Topical Bible: Theft: Woe Denounced Against

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The concept of theft, defined as the unlawful taking of another's property, is addressed extensively in the Bible, with strong denunciations and warnings against such behavior. The moral and ethical implications of theft are underscored by the commandments and teachings found throughout Scripture, emphasizing the importance of integrity and respect for others' possessions.

Biblical Commandments and Teachings

The prohibition against theft is explicitly stated in the Ten Commandments, which serve as a foundational moral code for believers. Exodus 20:15 succinctly commands, "You shall not steal." This directive is reiterated in Deuteronomy 5:19 , reinforcing the expectation of honesty and respect for others' property.

Prophetic Warnings

The prophets of the Old Testament frequently denounced theft and the societal injustices associated with it. In the book of Jeremiah, the prophet condemns the people of Judah for their dishonest practices, including theft. Jeremiah 7:9-10 questions, "Will you steal and murder, commit adultery and perjury, burn incense to Baal, and follow other gods you have not known, and then come and stand before Me in this house, which bears My Name, and say, 'We are delivered, so we can continue with all these abominations'?"

Similarly, the prophet Amos speaks against the exploitation and theft perpetrated by the wealthy and powerful. Amos 8:4-6 warns, "Hear this, you who trample the needy, who do away with the poor of the land, asking, 'When will the New Moon be over, that we may sell grain? And the Sabbath, that we may open the grain market, to reduce the ephah and increase the shekel, and cheat with dishonest scales, to buy the poor with silver and the needy for a pair of sandals, selling even the chaff with the wheat?'"

Woe to the Thief

The Bible pronounces woe upon those who engage in theft and deceit. In the book of Habakkuk, the prophet declares a series of woes against various forms of wickedness, including theft. Habakkuk 2:6 states, "Will not all of these take up a taunt against him, with mockery and riddles, saying: 'Woe to him who amasses what is not his—how long will it be—who loads himself with stolen goods?'"

New Testament Teachings

The New Testament continues to uphold the prohibition against theft, emphasizing the transformation expected in the lives of believers. 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 teaching not only condemns theft but also encourages a life of generosity and honest labor.

Consequences and Redemption

The Bible consistently presents theft as a sin with serious consequences, both spiritually and socially. However, it also offers a path to redemption through repentance and restitution. The account of Zacchaeus in Luke 19:1-10 illustrates this principle. Zacchaeus, a tax collector known for his dishonest practices, encounters Jesus and experiences a profound change of heart. In response, he declares, "Look, Lord, half of my possessions I give to the poor, and if I have cheated anyone, I will repay it fourfold" (Luke 19:8). Jesus affirms Zacchaeus's repentance, saying, "Today salvation has come to this house" (Luke 19:9).

Through these teachings and narratives, the Bible underscores the gravity of theft and the divine expectation for justice, integrity, and transformation in the lives of believers.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Isaiah 10:2
To turn aside the needy from judgment, and to take away the right from the poor of my people, that widows may be their prey, and that they may rob the fatherless!
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Nahum 3:1
Woe to the bloody city! it is all full of lies and robbery; the prey departs not;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Regeneration by Faith. Of Repentance.
... were the Pharisees, on whom our Lord denounced woe. ... or commit adultery, refrains
not from theft or adultery ... and averted the punishment denounced against him (1 ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 3 regeneration by faith.htm

In Pilate's Judgment Hall
... ear that had ever been open to human woe, had no ... Turning to the multitude, he angrily
denounced Jesus as an ... that whatever he could obtain by theft and robbery ...
/.../white/the desire of ages/chapter 77 in pilates judgment.htm

A Holy Life the Beauty of Christianity: Or, an Exhortation to ...
... say when the prophets so bitterly denounced God's judgments ... has provoked the justice
of God against him, and ... neighbour's horse, not of hatred of theft, but for ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a holy life the beauty.htm

The First Epistle of St. Peter
... The belief of Christians is thrown into relief against a background of repudiation
on the part of others. ... but the face of the Lord is set against wrongdoers. 8. ...
/.../moffat/the general epistles james peter and judas/the first epistle of st.htm

Period iii. The Dissolution of the Imperial State Church and the ...
... (a) Justinian, Anathematisms against Origen. ... Vigilius, to still the clamor against
it, withdrew it and proposed other measures in consultation with Justinian. ...
/.../ayer/a source book for ancient church history/period iii the dissolution of.htm