Proverbs 6:31

KJV

But [if] he be found, he shall restore sevenfold; he shall give all the substance of his house.

KJV (with Strong's)

But if he be found {H4672}, he shall restore {H7999} sevenfold {H7659}; he shall give {H5414} all the substance {H1952} of his house {H1004}.

Complete Jewish Bible

but even he, if caught, must pay back sevenfold; he may have to give up all the wealth that he owns.

Berean Standard Bible

Yet if caught, he must pay sevenfold; he must give up all the wealth of his house.

American Standard Version

But if he be found, he shall restore sevenfold; He shall give all the substance of his house.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 6:31 delivers a stark warning regarding the severe consequences for a caught thief, particularly in contrast to the thief driven by hunger mentioned in the preceding verse. While the initial act of stealing might be understood, this proverb emphasizes that discovery leads to an overwhelming penalty, demanding a "sevenfold" restoration that often results in the complete forfeiture of the thief's assets, illustrating the uncompromising nature of justice and the devastating impact of illicit gain.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 6:31 is situated within a broader section (Proverbs 6:20-35) where the father-teacher warns his son against various forms of folly and sin, primarily focusing on the destructive nature of adultery. The immediate context, Proverbs 6:30-31, addresses theft. Proverbs 6:30 offers a nuanced perspective, suggesting that a thief stealing out of hunger might not be "despised" in the same way as other criminals, implying a degree of understanding or lesser social condemnation. However, Proverbs 6:31 immediately clarifies that even such a thief, if "found," is not exempt from severe legal consequences. This brief digression on theft serves as a powerful rhetorical device, setting up a sharp **contrast** with the sin of adultery in Proverbs 6:32-35. The argument is that if even a thief, whose motive might be understandable, faces such ruinous restitution, how much more devastating and irreparable are the consequences of adultery, which has no "restoration" or "ransom" (Proverbs 6:35)?
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, as in many ancient Near Eastern societies, theft was a serious offense against property rights and communal order. Mosaic Law prescribed various forms of restitution, often requiring double the value of stolen goods (e.g., [Exodus 22:1](/exodus/22-1 "Exodus 22:1 - Restitution for Theft"), [Exodus 22:4](/exodus/22-4 "Exodus 22:4 - Restitution for Stolen Animals")). The "sevenfold" restitution mentioned in Proverbs 6:31 goes beyond these typical legal requirements. It is widely understood as a **hyperbolic** expression, signifying a penalty so absolute and overwhelming that it would financially ruin the thief. This severity served as a potent deterrent, ensuring justice for the wronged party and reinforcing the sanctity of property. Such a penalty could lead to the thief's complete impoverishment, potentially even resulting in indentured servitude to repay the immense debt, as a thief's "substance" (wealth, possessions) would be entirely consumed.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully underscores the theme of **consequences for wrongdoing**, demonstrating that actions, even those born of desperation, carry a significant price. The "sevenfold" restitution highlights the **severity of justice** within the wisdom tradition, emphasizing that while human understanding might acknowledge mitigating circumstances (as in [Proverbs 6:30](/proverbs/6-30 "Proverbs 6:30 - Stealing out of Hunger")), the law demands comprehensive restoration. This serves as a strong **deterrent** against illicit gain, reinforcing the importance of integrity and the protection of property rights within the community. Furthermore, the verse functions as a crucial part of a **rhetorical contrast**, setting the stage for the even more dire and irreparable consequences of adultery described in the subsequent verses, thereby establishing a hierarchy of offenses in terms of their societal and personal impact.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **found (Hebrew, _mâtsâʼ'_):** H4672. This primitive root means "to come forth to, i.e. appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e. find or acquire." In this context, it signifies being discovered or apprehended. The consequence described in the verse only applies if the thief is caught, highlighting the element of accountability and the inability to escape justice once exposed.
* **restore (Hebrew, _shâlam'_):** H7999. A primitive root meaning "to be safe (in mind, body or estate); figuratively, to be (causatively, make) completed; by implication, to be friendly; by extension, to reciprocate (in various applications)." Here, it specifically means to make amends, to pay back, or to make restitution. The verb implies a completion of the debt, a making whole of what was taken, even if the amount exceeds the original loss.
* **sevenfold (Hebrew, _shibʻâthayim'_):** H7659. This dual adverbial form of `sheba` means "seven-times." In biblical numerology, "seven" often denotes completeness, perfection, or totality. In this context, "sevenfold" is a hyperbolic expression, signifying an overwhelmingly severe and comprehensive penalty, far exceeding the original offense, rather than a literal mathematical calculation. It implies total financial ruin.
* **substance (Hebrew, _hôwn'_):** H1952. From a root meaning "wealth; by implication, enough." This word refers to one's possessions, riches, or wealth. The phrase "all the substance of his house" indicates that the restitution would consume every asset the thief possessed, including his entire estate and possibly even his family's future, underscoring the devastating nature of the penalty.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But [if] he be found,"**: This opening clause establishes the condition for the severe penalty. It implies that while some thieves might escape detection, the moment of discovery triggers an unavoidable and harsh consequence. The "if" highlights the contingency and the risk inherent in the act of stealing.
* **"he shall restore sevenfold;"**: This is the core of the prescribed penalty. The thief is not merely to return what was stolen, but to pay back an amount far exceeding the original value. "Sevenfold" emphasizes the totality and severity of the restitution, acting as a powerful deterrent and ensuring full compensation—and more—for the victim.
* **"he shall give all the substance of his house."**: This final clause underscores the devastating impact of the "sevenfold" restoration. It means the thief will be stripped of all his wealth, possessions, and assets, potentially leading to complete financial ruin, destitution, or even indentured servitude to repay the debt. It signifies the comprehensive nature of the justice meted out.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 6:31 powerfully employs **Hyperbole** with the phrase "restore sevenfold." This is not intended as a literal mathematical calculation but rather as an emphatic expression of the extreme and ruinous nature of the penalty. The number seven, often symbolizing completeness or perfection in biblical literature, here conveys the idea of a total and overwhelming loss, ensuring the thief's complete financial devastation. The verse also functions as a **Contrast** within the broader passage. By presenting the severe, yet quantifiable and potentially repayable, consequences of theft (even if extreme), it sets up a stark comparison with the irreparable and unredeemable nature of adultery described immediately after ([Proverbs 6:32-35](/proverbs/6-32 "Proverbs 6:32-35 - The Irreparable Ruin of Adultery")). This rhetorical move highlights adultery as a far more destructive and unforgivable offense in the eyes of the wisdom tradition.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Proverbs 6:31 articulates a fundamental principle of biblical justice: wrongdoing demands restitution and carries severe consequences. While the immediate context deals with legal and social penalties for theft, the underlying theological theme is God's righteous order, which requires accountability and the restoration of what is broken or taken. The "sevenfold" penalty, though hyperbolic, reflects a divine standard where justice is not merely about equal exchange but about a comprehensive making-right that deters future transgression and upholds the sanctity of property and communal trust. This principle resonates throughout Scripture, emphasizing that sin, in its various forms, incurs a debt that must be paid, whether through human legal systems or ultimately through divine judgment.

