What Does the Bible Say About Theft?
The Bible has a lot to say about theft, and it’s a topic that is relevant even today. In this article, we’ll explore the biblical perspective on theft and what it means for believers.
Definition of Theft
Before we dive into the biblical perspective, it’s essential to define what we mean by theft. Theft is the unauthorized taking or removing of someone else’s property, with the intention of permanently depriving them of it. This can include stealing physical objects, money, or even intangible property like intellectual property or digital data.
The Bible’s Definition of Theft
In the Bible, theft is often referred to as "stealing" or "taking something that doesn’t belong to you." Exodus 20:15 states, "You shall not steal." This commandment is part of the Ten Commandments, which were given by God to His people. Deuteronomy 5:19 repeats this command, saying, "You shall not steal, nor deal falsely, nor lie to one another."
Punishment for Theft
In the Old Testament, the punishment for theft varied depending on the circumstances. Exodus 22:2-3 states, "If a thief is found breaking in and is struck so that he dies, there shall be no guilt for his bloodshed. If the sun has risen on him, there shall be guilt for his bloodshed."
Leviticus 5:21-22 lists the punishments for different types of theft, including:
- Taking something by force: five times as much as what was taken
- Taking something by cunning: four times as much as what was taken
- Taking something that belongs to a neighbor: three times as much as what was taken
New Testament Perspective
In the New Testament, the focus shifts from punishment to forgiveness and restoration. Matthew 6:19-20 says, "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal, but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in and steal."
The Bible’s Perspective on Stealing
The Bible views stealing as a serious sin, but it also recognizes that people are capable of change and growth. 2 Corinthians 7:10-11 says, "Godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death. For see what earnestness this godly grief has produced in you, but also what eagerness to clear yourselves of your guilt, what indignation, what fear, what longing, what zeal, what avenging even as God is avenging—how we are always accursed by anyone we wrong."
What the Bible Says About Stealing
Here are some key points that the Bible says about stealing:
• Stealing is a sin: The Bible clearly teaches that stealing is a sin and that we should not steal. Exodus 20:15 and Deuteronomy 5:19 state that we should not steal.
• Stealing is against God’s will: God’s will is that we should live in harmony with Him and with each other. Stealing is against this will and is therefore a sin.
• Stealing can lead to spiritual blindness: John 12:35-36 says, "The Light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than the Light, because their works were evil. For everyone who does evil hates the Light, and does not come to the Light lest his deeds should be exposed."
• Stealing can lead to physical blindness: Luke 16:20-21 says, "There was a rich man who would dress in purple and fine linen, and feast lavishly every day. At his gate was laid the beggar named Lazarus, covered with sores and longing to eat what fell from the rich man’s table. Even the dogs would come and lick his sores."
Conclusion
Stealing is a serious sin that can have significant consequences. The Bible teaches us that we should not steal and that we should instead live in harmony with God and with each other. By avoiding stealing and living according to God’s will, we can experience spiritual and physical restoration.
Table: The Bible’s Perspective on Stealing
| Category | Verse | Summary |
|---|---|---|
| Definition of Theft | Exodus 20:15 | Theft is the unauthorized taking or removing of someone else’s property, with the intention of permanently depriving them of it. |
| Punishment for Theft | Exodus 22:2-3 | The punishment for theft varied depending on the circumstances, with punishments ranging from five to four times the value of what was stolen. |
| New Testament Perspective | Matthew 6:19-20 | The focus in the New Testament shifts from punishment to forgiveness and restoration. |
| Bible’s Perspective on Stealing | 2 Corinthians 7:10-11 | Stealing is a sin, but it can also lead to spiritual and physical restoration if we repent and seek forgiveness. |
Significant Points
• The Bible teaches that stealing is a sin and that we should not steal.
• Stealing is against God’s will and can lead to spiritual and physical blindness.
• The Bible teaches that we should store up treasures in heaven rather than on earth, where they can be stolen.
By understanding the biblical perspective on theft, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the importance of living according to God’s will and for seeking forgiveness and restoration when we have failed.
