Exodus 20:15
Thou shalt not steal.
Original Language Analysis
Cross References
Romans 13:9For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.Ephesians 4:28Let 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.Leviticus 19:11Ye shall not steal, neither deal falsely, neither lie one to another.Leviticus 19:13Thou shalt not defraud thy neighbour, neither rob him: the wages of him that is hired shall not abide with thee all night until the morning.Matthew 19:18He saith unto him, Which? Jesus said, Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness,1 Corinthians 6:10Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.Proverbs 11:1A false balance is abomination to the LORD: but a just weight is his delight.John 12:6This he said, not that he cared for the poor; but because he was a thief, and had the bag, and bare what was put therein.Deuteronomy 24:7If a man be found stealing any of his brethren of the children of Israel, and maketh merchandise of him, or selleth him; then that thief shall die; and thou shalt put evil away from among you.Matthew 21:13And said unto them, It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves.
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern law codes addressed theft with varying penalties. Israel's law required restitution plus penalties, emphasizing restoration over retribution. Kidnapping (man-stealing) carried the death penalty (Exodus 21:16).
Questions for Reflection
- How might Christians violate this command beyond obvious theft (fraud, wage issues, time-theft)?
- What does Paul's instruction to give rather than take (Ephesians 4:28) teach about the command's positive application?
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Analysis & Commentary
Thou shalt not steal.
'Lo tignov' (לֹא תִגְנֹב) prohibits taking what belongs to another—property rights are sacred. The command assumes private property is legitimate and God-ordained. Theft assaults God's distribution of resources and neighbor's stewardship. The eighth commandment encompasses fraud, embezzlement, wage-theft, failure to pay debts, and governmental confiscation. Paul says thieves must 'steal no more' but 'labor...that he may have to give' (Ephesians 4:28)—transformation from taking to giving. God Himself is supreme owner; we're stewards. Stealing declares dissatisfaction with God's provision. Conversely, generosity trusts God's abundance. Zacchaeus's repentance manifests in fourfold restitution (Luke 19:8)—true repentance restores what was taken.