Stealing is a violation of God’s commandments and undermines the principles of justice, honesty, and love for others. In the Bible, stealing is condemned as sinful behavior that carries consequences for individuals and society as a whole. Join us as we examine verses that address the seriousness of stealing and affirm the importance of living with integrity and respect for others’ property.
Bible Verses About Stealing
Exodus 20:15
“You shall not steal.”
Exodus 20:15 is part of the Ten Commandments, serving as a foundational principle of ethical conduct. This commandment is straightforward and leaves no room for ambiguity.
It establishes a moral baseline for human interaction, urging us to respect others’ property and rights. The simplicity of this verse conveys the gravity of stealing, marking it not just as a legal offense but a moral one.
Leviticus 19:11
“Do not steal. Do not lie. Do not deceive one another.”
This verse from Leviticus expands on the commandment by coupling theft with lying and deception. Stealing often entails deceit, making these behaviors almost inseparable.
It tells us that honesty is fundamental to maintaining trust in human relationships. By weaving together these wrongdoings, the scripture emphasizes the interconnectedness of ethical behavior.
Proverbs 10:2
“Ill-gotten treasures have no lasting value, but righteousness delivers from death.”
Here, Proverbs contrasts the fleeting nature of stolen goods with the enduring value of righteousness. Ill-gotten gains may offer temporary satisfaction but ultimately lead to emptiness and ruin.
In contrast, living righteously provides lasting peace and eternal rewards. This verse challenges us to consider the long-term consequences of our actions.
Proverbs 20:17
“Food gained by fraud tastes sweet, but one ends up with a mouth full of gravel.”
This proverb vividly illustrates the bitter aftermath of dishonest actions. The initial pleasure of ill-gotten gains is soon replaced by regret and harsh consequences.
It serves as a warning against the deceptive appeal of stealing, urging us to avoid temporary gratifications that lead to lasting discomfort.
Matthew 6:19-20
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.”
Jesus contrasts earthly and heavenly treasures, highlighting their respective vulnerabilities and value. Earthly possessions are susceptible to theft and decay, whereas heavenly treasures are secure and eternal.
This verse encourages us to prioritize spiritual wealth over material accumulation, knowing that what is stored in heaven cannot be stolen.
Luke 19:8
“But Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, ‘Look, Lord! Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount.'”
Zacchaeus’ commitment to restitution exemplifies true repentance and transformation. His willingness to return more than what he stole shows the importance of making amends.
This verse teaches that genuine spiritual change involves rectifying past wrongs and restoring what was unjustly taken.
Ephesians 4:28
“Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need.”
Paul’s letter to the Ephesians emphasizes reform and industriousness. Instead of stealing, believers are encouraged to engage in honest work.
This not only supports their own needs but also enables them to be generous to others, transforming a negative action into a positive community contribution.
1 Corinthians 6:9-10
“Or do you not know that wrongdoers will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor men who have sex with men nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.”
Paul lists theft among various behaviors that exclude individuals from the kingdom of God. This stark warning reminds us of the spiritual consequences of unrepentant sin.
It’s a call to repentance and transformation, highlighting the need to turn away from behaviors that separate us from God’s kingdom.
John 10:10
“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”
Jesus contrasts the destructive mission of the thief with His life-giving purpose. The thief represents evil forces that aim to harm and deceive.
In contrast, Jesus promises abundant life, calling us to follow Him for true fulfillment. This verse draws a clear line between the actions of those who steal and the blessings of following Christ.
Romans 13:9
“The commandments, ‘You shall not commit adultery,’ ‘You shall not murder,’ ‘You shall not steal,’ ‘You shall not covet,’ and whatever other command there may be, are summed up in this one command: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.'”
Paul reiterates the commandments, highlighting their essence: love for one’s neighbor. Stealing violates this fundamental principle by disrespecting others’ rights.
By loving our neighbors as ourselves, we naturally avoid actions like theft that harm and dishonor them. This verse teaches that ethical behavior stems from genuine love and respect for others.
Leviticus 6:1-5
“The Lord said to Moses: ‘If anyone sins and is unfaithful to the Lord by deceiving a neighbor about something entrusted to them or left in their care or about something stolen, or if they cheat their neighbor, or if they find lost property and lie about it, or if they swear falsely about any such sin that people may commit—when they sin in any of these ways and realize their guilt, they must return what they have stolen or taken by extortion, or what was entrusted to them, or the lost property they found, or whatever it was they swore falsely about. They must make restitution in full, add a fifth of the value to it and give it all to the owner on the day they present their guilt offering.'”
This passage in Leviticus outlines the seriousness of theft and deceit, emphasizing the necessity of restitution. Returning stolen property along with an additional fifth of its value underscores the importance of making amends and restoring trust.
This teaches us that reconciliation involves not only confessing wrongs but also taking active steps to right them, which is integral to community harmony and justice.
Psalm 62:10
“Do not trust in extortion or put vain hope in stolen goods; though your riches increase, do not set your heart on them.”
This Psalm warns against relying on dishonest means to gain wealth. It reminds us that ill-gotten gains are ultimately unreliable and fleeting.
Setting our hearts on such wealth leads to false security. Instead, our trust should be in God, whose provisions and blessings are true and everlasting.
1 Peter 4:15
“If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler.”
Peter advises that any suffering endured by Christians should not be the result of sinful behavior like theft. This verse implies that righteous suffering for the faith is honorable, whereas suffering due to wrongdoing is not.
It encourages believers to live above reproach, ensuring their actions align with godly principles and don’t invite justifiable consequences.
Proverbs 21:7
“The violence of the wicked will drag them away, for they refuse to do what is right.”
This proverb speaks to the self-destructive nature of wicked actions, including theft. Those who engage in such behaviors are ultimately harmed by their choices.
