Stealing isn’t just a legal issue—it’s a heart issue, and the Bible has a lot to say about it. From the Ten Commandments to the words of Jesus, Scripture speaks clearly about why theft is wrong, how to make things right, and how to live a life rooted in honesty and integrity.
Whether you’re looking for guidance, doing a personal study, or just curious about what the Bible says, you’re in the right place. This article brings together key Bible verses about stealing, breaks down their meaning, and shows how these timeless truths still apply to everyday life.
So if you’ve ever searched for “Bible verses about stealing” or wondered “What does the Bible say about theft?”—keep reading. You might be surprised at how much wisdom is packed into these ancient words—and how relevant they are today.
1. The Ten Commandments: God’s Clear Prohibition
The Bible’s stance on stealing begins with one of its foundational moral codes.
Exodus 20:15 (ESV)
“You shall not steal.”
This Eighth Commandment is a straightforward prohibition, establishing that taking what belongs to another violates God’s law. It sets the tone for ethical behavior, emphasizing respect for others’ property.
Deuteronomy 5:19 (ESV)
“And you shall not steal.”
Moses restates this command to a new generation, reinforcing its timeless relevance.
2. Old Testament Laws: Theft and Restitution
The Mosaic Law expands on the prohibition, detailing consequences and restitution.
Leviticus 19:11, 13 (ESV)
“You shall not steal; you shall not deal falsely; you shall not lie to one another… Do not defraud or rob your neighbor. Do not hold back the wages of a hired worker overnight.”
These verses broaden the definition of theft to include fraud and withholding wages, highlighting God’s concern for fairness in relationships and labor.
Leviticus 6:2-5 (ESV)
“If anyone sins… by deceiving his neighbor… or through robbery… he shall restore it in full and shall add a fifth to it, and give it to him to whom it belongs.”
This passage mandates restitution plus an additional 20% as a penalty, paired with a guilt offering, showing that theft is both a sin against others and God.
Exodus 22:1-4, 7 (ESV)
“Whoever steals an ox or a sheep… must pay back five head of cattle for the ox and four sheep for the sheep… If a man gives to his neighbor money or goods to keep safe, and it is stolen… the thief, if found, shall pay double.”
These laws specify restitution ratios, ensuring justice for victims. If a thief cannot pay, they may face servitude, emphasizing accountability.
3. Prophetic Warnings: Theft as Social Injustice
The prophets link theft to broader issues of greed and oppression.
Hosea 4:2 (ESV)
“There is swearing, deception, murder, stealing, and adultery. They employ violence, so that bloodshed follows bloodshed.”
Hosea connects stealing to a breakdown in societal morality, showing its ripple effects.
Isaiah 61:8 (ESV)
“For I the Lord love justice; I hate robbery and wrong.”
God’s hatred of theft reflects His commitment to justice, framing stealing as an act of injustice.
Jeremiah 22:13 (ESV)
“Woe to him who builds his house by unrighteousness, and his upper rooms by injustice, who makes his neighbor serve him for nothing and does not give him his wages.”
This verse condemns exploiting workers, equating unpaid labor to theft.
4. Wisdom Literature: The Folly of Ill-Gotten Gain
Proverbs offers practical insights into the consequences of stealing.
Proverbs 10:2 (ESV)
“Treasures gained by wickedness do not profit, but righteousness delivers from death.”
Ill-gotten wealth is fleeting, while integrity brings lasting value.
Proverbs 20:17 (ESV)
“Food gained by fraud tastes sweet, but one ends up with a mouth full of gravel.”
Deceptive gains may seem appealing but lead to ruin.
Proverbs 11:1 (ESV)
“A false balance is an abomination to the Lord, but a just weight is his delight.”
Dishonest business practices are a form of theft, detested by God.
5. New Testament Teachings: Heart Change and Transformation
The New Testament shifts focus from mere prohibition to transformation through Christ.
Ephesians 4:28 (ESV)
“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.”
This verse calls for a complete turnaround: from stealing to working and giving generously, reflecting a changed heart.
1 Corinthians 6:9-11 (ESV)
“Nor thieves… will inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.”
Thieves are listed among the unrighteous, but redemption is possible through Christ’s cleansing.
Luke 19:8 (ESV)
“And Zacchaeus… 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.’”
Zacchaeus models repentance by exceeding restitution requirements, showing true transformation.
John 10:10 (ESV)
“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.”
Jesus contrasts the destructive nature of theft with His mission to bring abundant life.
6. The Root of Theft: Greed and Covetousness
Scripture identifies the heart issues behind stealing.
Colossians 3:5 (ESV)
“Put to death… greed, which is idolatry.”
Greed fuels theft, placing possessions above God.
James 4:1-2 (ESV)
“You desire but do not have… You covet but you cannot get what you want, so you quarrel and fight.”
Covetousness leads to sinful actions, including theft, rooted in discontentment.
1 Timothy 6:10 (ESV)
“For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils.”
The pursuit of wealth can drive theft, leading to spiritual harm.
7. Practical Applications for Today
The Bible’s teachings on stealing remain relevant for modern life.
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Avoid Digital Theft: Piracy, such as illegal downloads, violates Ephesians 4:28’s call to honest work.
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Practice Restitution: If you’ve taken something, return it with interest, as in Leviticus 6:2-5.
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Work Honestly: Pursue fair wages and ethical business practices (Proverbs 11:1).
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Cultivate Generosity: Share resources with those in need, as modeled in Ephesians 4:28.
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Forgive Thieves: If stolen from, report appropriately but avoid bitterness (Matthew 5:44, Romans 12:19).
8. Teaching Children About Stealing
Parents can use these verses to teach integrity:
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Exodus 20:15: Teach the simple command, “Do not steal.”
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Luke 19:8: Share Zacchaeus’s story to show repentance and restitution.
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Proverbs 11:1: Emphasize honesty in small actions, like returning found items.
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Model Integrity: Correct billing errors or return extra change to demonstrate honesty.
9. When You’ve Been Stolen From
Victims of theft can find guidance in Scripture:
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Matthew 5:39-42: Forgive and avoid retaliation, even when wronged.
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Romans 12:19: Trust God for justice rather than seeking revenge.
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Psalm 37:1-3: Don’t fret over evildoers; trust in God’s timing.
10. Redemption Through Christ
The Bible offers hope for thieves and victims alike.
1 John 1:9 (ESV)
“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”
Luke 23:39-43 (ESV)
The thief on the cross received Jesus’ promise of paradise, showing that no one is beyond redemption.
11. Key Takeaways
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Prohibition: Stealing violates God’s law (Exodus 20:15).
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Restitution: Thieves must repay, often with extra (Exodus 22:1-4, Leviticus 6:2-5).
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Transformation: Believers are called to work honestly and give generously (Ephesians 4:28).
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Redemption: Through Christ, thieves can be forgiven and transformed (1 Corinthians 6:9-11).
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Justice and Forgiveness: Victims should seek justice but leave vengeance to God (Romans 12:19).
12. Call to Action
Reflect on these verses and consider:
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Have you benefited from dishonest gain? Make restitution where possible.
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Are you cultivating generosity and integrity in your work and finances?
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If you’ve been stolen from, can you forgive while pursuing justice?
