What Does the Bible Say About Thieves? Key Verses Explained

Discover what the Bible teaches about thieves, theft, and restitution through key scriptures like Exodus 20:15 and Ephesians 4:28.

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The Bible has several passages addressing thieves. Exodus 20:15 states, “You shall not steal.” Proverbs 6:30-31 indicates that while theft is unlawful, a thief must make restitution, often multiple times the value stolen. Ephesians 4:28 advises, “Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labor, doing honest work with his own hands.” This emphasizes both repentance and the value of honest work.

FAQs & Answers

  1. What does the Bible say about stealing? The Bible explicitly prohibits stealing, as seen in Exodus 20:15, which states, "You shall not steal." It also teaches that thieves should repent and make restitution.
  2. How should a thief make restitution according to the Bible? According to Proverbs 6:30-31, a thief is required to repay what was stolen, often multiple times the value, emphasizing the need for justice and restitution.
  3. What does Ephesians 4:28 say about thieves? Ephesians 4:28 encourages thieves to stop stealing and instead work honestly with their own hands, underscoring repentance and honest labor.
  4. Why is honest work important in the Bible's teaching on theft? Honest work is emphasized as a way for former thieves to live righteously and remake their lives apart from sin, supporting personal responsibility and transformation.