25 Bible Verses about Stealing (With Commentary)
Have you ever wondered what the Bible says about stealing? It’s clear: “You shall not steal” is a divine command. Our article dives into scripture, outlining verses that denounce theft and highlight integrity.
Explore with us—you might be surprised!
Prohibitions Against Stealing
Exodus 20:15
"You shall not steal."
Exodus 20:15 hits hard with a simple, clear rule: “You shall not steal.” This command is one of the big Ten Commandments. It tells us taking something that’s not yours is wrong—period.
No secret taking, no harming others’ stuff, and no keeping things you know aren’t yours.
This line isn’t just about things either; it’s also about honesty at work and respecting what others have earned. Stealing breaks trust and hurts everyone involved. So this verse reminds us to keep our hands clean and our hearts focused on doing right by others.
Leviticus 19:11
"You shall not steal, nor deal falsely, nor lie to one another."
Leviticus 19:11 is clear—don’t steal, cheat, or lie. It’s like a big red stop sign for bad behavior. This verse puts stealing in the same basket as lying and cheating. God doesn’t want any of that.
He’s all about honesty and playing fair with others.
By saying “Ye shall not,” it’s like a strong nudge to always be straight-up with people. No sneaky business allowed! Following this rule helps everyone get along better and keeps things right between you and God.
Deuteronomy 5:19
"Neither shall you steal."
In Deuteronomy 5:19, the LORD commands us not to steal. This commandment is a reminder to love and respect others by not taking their belongings against their will. Stealing goes against God’s desire for people to treat each other with honor and fairness, dispossessing them of what they have worked for.
It underscores the importance of respecting property and refraining from coveting or taking things that do not belong to us.
Stealing violates the fundamental principle of loving one another as ourselves and directly disregards the fruits of someone else’s labor. The commandment in Deuteronomy 5:19 serves as a moral compass, highlighting the value of honesty, integrity, and empathy in our interactions with others.
Ephesians 4:28
"Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth."
In Ephesians 4:28, the Bible urges those who steal to stop and instead work honestly. This verse emphasizes the value of labor and doing good through one’s own hard work. It teaches that honest labor not only provides for oneself but also allows one to share with those in need.
The verse is seen as a call to abandon stealing and embrace upright conduct by transforming one’s heart through faith in Jesus Christ.
By advocating for honesty in labor, Ephesians 4:28 highlights the transformation from being a taker to becoming a giver.
Proverbs 29:24
"Whoso is partner with a thief hateth his own soul: he heareth cursing, and bewrayeth it not."
Proverbs 29:24 warns that partnering with a thief means hating your own life. This verse highlights that choosing to be connected with a thief reflects a rejection of wisdom and an embrace of foolishness.
According to this proverb, being an accomplice to theft makes one an enemy and bound by oaths not to testify against the thief. It also emphasizes the consequences of aiding a thief, stating that it brings harm only to oneself.
The Consequences of Stealing
Proverbs 6:30-31
"Men do not despise a thief, if he steals to satisfy his soul when he is hungry; But if he be found, he shall restore sevenfold; he shall give all the substance of his house."
In Proverbs 6:30-31, it’s believed that a person who steals out of extreme need, like hunger, might be pardoned. This verse suggests that there could be exceptions for someone who commits theft due to dire circumstances.
It highlights the understanding that stealing out of vital necessity may warrant a different judgment compared to stealing for selfish gain.
Zechariah 5:3-4
"Then said he unto me, This is the curse that goeth forth over the face of the whole earth: for every one that stealeth shall be cut off as on this side according to it; and every one that sweareth shall be cut off as on that side according to it. I will bring it forth, saith the LORD of hosts, and it shall enter into the house of the thief, and into the house of him that sweareth falsely by my name: and it shall remain in the midst of his house, and shall consume it with the timber thereof and the stones thereof."
Zechariah 5:3-4 condemns stealing and dishonesty. The passage symbolizes a scroll denouncing theft and false oaths, linking them to breaking God’s commandments. The vision underscores that theft goes beyond physical stealing; it includes misusing God’s blessings.
It serves as a call to cleanse wrongdoing and emphasizes the consequences of violating God’s covenant.
Stealing and making false oaths are direct violations of God’s commandments emphasized in Zechariah 5:3-4, reflecting the serious repercussions for such actions within the purview of divine judgment.