* [Exodus 22:1](/exodus/22-1 "Exodus 22:1 - Restitution for Stolen Ox or Sheep")
* [Leviticus 6:4-5](/leviticus/6-4 "Leviticus 6:4-5 - Restitution Plus One-Fifth")
* [Luke 19:8](/luke/19-8 "Luke 19:8 - Zacchaeus's Fourfold Restitution")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 6:31 serves as a timeless reminder that actions have consequences, and that the path of illicit gain ultimately leads to ruin. While the modern legal system may not enforce a literal "sevenfold" restitution, the spiritual and moral principle remains: sin incurs a debt that must be paid. This verse calls us to a profound level of integrity and honesty in all our dealings, warning against the deceptive allure of quick, ill-gotten gains. It teaches us that true prosperity is found not in accumulating wealth through unjust means, but in living righteously, respecting the property and dignity of others, and trusting in God's provision. It also encourages us to reflect on the broader implications of our actions, understanding that even seemingly minor transgressions can have far-reaching and devastating effects on our lives and the lives of those around us, consuming our "substance" in ways we might not initially foresee.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be tempted to take what is not rightfully mine, whether materially, relationally, or spiritually (e.g., credit for others' work, time, attention)?**
* **How does the concept of "sevenfold" restitution challenge my understanding of justice and the consequences of sin, both in society and in my personal walk with God?**
* **Considering the contrast with adultery in the surrounding verses, what does this proverb teach me about the hierarchy of offenses and the irreparable nature of certain sins?**

