Definition and Overview:
The term "thefts" refers to the act of stealing or taking something that does not belong to oneself without permission. In the biblical context, theft is considered a sin and a violation of God's commandments. The Bible addresses theft in various forms, emphasizing the moral and spiritual implications of such actions.

Biblical Commandments Against Theft:
The prohibition against theft is explicitly stated in the Ten Commandments, which form a foundational ethical code in the Judeo-Christian tradition. Exodus 20:15 succinctly commands, "You shall not steal." This commandment underscores the importance of respecting others' property and maintaining integrity in one's dealings.

Old Testament References:
The Old Testament contains numerous references to theft and its consequences. In Leviticus 19:11 , God instructs the Israelites, "You must not steal. You must not lie or deceive one another." This verse links theft with deceit, highlighting the broader ethical violations associated with stealing.

The book of Proverbs frequently addresses the issue of theft, often contrasting the behavior of the wicked with the righteous. Proverbs 6:30-31 states, "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." This passage acknowledges the desperation that may drive one to steal but also affirms the necessity of restitution.

New Testament Teachings:
The New Testament continues to uphold the prohibition against theft, emphasizing the transformation of character that comes with following Christ. In Ephesians 4:28 , the Apostle Paul 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 verse not only condemns theft but also encourages productive labor and generosity.

Jesus Himself addresses the issue of theft in His teachings. In Matthew 15:19 , He lists theft among the evils that come from the heart, saying, "For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander." This highlights the internal nature of sin and the need for inner transformation.

Theft in Parables and Teachings of Jesus:
Jesus often used parables to convey moral and spiritual truths, some of which touch on the theme of theft. In the Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:30-37), the victim is robbed and left for dead, illustrating the callousness of theft and the importance of compassion and mercy.

In another instance, Jesus warns against the spiritual theft perpetrated by false teachers and leaders. In John 10:10 , He contrasts His mission with that of the thief: "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I have come that they may have life, and have it in all its fullness."

Consequences and Restitution:
The Bible outlines consequences for theft and the importance of restitution. In Exodus 22:1-4 , specific laws are given regarding the repayment required for stolen goods, emphasizing justice and restoration. These laws reflect the principle that theft not only harms the victim but also disrupts the community's moral fabric.

Spiritual Implications:
Theft is not merely a legal or social issue but a spiritual one. It reflects a lack of trust in God's provision and a failure to love one's neighbor as oneself. The Bible calls believers to a higher standard of living, one that respects others' rights and seeks to honor God in all actions.

Conclusion:
The biblical teachings on theft serve as a reminder of the importance of integrity, respect for others, and trust in God's provision. Through the transformative power of the Gospel, believers are called to turn away from theft and embrace a life of honesty, generosity, and love.2829. klope -- theft
... See 2812 (). Word Origin from klepto Definition theft NASB Word Usage thefts
(2). theft. From klepto; stealing -- theft. see GREEK klepto. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2829.htm - 6k

2809. klemma -- theft
... Word Origin from klepto Definition theft NASB Word Usage thefts (1). theft. From
klepto; stealing (properly, the thing stolen, but used of the act) -- theft. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2809.htm - 6k

Some Man Will Say, "So Then any Thief Whatever is to be Accounted ...
... For even thefts themselves are more lightly punished by law than crimes of lust:
they are, however, both sins, albeit the one lighter, the other heavier; so ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/against lying/section 19 some man will.htm

Who are These Men who are Wont to Dispute at Such Great Length in ...
... churches, and to write books, and whose discourses and writings are taken wholly
from Origen; these men who are afraid of their literary thefts becoming known ...
/.../22 who are these men.htm

For There were Even in the Apostles' Times Some who Preached the ...
... When, however, the works in themselves are evil, such as thefts, fornications,
blasphemies, or other such; who is there that will say, that upon good causes ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/against lying/section 16 for there were.htm

