Topical Encyclopedia Theft, defined as the unlawful taking of another's property with the intent to permanently deprive them of it, is a sin that is explicitly condemned throughout the Bible. It is a violation of the Eighth Commandment, "You shall not steal" (Exodus 20:15), and is consistently portrayed as an act that incurs the wrath of God.Old Testament Teachings In the Old Testament, theft is addressed not only as a moral failing but also as a legal offense with specific consequences. The Law of Moses prescribes restitution for theft, emphasizing the need for justice and restoration. Exodus 22:1 states, "If a man steals an ox or a sheep and slaughters it or sells it, he must pay back five head of cattle for the ox and four sheep for the sheep." This requirement underscores the seriousness with which God views theft and the importance of making amends. The book of Proverbs also warns against the consequences of theft, associating it with poverty and ruin. Proverbs 6:30-31 notes, "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 highlights the inevitable repercussions of theft, even when committed out of necessity. New Testament Teachings The New Testament continues to affirm the sinfulness of theft and its incompatibility with a life devoted to Christ. In Ephesians 4:28 , the Apostle Paul exhorts believers, "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 instruction not only condemns theft but also encourages a transformation towards honest labor and generosity. The Apostle Paul further warns that those who persist in theft and other sinful behaviors will not inherit the kingdom of God. In 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 , he writes, "Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who submit to or perform homosexual acts, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor verbal abusers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God." The Wrath of God The Bible makes it clear that theft provokes the wrath of God, as it is a direct violation of His commandments and an affront to His justice. In Zechariah 5:3-4 , a vision of a flying scroll is described, symbolizing the curse that goes out over the whole land: "This is the curse that is going out over the face of all the earth, for according to what is written on one side, every thief will be banished, and according to what is written on the other, everyone who swears falsely will be banished. I will send it out, declares the LORD of Hosts, and it will enter the house of the thief and the house of him who swears falsely by My name. It will remain inside his house and consume it, with its timber and stones." This passage illustrates the divine judgment that awaits those who engage in theft, emphasizing that God's wrath is not only a future reality but also a present consequence for those who live in disobedience. Repentance and Redemption Despite the severity of the sin, the Bible also offers hope for those who repent and turn away from theft. The account of Zacchaeus, a tax collector who repented of his dishonest ways, serves as a powerful example of redemption. 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 underscores the transformative power of repentance and the grace available to those who seek forgiveness and strive to live in accordance with God's will. Torrey's Topical Textbook Ezekiel 22:29,31The people of the land have used oppression, and exercised robbery, and have vexed the poor and needy: yes, they have oppressed the stranger wrongfully. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library St. James ii. 10 The Seventh Commandment Little Sins A Call to the Unconverted Sinners Bound with the Cords of Sin Regeneration by Faith. Of Repentance. Sinners Bound with the Cords of Sin That the Fast of Lent is not Sufficient to Make us Competent to ... Seventh Sunday after Trinity Exhortation to Resist Sin. The Poor Man's Friend Resources Why is "You shall not steal" in the Ten Commandments? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about vandalism? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about restitution? | GotQuestions.org Theft: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Theft and Thieves by Rachel, of the Household Gods (Teraphim) Theft and Thieves: General Scriptures Concerning Theft and Thieves: The Spies of Laish Theft: All Earthly Treasure Exposed To Theft: Brings a Curse on Those Who Commit It Theft: Brings the Wrath of God Upon Those Who Commit It Theft: from the Poor Specially Forbidden Theft: Heavenly Treasure Secure From Theft: Illustrates the Guilt of False Teachers Theft: Includes Fraud Concerning Wages Theft: Includes Fraud in General Theft: Proceeds from the Heart Theft: Shame Follows the Detection of Theft: The Wicked: Addicted To Theft: The Wicked: Associate With Those Who Commit Theft: The Wicked: Commit, Under Shelter of the Night Theft: The Wicked: Consent to Show Who Commit Theft: The Wicked: Destroy Themselves By Theft: The Wicked: Lie in Wait to Commit Theft: The Wicked: May, for a Season, Prosper In Theft: The Wicked: Plead Excuses For Theft: The Wicked: Repent not of Theft: The Wicked: Store up the Fruits of Theft: They Who Connive At: Hate Their own Souls Theft: They Who Connive At: Shall be Reproved of God Related Terms Commandments (181 Occurrences) Blood-guiltiness (4 Occurrences) |
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