Hosea 4:2
"By swearing, and lying, and killing, and stealing, and committing adultery, they break out, and blood toucheth blood."
Hosea 4:2 condemns sins like stealing, adultery, lying, and murder. The verse highlights the lack of truth, mercy, and knowledge of God in the land. It paints a picture of a society filled with violence and bloodshed due to prevalent immoral behavior.
This passage warns against the destructive consequences of sinful actions within Israel’s moral decline.
Jeremiah 7:9
"Will ye steal, murder, and commit adultery, and swear falsely, and burn incense unto Baal, and walk after other gods whom ye know not;"
Jeremiah 7:9 condemns stealing, murder, adultery, and false swearing. It is part of a series of verses that denounce sinful behaviors. The verse questions if one can offer sacrifices while engaging in such acts – theft, murder, adultery.
The verse raises the issue of trusting in sacrifices while committing theft, murder, and adultery.
Malachi 3:8-9
"Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings. Ye are cursed with a curse: for ye have robbed me, even this whole nation."
Robbing God, as highlighted in Malachi 3:8-9, is seen as a grievous act that invites curse upon the nation. This passage addresses the failure to support temple upkeep and worship expenses as tantamount to robbing God.
It points out the disrespect and contempt shown towards God when people offer stolen or inferior goods. The implication is clear – neglecting tithes and offerings leads to being cursed.
Failing to bring tithes and offerings equates to cheating and stealing from God, inviting negative consequences. The challenge posed by this passage revolves around honoring commitments and avoiding disrespectful actions towards divine provisions.
Honesty and Integrity
Luke 3:14
"And the soldiers likewise demanded of him, saying, And what shall we do? And he said unto them, Do violence to no man, neither accuse any falsely; and be content with your wages."
In Luke 3:14, John the Baptist instructs soldiers to be fair and content with their wages. This verse encourages ethical behavior by advising against using force or false accusations for personal gain.
It aligns with the commandments against stealing, emphasizing the importance of honesty and lawful conduct.
The emphasis on contentment with one’s earnings connects this verse to a broader message about living an upright life according to God’s commandments. Furthermore, it urges individuals towards honest work and sharing instead of resorting to theft or dishonest means.
Proverbs 11:1
"A false balance is abomination to the LORD: but a just weight is his delight."
Proverbs 11:1 highlights God’s dislike for dishonesty in business and trade. The verse emphasizes the importance of fairness and integrity in dealings, demonstrating how it pleases the Lord when individuals engage in honest transactions.
The righteous person is known for their honesty, which delivers them from trouble. On the contrary, the wicked person engages in deceitful practices and lacks hope. This showcases the significance of maintaining integrity and honesty in all aspects of life as it demonstrates righteousness while avoiding trouble.
2 Corinthians 8:21
"Providing for honest things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men."
Paul, in 2 Corinthians 8:21, aims to act honorably before the Lord and others. It highlights the need for Christians to act prudently and hinder unjust suspicions. The verse emphasizes the significance of upright conduct seen as good among people and accounted good by God.
This encourages Christians to do things well, as others notice their character. It underscores thanksgiving to God for enabling grace that leads believers to offer themselves and their possessions to His saints.
By staying true in actions & attitudes, believers reflect positively on their commitment & righteousness before both people & God’s divine standards.
1 Peter 2:12
"Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation."
In 1 Peter 2:12, the Bible highlights the importance of living an honorable life among non-believers. This verse encourages Christians to demonstrate their good deeds in a way that reflects positively, even when facing criticism from non-believers.
It emphasizes embodying qualities like honesty and integrity as a means of glorifying God and showcasing love for Jesus through trust and obedience.
The passage underscores the significance of relentless opposition and maintaining good works to reflect Christian values, even in the absence of physical presence. Living in this manner serves as a powerful example for non-believers, highlighting the dedicated commitment to following Christ’s teachings and principles within everyday actions.
Colossians 3:9
"Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds;"
Colossians 3:9 tells believers to be truthful and not lie to each other. This is because, as Christians, they have taken off their old selves with their dishonest practices. The verse stresses the significance of being honest and having integrity in relationships and interactions with others.
It underscores the transformation that occurs in individuals who are united with Christ, leading them to abandon deceitful behaviors.
Restitution and Repentance
Luke 19:8
"And Zacchaeus stood, and said unto the Lord: Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold."
