Exodus 20:15 Thou shalt not steal.
The word translated “steal” is the Hebrew ganab and is restricted to acts done secretly. It figuratively describes wind sweeping something away unexpectedly (Job 21:18; 27:20) and illustrates the thief-like movements of military deserters (2 Samuel 19:4). It would fit the term “burglary.”
Burglary was punishable on a graded scale. A 200-percent penalty was levied if the property was returned unharmed (Exodus 22:4, 7, 9), a 400- or 500-percent penalty if the property was damaged or destroyed (Exodus 22:1), and a 700-percent penalty if the property stolen was food (Proverbs 6:30-31). Personal indenture was enforced if the thief could not pay the monetary levy (Exodus 22:3).
The command extends to our care of the property of others. Loss due to negligence is considered stealing (Exodus 22:7, 10-13). This would also apply to unfair business practices that defraud either customers or employees
(Leviticus 19:35-36).
In our personal lives, we are expected to repay our debts
(Ezekiel 33:15; 18:7, 12, 16) and pay our taxes (Romans 13:5-8;
Matthew 22:17-21). Failure to do so makes us a “thief” in God’s eyes.
The Hebrew word qaba, on the other hand, is used to emphasize the violent seizing of property. It would fit the term “robbery.” This is the word used in the question “Will a man rob God?” (Malachi 3:8). We can infer that disobedience to tithing is a more dangerous infraction of the eighth commandment than mere “burglary.” May God keep us from either violation as we seek to please Him. Days of Praise – HMM III – I.C.R.
Exodus 20:15 Thou shalt not steal.
Deuteronomy 5:19 Neither shalt thou steal.
Matthew 19:18 He 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,
Romans 13:9 For 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.
STEAL: take (another person’s property) without permission or legal right and without intending to return it.
⇛ read Commandment 1
⇛ read Commandment 2
⇛ read Commandment 3
⇛ read Commandment 4
⇛ read Commandment 5
⇛ read Commandment 6
⇛ read Commandment 7
⇛ read Commandment 9
⇛ read Commandment 10
⇛ return to The Ten Commandments