It serves as a reminder that refusing to do right carries inherent penalties, urging us to align our actions with righteousness for our own well-being and peace.
Isaiah 61:8
“For I, the Lord, love justice; I hate robbery and wrongdoing. In my faithfulness I will reward my people and make an everlasting covenant with them.”
Isaiah speaks God’s heart for justice and His rejection of robbery and wrongdoing. This underscores God’s character as a righteous judge who values integrity.
It encourages us to reflect His love for justice in our actions, promising that God’s faithfulness will bring rewards for upright living and adherence to His covenant.
Jeremiah 7:9-10
“‘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 safe’—safe to do all these detestable things?'”
Jeremiah rebukes the hypocrisy of those who commit crimes like theft and still claim they are right before God. This passage condemns double standards, highlighting the incompatibility between sin and genuine worship.
It calls believers to approach God with integrity, not presuming upon His grace while engaging in detestable actions such as stealing.
Malachi 3:8
“‘Will a mere mortal rob God? Yet you rob me. But you ask, ‘How are we robbing you?’ In tithes and offerings.'”
Malachi accuses the people of robbing God through their failure to bring tithes and offerings. This verse equates withholding what belongs to God with theft.
It challenges us to examine our faithfulness in giving, reminding us that our resources ultimately belong to God, and we honor Him through our generosity.
Luke 12:33-34
“Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will never fail, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
Jesus asks us to prioritize giving and storing treasures in heaven over accumulating wealth on earth. This approach ensures that our possessions are safe from theft and decay.
This verse challenges us to consider where our true treasure lies and to align our hearts with heavenly values rather than earthly gains.
Proverbs 28:24
“Whoever robs their father or mother and says, ‘It’s not wrong,’ is partner to one who destroys.”
This proverb highlights the severe nature of stealing from one’s parents, equating such actions with destruction. It addresses the moral blindness that justifies theft, especially against those we owe respect and care.
It emphasizes the importance of honoring family relationships through ethical behavior and respect for their property.
Zechariah 5:3-4
“And he said to me, ‘This is the curse that is going out over the whole land; for according to what it says on one side, every thief will be banished, and according to what it says on the other, everyone who swears falsely will be banished. The Lord Almighty declares, ‘I will send it out, and it will enter the house of the thief and the house of anyone who swears falsely by my name. It will remain in that house and destroy it completely, both its timbers and its stones.’”
Zechariah delivers a prophetic curse upon thieves and liars. The severity of this judgment underscores God’s disdain for stealing and deceit.
This passage conveys the destructive consequences of such actions, reminding us that they bring divine disfavor and ultimately ruin.
Jeremiah 5:27
“Like cages full of birds, their houses are full of deceit; they have become rich and powerful and have grown fat and sleek.”
Jeremiah likens the deceitful accumulation of wealth to cages full of birds, portraying it as unnatural and confining. Their riches and power result from unjust means, emphasizing the moral decay that accompanies dishonest wealth.
This imagery warns us against the pursuit of prosperity through unethical actions, showing it as ultimately imprisoning and corrupting.
Psalms 62:10
“Do not trust in extortion or put vain hope in stolen goods; though your riches increase, do not set your heart on them.”
The Psalmist advises against relying on extortion or stolen goods, emphasizing their transitory nature. Even if dishonest actions result in temporary wealth, it is unwise to place our trust in such unstable gains.
Our hearts should instead be anchored in righteousness and trust in God, who provides true and lasting security.
Job 24:2-3
“There are those who move boundary stones; they pasture flocks they have stolen. They drive away the orphan’s donkey and take the widow’s ox in pledge.”
Job describes the actions of those who dishonorably acquire wealth through theft and exploitation. Moving boundary stones, stealing livestock, and taking advantage of the vulnerable reflect severe social injustices.
This lament underscores the harm caused by theft, revealing its widespread impact and the suffering it brings to the innocent.
Also Read: Bible Verses About Revival
What Does The Bible Say About Stealing
When we explore what the Bible says about stealing, we encounter a multifaceted perspective encompassing both moral commandments and deeper spiritual principles.
First and foremost, the Bible explicitly condemns stealing in the Ten Commandments found in Exodus 20:15, stating, “You shall not steal.” This clear directive sets the foundation for understanding God’s stance on this issue. Stealing, by nature, involves taking something that belongs to someone else, acting against God’s commandments about loving our neighbors and respecting their rights.
Throughout the Bible, we see this principle reinforced. In the book of Leviticus (19:11), it instructs us not to steal or deal falsely with one another, emphasizing honesty and integrity as upholding our relationships with others. Moreover, in the New Testament, Apostle Paul underscores this in Ephesians 4:28. He urges us to refrain from stealing and instead work honestly, sharing with those in need. This instruction not only denounces the act of stealing but also encourages us to transform our behavior in a way that fosters community and support.
Jesus’s teachings further illuminate the broader implications of theft. In the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:19), He challenges us to look beyond mere actions to the intents of our hearts. If we harbor greed or covet what others have, this too is a form of theft in spirit.
Additionally, the Bible elaborates on restitution. In Exodus 22, it outlines that if a person steals and is caught, they must make amends by repaying multiple times the value of what was stolen. This shows that repentance involves more than regret; it requires tangible actions to restore what was wrongfully taken.
On a final note, in the Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37), Jesus illustrates the importance of selflessness and care for others. By highlighting the stark difference between robbers and the compassionate Samaritan, Jesus calls us to live lives marked by generosity rather than theft.
Thus, the Bible’s message is clear: stealing is a violation of divine law and human trust. It points us toward a life of honesty, communal support, and transformative action that aligns with God’s design for just and loving relationships.