In Luke 19:8, the Bible talks about making things right if you’ve stolen. It says that if you have taken something that isn’t yours, you should give back four times as much. This verse is about showing remorse and making up for your mistakes when it comes to stealing.
Zacchaeus, a tax collector in this story, realized his wrongdoing and promised to repay those he had wronged. He understood the importance of making amends for his past actions, which reflects the biblical principle of repentance and restitution according to this passage.
Exodus 22:1-4
"If a man shall steal an ox, or a sheep, and kill it, or sell it; he shall restore five oxen for an ox, and four sheep for a sheep. If a thief be found breaking up, and be smitten that he die, there shall no blood be shed for him. If the sun be risen upon 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. If the theft be certainly found in his hand alive, whether it be ox, or ass, or sheep; he shall restore double."
Exodus 22:1-4 discusses how a thief who steals an ox or sheep needs to pay back more than what was stolen. If the thief sells or kills the animal, he must compensate with five oxen for one stolen ox and four sheep for one stolen sheep.
This punishment is meant as a strong deterrent against stealing and highlights the seriousness of theft in biblical teachings.
The verses focus on ensuring that thieves not only repay their victims but also face severe consequences – deterring them from stealing again. The restitution exceeds the value of the stolen property, emphasizing the harm caused to the victim and dissuading potential thieves from committing similar acts.
Leviticus 6:2-5
"If a soul sin, and commit a trespass against the LORD, and lie unto his neighbour in that which was delivered him to keep, or in fellowship, or in a thing taken away by violence, or hath deceived his neighbour; Or have found that which was lost, and lieth concerning it, and sweareth falsely; in any of all these that a man doeth, sinning therein: Then it shall be, because he hath sinned, and is guilty, that he shall restore that which he took violently away, or the thing which he hath deceitfully gotten, or that which was delivered him to keep, or the lost thing which he found, Or all that about which he hath sworn falsely; he shall even restore it in the principal, and shall add the fifth part more thereto, and give it unto him to whom it appertaineth, in the day of his trespass offering."
In Leviticus 6:2-5, restitution for stolen goods is emphasized as a requirement. If someone sins by stealing and then lies about it, they are required to return what was taken or obtained by fraud.
This is in addition to paying the victim double its value. The guilt offering prescribed in this passage is essential when deception, robbery, or fraud occurs – a sacrifice alone cannot absolve the guilt of theft before God.
Stealing is condemned as always wrong and not aligned with God’s will according to Leviticus 6:2-5. It underscores the importance of making amends for wrongful actions such as robbery or extortion through restitution–an idea that recurs throughout biblical teachings.
Numbers 5:6-7
"Speak unto the children of Israel, When a man or woman shall commit any sin that men commit, to do a trespass against the LORD, and that person be guilty; Then they shall confess their sin which they have done: and he shall recompense his trespass with the principal thereof, and add unto it the fifth part thereof, and give it unto him against whom he hath trespassed."
If anyone commits a breach of faith and sins unintentionally in regard to the holy things of the Lord, then he shall bring to the Lord as his compensation.. A ram without blemish out of the flock, valued by you in silver shekels, according to the shekel of the sanctuary, for a guilt offering.
Then he shall make restitution for what he has done amiss in the holy thing..
This verse emphasizes that if someone unknowingly wrongs another, it’s important to make amends and offer compensation as an act of repentance. It highlights the significance placed on acknowledging one’s mistakes and taking steps to rectify them.
Ezekiel 33:15
"If the wicked restore the pledge, give again that he had robbed, walk in the statutes of life, without committing iniquity; he shall surely live, he shall not die."
Ezekiel 33:15 discusses the importance of restitution for robbery. It highlights the condition for obtaining pardon, emphasizing giving back what was taken by theft. The verse is part of a broader discussion on thieves and robbers in the Bible, underscoring the consequences of fraudulent behavior and God’s promise of fairness.
In this verse, Ezekiel acts as a watchman, explaining God’s judgment and stressing the significance of making amends for wrongful actions. The commentary on Ezekiel 33 elaborates on the restoration of pledges and emphasizes honesty to receive absolution while depicting God’s justice in dealing with thieves.
God’s Justice
Proverbs 20:17
"Bread of deceit is sweet to a man; but afterwards his mouth shall be filled with gravel."
Proverbs 20:17 warns that stolen bread may taste sweet at first, but afterward, the mouth will be filled with gravel. This emphasizes the fleeting pleasure of stealing and the painful consequences it brings.
