Purloining, in a biblical context, refers to the act of stealing or embezzling, particularly in a manner that is secretive or deceitful. This term is often associated with the misappropriation of property or resources that one has been entrusted with, rather than outright theft. The concept of purloining is addressed in the Scriptures, emphasizing the moral and ethical implications of such behavior.

Biblical References:

The term "purloining" is specifically mentioned in the New Testament, in the context of instructions given to servants. In Titus 2:9-10 , the Apostle Paul writes: "Slaves are to submit to their own masters in everything, to be well-pleasing, not argumentative, not pilfering, but showing all good faith, so that in every way they will make the teaching about God our Savior attractive." Here, "pilfering" is synonymous with purloining, highlighting the expectation of integrity and honesty among those who serve others.

Moral and Ethical Implications:

Purloining is considered a violation of the Eighth Commandment, "You shall not steal" (Exodus 20:15). This commandment underscores the importance of respecting others' property and maintaining trustworthiness in all dealings. The act of purloining not only breaches this commandment but also damages relationships and undermines the social fabric built on trust and mutual respect.

In the broader biblical narrative, purloining is seen as a manifestation of a deeper issue of the heart. It reflects a lack of contentment and a desire to possess what rightfully belongs to another. This is contrary to the virtues of honesty, integrity, and faithfulness that are central to Christian ethics.

Examples and Illustrations:

While the specific term "purloining" may not be frequently used, the Bible contains numerous examples of deceitful appropriation. One notable instance is the account of Achan in the Book of Joshua. Achan secretly took some of the devoted things from Jericho, which led to Israel's defeat at Ai and brought severe consequences upon himself and his family (Joshua 7).

Another example is found in the New Testament with Judas Iscariot, who was entrusted with the money bag and was known to help himself to what was put into it (John 12:6). Judas's purloining was a precursor to his ultimate betrayal of Jesus, illustrating how small acts of dishonesty can lead to greater moral failures.

Theological Reflections:

From a theological perspective, purloining is not merely a legal or social issue but a spiritual one. It reveals a heart that is not aligned with God's will and purposes. Christians are called to live lives that reflect the character of Christ, who is the embodiment of truth and righteousness. The act of purloining is antithetical to the life of a believer who is called to be a light in the world (Matthew 5:14-16).

The New Testament encourages believers to work honestly and diligently, as unto the Lord, rather than for human masters (Colossians 3:23-24). This perspective transforms work into an act of worship and service to God, where integrity and faithfulness are paramount.

In summary, purloining is a serious offense in the biblical worldview, with significant moral and spiritual implications. It is a call for believers to examine their hearts and actions, ensuring that they live in a manner that honors God and reflects His truth in all areas of life.(p. pr. & vb. n.) of Purloin.PURLOINING

pur-loin'-ing: Lit. "for far off," hence, to carry away or steal; the word is the translation of nosphizomai, "to take away for oneself," "to secrete," "to steal," a word appropriate to those in the position of slaves in a master's service (Titus 2:10, "not purloining").

Titus ii. 5-Feb
... "Not answering again.". Ver.10. "Not purloining, but showing all good fidelity,
that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things.". ...
/.../homily iv titus ii 5-feb.htm

Contents.
... What is the doctrine of the Sethians, [314] and that, purloining [315] their theories
from the wise men among the Greeks, they have patched together their own ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/hippolytus/the refutation of all heresies/contents 2.htm

Joseph Made Known to his Brethren. Gen 45:3,4
... But God, for your sakes, sent me here.". Though greatly distressed before,. When
charged with purloining the cup; They now were confounded much more,. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/newton/olney hymns/hymn 12 joseph made known.htm

If any one Shall Teach a Slave, under Pretext of Piety...
... that he should "exhort servants to be obedient unto their own masters, and to please
them well in all things; not answering again; not purloining, but shewing ...
/.../schaff/the seven ecumenical councils/canon iii if any one.htm

Jesus' Unrequited Friendships.
... The next was the selling of his Master for thirty pieces of silver. This was a more
fearful fruit of his nourished greed than the purloining was. ...
/.../personal friendships of jesus/chapter ix jesus unrequited friendships.htm

How Joshua, the Commander of the Hebrews, Made War with The
... gold, and besides those of brass also, that was heaped together out of the city
when it was taken, no one transgressing the decree, nor purloining for their ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 1 how joshua the.htm

The Fifth Commandment
... He dares not convert his master's goods to his own use. Not purloining.' Titus
2:10. What a servant filches from his master, is damnable gain. ...
/.../watson/the ten commandments/2 5 the fifth commandment.htm

The Preacher as a Thinker.
... sacraments been accompanied by the sloth and the remissness, and what, in the
prevailing tone of moral relaxation, is counted the allowable purloining of your ...
/.../stalker/the preacher and his models/lecture ix the preacher as.htm

Household Salvation
... in that house now, no disobedient children, no short tempered father, no fretful
mother, no cruel brother, no exacting sister, no purloining servants, or ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/household salvation.htm

The Domestic Relation.
... God. "Not purloining, but showing all good fidelity; that they may adorn
the doctrine of God our Savior in all things." Titus 2:10. ...
/.../orr/the gospel day /chapter xiii the domestic relation.htm

Purloining (1 Occurrence)
... (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Purloin. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. PURLOINING.
pur-loin'-ing: Lit. ... Multi-Version Concordance Purloining (1 Occurrence). ...
/p/purloining.htm - 7k

Shewing (23 Occurrences)
... Titus 2:10 Not purloining, but shewing all good fidelity; that they may adorn
the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things. (KJV DBY). ...
/s/shewing.htm - 13k

Stedfastness (17 Occurrences)
... (KJV ASV YLT). Titus 2:10 not purloining, but showing all good stedfastness, that
the teaching of God our Saviour they may adorn in all things. (YLT). ...
/s/stedfastness.htm - 12k

Purple (54 Occurrences)

/p/purple.htm - 28k

Saviour (157 Occurrences)
... (KJV WEY ASV BBE DBY YLT). Titus 2:10 Not purloining, but shewing all good fidelity;
that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things. ...
/s/saviour.htm - 39k

Purity (16 Occurrences)

/p/purity.htm - 30k

Purloining: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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