Several Other Things Turned against the Same Mathematicians.
... And if licentiousness be in its nature evil, and out of licentiousness come adulteries,
thefts, quarrels, and murders, then a licentious life is in its nature ...
/.../chapter xvi several other things turned.htm

He that is Unjust in the Least is Unjust Also in Much. Luke 16:10.
... business. Or that it is certain, if a man will commit petty thefts and
depredations, that he will commit highway robbery. There ...
/.../finney/lectures to professing christians/he that is unjust in.htm

The Spiritual Life
... as abominable, and these had been to them adulteries; and had regarded in like manner
frauds and unlawful gains, which had been to them thefts; also hatreds ...
/.../swedenborg/spiritual life and the word of god/part firstthe spiritual life.htm

The Fourth Book
... Regarding the running away of slaves we speak in the same way as about their thefts;
but with even more justification, forsooth, in this case, since not only ...
//christianbookshelf.org/salvian/on the government of god/the fourth book.htm

2 Timothy i. 13-18
... Again, he seems to me a more determined drunkard, who commits that excess with bad
wine; so he is a worse defrauder, who does not despise small thefts; for he ...
/.../homily iii 2 timothy i.htm

Revelation of Paul.
... and the stars have come before God, saying: Lord God Almighty, Thou hast given us
the dominion of the night, and we no longer cover the thefts, and adulteries ...
//christianbookshelf.org/unknown/revelation of paul/revelation of paul.htm

Baptism not to be Presumptously Received it Requires Preceding ...
... For what slave, after his position has been changed by reception of freedom,
charges himself with his (past) thefts and desertions? ...
/.../tertullian/on repentance/chapter vi baptism not to be.htm

Thefts (4 Occurrences)
...Thefts (4 Occurrences). Matthew 15:19 For out of the heart come forth evil thoughts,
murders, adulteries, sexual sins, thefts, false testimony, and blasphemies. ...
/t/thefts.htm - 7k

Theft (5 Occurrences)
... Theft (5 Occurrences). Matthew 15:19 For out of the heart come forth evil thoughts,
murders, adulteries, sexual sins, thefts, false testimony, and blasphemies. ...
/t/theft.htm - 9k

Murders (7 Occurrences)
... (See NIV). Matthew 15:19 For out of the heart come forth evil thoughts, murders,
adulteries, sexual sins, thefts, false testimony, and blasphemies. ...
/m/murders.htm - 8k

Sexual (59 Occurrences)
... (WEB). Matthew 15:19 For out of the heart come forth evil thoughts, murders, adulteries,
sexual sins, thefts, false testimony, and blasphemies. (WEB NIV). ...
/s/sexual.htm - 23k

Immorality (38 Occurrences)
... (WEB). Matthew 15:19 For out of the heart come forth evil thoughts, murders, adulteries,
sexual sins, thefts, false testimony, and blasphemies. (See NIV). ...
/i/immorality.htm - 18k

Whoredoms (34 Occurrences)
... Matthew 15:19 for out of the heart come forth evil thoughts, murders, adulteries,
whoredoms, thefts, false witnessings, evil speakings: (YLT). ...
/w/whoredoms.htm - 17k

Thoughts (151 Occurrences)
... Matthew 15:19 For out of the heart come forth evil thoughts, murders, adulteries,
sexual sins, thefts, false testimony, and blasphemies. ...
/t/thoughts.htm - 34k

Proceed (47 Occurrences)
... Matthew 15:19 For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries,
fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies: (KJV WEY WBS). ...
/p/proceed.htm - 21k

Murder (41 Occurrences)
... Matthew 15:19 For out of the heart come forth evil thoughts, murders, adulteries,
sexual sins, thefts, false testimony, and blasphemies. ...
/m/murder.htm - 24k

Fornication (52 Occurrences)
... Matthew 15:19 For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries,
fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies: (Root in KJV WEY ASV DBY WBS ...
/f/fornication.htm - 24k

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