Deuteronomy 5:19

KJV

Neither shalt thou steal.

KJV (with Strong's)

Neither shalt thou steal {H1589}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"'Do not steal.

Berean Standard Bible

You shall not steal.

American Standard Version

Neither shalt thou steal.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 5:19, the eighth commandment, "Neither shalt thou steal," is a foundational divine directive establishing the sanctity of property rights, promoting justice, and fostering communal well-being within God's covenant people. More than a simple prohibition against physical theft, this command underpins principles of honest labor, integrity in all dealings, and trust in divine provision, thereby securing social order and individual dignity.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Deuteronomy 5 presents Moses' powerful recounting of the Ten Commandments to the new generation of Israelites on the plains of Moab, poised to enter the Promised Land. This chapter serves as a solemn renewal of the covenant first established at Mount Horeb (Sinai), emphasizing the enduring relevance and binding nature of God's law. The Decalogue itself is structured to move from vertical commands concerning humanity's relationship with God (the first four) to horizontal commands governing human relationships (the latter six). Deuteronomy 5:19, prohibiting theft, falls squarely within this latter category, immediately following commands against murder and adultery, underscoring its vital role in maintaining social stability and ethical conduct among God's people. It is a direct parallel to [Exodus 20:15](/exodus/20-15 "Exodus 20:15 - The Eighth Commandment").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The giving of this commandment occurred as Israel transitioned from a nomadic existence to a settled agricultural society in Canaan. In such a society, land and possessions were critical for family stability, economic security, and tribal identity. Theft, therefore, was not merely an economic crime but an act that could destabilize families, erode trust, and unravel the very fabric of the community. Ancient Near Eastern law codes, such as the Code of Hammurabi, also contained severe penalties for theft, reflecting a universal understanding of its disruptive potential. For Israel, however, the prohibition was rooted not just in social utility but in their covenant relationship with a holy God who values justice, order, and the dignity of every individual, ensuring that all could live securely under His provision in the land He had promised.
* **Key Themes:** The prohibition against stealing contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Deuteronomy and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it champions **Respect for Property Rights**, affirming that possessions are legitimate and should be secured, reflecting God's design for order and individual flourishing within society. Secondly, it implicitly encourages **Trust in God's Provision**, urging individuals to rely on honest labor and legitimate means for sustenance, rather than resorting to illicit gains, as seen in passages like [Proverbs 13:11](/proverbs/13-11 "Proverbs 13:11 - Ill-Gotten Gains"). Thirdly, the command underscores the importance of **Upholding Justice and Integrity**. Stealing is an act of injustice that violates another's rights and disrupts the social fabric, promoting a commitment to fairness and honest dealings in all aspects of life, a principle echoed throughout the wisdom literature, such as in [Proverbs 11:1](/proverbs/11-1 "Proverbs 11:1 - Dishonest Scales"). Finally, it contributes to the theme of **Communal Well-being**, as a society where property is respected and theft is condemned fosters trust, cooperation, and stability, allowing the community to thrive under God's blessing.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Steal (Hebrew, _gānav_):** The Hebrew verb גָּנַב (_gānav_) specifically denotes taking something belonging to another by stealth, secretly, or clandestinely, often implying deception or a violation of trust. This distinguishes it from open robbery or plunder, which might involve violence or force (for which other Hebrew terms exist, such as גָּזַל _gāzal_). The emphasis on stealth implies a deliberate and deceptive act against another's rightful ownership, highlighting the insidious nature of the transgression. It covers a broad range of illicit acquisition, from petty theft to kidnapping (as seen in [Exodus 21:16](/exodus/21-16 "Exodus 21:16 - Penalty for Kidnapping")).

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Neither shalt thou":** This phrase, employing the negative imperative, conveys an absolute and unconditional prohibition. It is not a suggestion or a recommendation, but a direct, binding command from God. The structure "לא תגנב" (lo' tignov) is a strong, definitive negation, leaving no room for ambiguity or exceptions based on circumstance. It establishes a fundamental boundary for ethical conduct within the covenant community, reflecting the holy character of God Himself, who is just and righteous.
* **"steal":** This single word encapsulates the act of taking what rightfully belongs to another without permission or legitimate claim. As discussed in the key word analysis, it primarily refers to clandestine or deceptive appropriation. The command thus protects not only physical possessions but also the principle of rightful ownership and the labor invested in acquiring those possessions. It calls for respect for the boundaries God has established for individual and communal life, fostering an environment of trust and security.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 5:19, "Neither shalt thou steal," primarily functions as an **Apodictic Law**. This literary device refers to an absolute, unconditional command, typically expressed as a direct prohibition ("You shall not...") or an affirmation ("You shall..."). Unlike casuistic law, which is conditional ("If... then..."), apodictic law presents universal principles of behavior that apply to all members of the covenant community at all times. The **Conciseness** of the command (just two words in Hebrew) amplifies its authority and memorability, making it easily understood and remembered. While not a direct chiasm, this command is part of the broader **Decalogue's Structure**, which often exhibits chiastic or parallel patterns, emphasizing the interconnectedness of the laws. The command also serves as a powerful **Ethical Imperative**, shaping the moral conscience of the nation and guiding their interactions, promoting a society founded on justice, honesty, and mutual respect rather than exploitation or illicit gain.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The prohibition against stealing is deeply rooted in God's character and His design for humanity. It reflects His justice, order, and generosity, calling His people to emulate these attributes. To steal is to deny God's sovereignty as the ultimate provider, to disrespect the dignity of one's neighbor who bears God's image, and to violate the covenant of love and trust that God seeks to establish within His community. It is a manifestation of covetousness, a heart condition that prioritizes self-gain over righteous living and love for others. Ultimately, this command points to the need for a transformed heart, one that trusts in God's provision and delights in honest labor and generosity, rather than illicit acquisition.

