brother among you becomes destitute and sells himself to you, you must not force him into slave labor. Let him stay with you as a hired worker or temporary resident; he is to work for you until the Year of Jubilee. Then he and his children are to be released, and he may return to his clan and to the property of his fathers."

Moral and Ethical Considerations

The use of servitude as a punishment for theft reflects the moral and ethical framework of ancient Israelite society, which sought to balance justice with mercy. The law recognized the dignity of the individual, even in their wrongdoing, and provided a path for redemption and reintegration into the community. This approach underscores the biblical theme of justice tempered with compassion, as seen in the broader narrative of Scripture.

New Testament Perspective

While the New Testament does not specifically address the practice of making thieves servants, it continues to emphasize the principles of justice, restitution, and forgiveness. The teachings of Jesus and the apostles focus on the transformation of the heart and the importance of repentance and reconciliation. Ephesians 4:28 encourages a life of honesty and generosity: "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."

In summary, the biblical practice of making thieves servants was a legal measure designed to ensure justice and restitution within the community, reflecting the broader biblical values of accountability, restoration, and mercy.

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Genesis 43:18
And the men were afraid, because they were brought into Joseph's house; and they said, Because of the money that was returned in our sacks at the first time are we brought in; that he may seek occasion against us, and fall on us, and take us for slaves, and our asses.
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Exodus 22:3
If the sun be risen on him, there shall be blood shed for him; for he should make full restitution; if he have nothing, then he shall be sold for his theft.
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Library

The Life of Mr. Richard Cameron.
... Many have heard of Annandale thieves. ... a few days upon you; and I, as a sent servant
of Jesus ... slain, there was found upon him a short paper, or bond of mutual ...
/.../howie/biographia scoticana scots worthies/the life of mr richard.htm

The Life of Mr. Thomas Hog.
... before the council, and refusing to take the bond to live ... by himself, and not to
be put down among thieves and felons, he said to his servant William, I ...
/.../howie/biographia scoticana scots worthies/the life of mr thomas.htm

The Life of Mr. Alexander Peden.
... to whom they were represented as thieves and robbers ... all liberated at Gravesend,
without any bond or imposition ... There was a servant lass in that house, whom he ...
/.../howie/biographia scoticana scots worthies/the life of mr alexander 2.htm

The First Apology of Justin, the Martyr
... on earth, where moth and rust corrupt and thieves break in ... But loose every bond of
iniquity, tear apart the knots of ... 774] For behold, my servant will understand ...
/.../richardson/early christian fathers/the first apology of justin.htm

Penitence, as Explained in the Sophistical Jargon of the Schoolmen ...
... Nor must you confess to your fellow servant, who may ... hatred, and reunite brethren
in the bond of peace ... nor idolaters, nor adulterers," "nor thieves, nor covetous ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 4 penitence as explained.htm

Letter ii (AD 1126) to the Monk Adam
... You would allow, I suppose, that the bond between an ... Then thieves and the associates
of thieves will listen to a ... my secret sins, and spare Thy servant from the ...
/.../some letters of saint bernard abbot of clairvaux/letter ii a d 1126 to.htm

Period iii. The Critical Period: AD 140 to AD 200
... do those who are in Hatra stone thieves to death ... of the Exegetics, respecting those
that are punished by martyrdom ... For God, said He, joined this bond, and what ...
/.../a source book for ancient church history/period iii the critical period .htm

English Version of the Second Helvetic Confession, AD 1566.
... eat of the forbidden fruit, and punished his transgression ... you, whosoever committeth
sin is the servant of sin ... the beginning of evil unto man, being good, came ...
/.../english version of the second.htm

On the Third Part of the Psalm.
... for me." Then, though you have no bond on the ... in thy vineyard, and feelest secure
from thieves; and that ... to hear the cause of His righteous servant, since "we ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/on the third part of.htm

The Resurrection of the Dead, and Eternal Judgment:
... and eternal Judgment by John Bunyan, a servant of the ... Sin and corruption have made
mad work in our bodies ... but now at our rising, we being raised incorruptible ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the resurrection of the dead.htm