Bible Verses about Stealing

In a world where material possessions often equate to status and power, the act of stealing takes on a multi-faceted role. It's not just the unlawful taking of someone else's property; at its core, stealing is a violation of trust, an affront to community, and a rebellion against a Divine order. From the lush gardens of Eden, where the first sin was committed, to the sprawling empires and modest villages that fill the Biblical narrative, the struggle with temptation and lawlessness has always been a part of the human story.

The Bible is clear about stealing: "You shall not steal." This commandment, carved onto stone tablets and delivered by Moses, wasn't just a societal law; it was a Divine principle aimed at upholding not only individual rights but also community integrity and moral character. The Scriptures explore this topic beyond the initial commandment, delving into the consequences of stealing, the requirement for restitution, and the transformative power of redemption. It addresses stealing in various forms—material theft, dishonesty, even withholding what is rightfully owed to God.

By studying Biblical verses on stealing, we come to understand not just the immorality of the act, but also God's desire for us to live in harmonious communities, bound by trust and mutual respect. It’s not merely about following a rule but about embodying a principle that reflects the very character of God—a God of justice, fairness, and compassion. And so, the prohibition against stealing serves as both a societal guide and a spiritual lesson, teaching us about the sanctity of property, the importance of honesty, and the far-reaching implications of breaking trust, not just with our neighbors but with God Himself.

Laws about Stealing

Exodus 20:15

"You shall not steal."

Leviticus 19:11

"You shall not steal; you shall not deal falsely; you shall not lie to one another."

Deuteronomy 5:19

"'And you shall not steal."

Restitution and Consequences

Exodus 22:1

"If a man steals an ox or a sheep, and kills it or sells it, he shall repay five oxen for an ox, and four sheep for a sheep."

Exodus 22:4

"If the stolen beast is found alive in his possession, whether it is an ox or a donkey or a sheep, he shall pay double."

Leviticus 6:2-4

"If anyone sins and commits a breach of faith against the Lord by deceiving his neighbor in a matter of deposit or security, or through robbery, or if he has oppressed his neighbor or has found something lost and lied about it, swearing falsely—in any of all the things that people do and sin thereby— if he has sinned and has realized his guilt and will restore what he took by robbery or what he got by oppression or the deposit that was committed to him or the lost thing that he found."

Numbers 5:7

"He shall confess his sin that he has committed. And he shall make full restitution for his wrong, adding a fifth to it and giving it to him to whom he did the wrong."

Proverbs 6:30-31

"People do not despise a thief if he steals to satisfy his appetite when he is hungry, but if he is caught, he will pay sevenfold; he will give all the goods of his house."

Zechariah 5:3-4

"Then he said to me, 'This is the curse that goes out over the face of the whole land. For everyone who steals shall be cleaned out according to what is on one side, and everyone who swears falsely shall be cleaned out according to what is on the other side. I will send it out, declares the Lord of hosts, and it shall enter the house of the thief, and the house of him who swears falsely by my name.'"

Luke 19:8-10

"And Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, 'Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor. And if I have defrauded anyone of anything, I restore it fourfold.' And Jesus said to him, 'Today salvation has come to this house, since he also is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.'"

Moral Instructions

Proverbs 30:9

"Lest I be full and deny you and say, 'Who is the Lord?' or lest I be poor and steal and profane the name of my God."

Malachi 3:8-9

"Will man rob God? Yet you are robbing me. But you say, 'How have we robbed you?' In your tithes and contributions. You are cursed with a curse, for you are robbing me, the whole nation of you."

1 Corinthians 6:9-10

"Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God."

Ephesians 4:28

"Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labor, doing honest work with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with anyone in need."

A Prayer of Repentance for Stealing

Heavenly Father,

We come before You today acknowledging Your sovereignty and wisdom, aware that Your commandments serve not just as laws, but as reflections of Your divine character. Lord, we recognize that when You command us not to steal, it is not merely about possessions but about upholding a community of trust, integrity, and mutual respect.

Father, we confess that at times we have fallen short, succumbing to temptations both great and small. Forgive us for any dishonest actions and thoughts, for withholding what is due to others and to You. Help us to remember that stealing in any form disrupts the harmony that You so desire for Your children.

We pray for strength to resist temptation and the wisdom to make choices that reflect Your love and justice. Transform our hearts and minds, Lord, so that we may act in ways that build up, rather than break down, the communities we are a part of. Guide us toward a path of restitution and reconciliation where needed, teaching us the profound joy that comes from living a life aligned with Your will.

May we always strive to be reflections of Your character in all we do, standing firm in our understanding that Your commandments guide us toward a life that is rich in love, integrity, and community spirit.

In Jesus' Name, we pray, Amen.