* [Exodus 20:15](/exodus/20-15 "Exodus 20:15 - The Eighth Commandment in the Original Decalogue")
* [Ephesians 4:28](/ephesians/4-28 "Ephesians 4:28 - Work Honestly and Share")
* [Matthew 22:39](/matthew/22-39 "Matthew 22:39 - Love Your Neighbor as Yourself")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The command "Neither shalt thou steal" extends far beyond the simplistic notion of physically taking another's property. In a complex, modern society, its principles permeate every aspect of our lives, challenging us to live with unwavering integrity and honesty. This includes respecting intellectual property through avoiding plagiarism or illegal downloads, upholding financial integrity by eschewing tax evasion, fraud, or embezzlement, and demonstrating professional ethics by not "stealing" time or resources from employers. It also speaks to systemic injustices, urging us to consider whether our economic systems or personal practices inadvertently exploit others through unjust wages or unfair market practices. Ultimately, this commandment calls believers to cultivate a heart of contentment, trusting in God's provision, and to live generously, recognizing that all we possess is a gift from God to be stewarded responsibly and shared charitably, reflecting the character of our giving God to a watching world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what subtle ways might I be "stealing" in my daily life, beyond physical theft (e.g., time, intellectual property, unfulfilled commitments)?**
* **How does a desire for more, or a lack of contentment, contribute to the temptation to acquire things unjustly?**
* **Am I truly trusting God for my provision, or am I tempted to cut corners or engage in dishonest practices for financial gain?**
* **How can I actively promote justice and integrity in my sphere of influence, ensuring fair dealings and respecting the labor and property of others?**

### FAQ
**Does 'stealing' only refer to physical objects, or does it have a broader meaning?**

Answer: While the immediate context of Deuteronomy 5:19 primarily refers to the physical appropriation of property, the biblical principle of "stealing" extends far beyond mere physical objects. The command encompasses any act that unjustly deprives another person or entity of what rightfully belongs to them. This includes intellectual property (plagiarism, copyright infringement), financial fraud (tax evasion, embezzlement, deceptive advertising), time theft (being unproductive or dishonest with time for which one is paid), and even the exploitation of others through unjust wages or unfair business practices. The underlying principle is respect for the dignity and labor of others, and a commitment to honesty and integrity in all transactions, reflecting the broader call to love one's neighbor as oneself, as articulated in [Matthew 22:39](/matthew/22-39 "Matthew 22:39 - The Second Great Commandment").

**How does this commandment relate to social justice issues, such as poverty or economic inequality?**

Answer: The prohibition against stealing has profound implications for social justice. While it forbids individual acts of theft, it also implicitly condemns systemic forms of exploitation and injustice that deprive people of their rightful share or opportunities. When powerful individuals or institutions unjustly accumulate wealth or resources at the expense of the vulnerable, it is a form of "stealing" in a broader sense. The Old Testament law, including the Decalogue, often includes provisions for the poor, the sojourner, and the vulnerable, such as gleaning laws ([Deuteronomy 24:19-22](/deuteronomy/24-19 "Deuteronomy 24:19-22 - Gleaning Laws")) and the year of Jubilee, which sought to prevent permanent economic disenfranchisement. Therefore, upholding this commandment not only means refraining from personal theft but also advocating for economic systems and practices that ensure fairness, promote equitable access to resources, and protect the vulnerable from exploitation, aligning with God's heart for justice for all, as seen in [Amos 5:24](/amos/5-24 "Amos 5:24 - Let Justice Roll Down").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The command "Neither shalt thou steal" finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in Jesus Christ. He perfectly embodied this commandment, not only by never engaging in theft but by living a life of radical self-giving, never taking but always giving. Jesus taught that the law's essence is love for God and neighbor ([Matthew 22:37-39](/matthew/22-37-39 "Matthew 22:37-39 - The Greatest Commandment")), and stealing is fundamentally an act against one's neighbor, driven by covetousness, a heart sin that Jesus warned against ([Luke 12:15](/luke/12-15 "Luke 12:15 - Beware of Covetousness")). Through His atoning sacrifice, Christ frees us from the power of sin, including the greed and self-centeredness that lead to theft. The Holy Spirit, dwelling in believers, empowers us to live lives of integrity, honest labor, and generosity, transforming our hearts from a desire to take to a desire to give, reflecting the very character of Christ, who, though rich, for our sake became poor, so that in His poverty we might become rich ([2 Corinthians 8:9](/2_corinthians/8-9 "2 Corinthians 8:9 - Christ's Example of Giving")). Ultimately, in Christ, we are called not just to refrain from stealing, but to actively work with our hands so that we may have something to share with those in need ([Ephesians 4:28](/ephesians/4-28 "Ephesians 4:28 - Work and Share")), demonstrating the abundance of God's grace and the transforming power of the Gospel.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Exodus 20:15

Thou shalt not steal.

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.

Ephesians 4:28

Let 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.