It serves as a reminder that even though theft may seem profitable in the moment, the ultimate outcome is bitterness and trouble—a vivid metaphor for the short-term gratification followed by long-term suffering associated with this immoral act.
It’s crucial to understand that while stealing might offer temporary gain, it inevitably leads to severe repercussions. The verse effectively conveys the message that dishonest gains are akin to eating something only to find it turns into gravel in one’s mouth—highlighting how ill-gotten wealth brings nothing but hardship and pain in the end.
Job 20:19
"Because he hath oppressed and hath forsaken the poor; because he hath violently taken away an house which he builded not;"
Job 20:19 warns against oppressing the poor, implying it’s a form of theft. It emphasizes facing consequences for mistreating the vulnerable. This verse underlines stealing as an act of oppression and disrespect for others’ well-being, reflecting moral implications related to theft.
It serves as a reminder of compassion and justice in combating theft’s societal impact.
Proverbs 10:2
"Treasures of wickedness profit nothing: but righteousness delivereth from death."
Proverbs 10:2 contrasts ill-gotten wealth with righteousness, revealing that dishonesty leads to emptiness in the end. It emphasizes the fleeting pleasure gained from unethical actions, highlighting the ultimate lack of fulfillment in pursuing wealth through deceitful means.
The verse serves as a reminder of the consequences of seeking riches through dishonest ways and underscores the futility of such pursuits.
In this passage, Proverbs shines a light on the pursuit of wealth through unscrupulous actions, emphasizing that despite temporary gains, ultimately ill-gotten treasures lead to nothing but emptiness.
Isaiah 61:8
"For I the LORD love judgment, I hate robbery for burnt offering; and I will direct their work in truth, and I will make an everlasting covenant with them."
Isaiah 61:8 shows that God hates robbery and wrongdoing. The verse indicates that offerings gained through injustice are not accepted by God. It underlines the importance of honesty and integrity, warning against stealing and emphasizing the negative consequences of such actions.
It reflects God’s commitment to rewarding justice, while condemning theft and injustice.
This verse ties in with other Bible verses about theft and wrongdoing, reinforcing the message of honesty and righteousness. It serves as a reminder of God’s love for justice and His disdain for robbery, highlighting the significance of acting with honesty.
Jeremiah 22:13
"Woe unto him that buildeth his house by unrighteousness, and his chambers by wrong; that useth his neighbour's service without wages, and giveth him not for his work;"
Jeremiah 22:13 is a warning against dishonesty and oppression. It talks about using ill-gotten gains to build grand houses and making others work for nothing. This verse ties into the broader theme of not stealing, emphasizing honesty and fairness in dealings with others.
It warns against using fraudulent gains to benefit oneself at the expense of others, stressing the importance of integrity and ethical conduct in all aspects of life.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Bible presents clear guidance on stealing, emphasizing honesty and integrity. It prohibits stealing in Exodus 20:15 and Deuteronomy 5:19. Ephesians 4:28 urges working to earn instead of stealing.
The consequences of stealing are severe, both as a crime and a sin. Repentance and restitution are encouraged for those who have stolen. Overall, the Bible emphasizes the importance of ethical conduct and making amends for wrongdoing.
FAQs
1. What does the Bible say about stealing?
The Bible is clear – stealing is wrong. Verses like “You shall not steal” and “Do not covet what isn’t yours” teach that taking something that’s not yours can hurt you and others.
2. Are there consequences for stealing mentioned in the Bible?
Yes, indeed. The Bible talks about double restitution—paying back twice as much if you’ve taken something unfairly.
3. Does stealing relate to other sins according to the Bible?
For sure! Stealing often goes hand in hand with lying lips and a false balance, which are far from being the Lord’s delight.
4. Can you give me an example of a theft-related verse?
Jeremiah 7:9-11 speaks against thievery – it warns us against doing bad things like stealing which do not align with Christian ethics.
5. What does the New Testament say about dishonest gain?
It teaches us that love of money can lead to all kinds of bad acts, even stealing. We’re reminded to stay humble, avoid envy, and follow Jesus’ teaching instead – He’s our Savior who wants us to live righteously.
6. How should we treat others when it comes to their belongings?
Matthew 7:12 says we should “do unto others as we would have them do unto us.” It’s often called The Golden Rule; if we don’t want someone to take our stuff, we shouldn’t take theirs.