### FAQ

**Is the "sevenfold" restitution in Proverbs 6:31 meant to be taken literally?**

Answer: No, the "sevenfold" restitution is generally understood as a **hyperbolic** expression, not a literal mathematical calculation. In biblical literature, the number seven often signifies completeness, perfection, or an overwhelming measure. Here, it emphasizes the extreme severity and totality of the penalty for a caught thief, implying that the restitution would consume all of the thief's wealth and assets, leading to complete financial ruin. It serves as a powerful deterrent and highlights the comprehensive nature of justice demanded for such an offense. This is in contrast to the typical Mosaic Law, which often prescribed double restitution for theft (e.g., [Exodus 22:4](/exodus/22-4 "Exodus 22:4 - Restitution for Stolen Animals")).

**How does Proverbs 6:31 relate to Proverbs 6:30, which mentions a thief stealing out of hunger?**

Answer: Proverbs 6:30 acknowledges that a thief stealing out of hunger might not be "despised" in the same way as other criminals, suggesting a degree of human understanding or lesser social condemnation for acts of desperation. However, Proverbs 6:31 immediately clarifies that this understanding does not exempt the thief from the severe legal consequences if caught. The two verses work in tandem to show that while motive might be considered, the act of theft still carries a heavy penalty under the law. This brief discussion on theft then serves as a **rhetorical contrast** to the much more destructive and irreparable sin of adultery, which is the primary focus of the surrounding passage ([Proverbs 6:32-35](/proverbs/6-32 "Proverbs 6:32-35 - The Irreparable Nature of Adultery")). The point is: if even a thief, whose motive might evoke some pity, faces such ruin, how much more devastating are the consequences of adultery, which offers no possibility of restitution or redemption?

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 6:31, with its demand for "sevenfold" restitution and the forfeiture of "all the substance of his house," powerfully illustrates the biblical principle that sin incurs an immense debt that must be paid. While the proverb speaks of earthly justice for theft, it points us to the ultimate spiritual debt incurred by humanity's sin against a holy God. No human being could ever "restore sevenfold" the glory stolen from God or the perfect obedience owed to Him. This is where Christ's fulfillment becomes profoundly clear. Jesus, the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), perfectly fulfilled the demands of God's righteous law, not by restoring what was stolen, but by paying the ultimate price for all sin. He became our "substance" and gave "all the substance of His house"—His very life and divine nature—as a perfect and complete atonement. Through His sacrifice on the cross, Christ fully satisfied the righteous demands of God's justice, making a "sevenfold" (complete and perfect) payment for our transgressions, a payment we could never make ourselves ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2-corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us"), [Romans 3:23-26](/romans/3-23 "Romans 3:23-26 - Righteousness Through Faith")). Thus, the devastating consequences of sin, which Proverbs 6:31 vividly portrays, are fully absorbed and overcome in Christ, offering redemption and reconciliation where human restitution would be impossible ([Colossians 2:13-14](/colossians/2-13 "Colossians 2:13-14 - Forgiveness and the Cancellation of Debt")).

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

Luke 19:8

And Zacchaeus stood, and said unto the Lord; Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore [him] fourfold.

Job 20:18

That which he laboured for shall he restore, and shall not swallow [it] down: according to [his] substance [shall] the restitution [be], and he shall not rejoice [therein].

Exodus 22:1

¶ If a man shall steal an ox, or a sheep, and kill it, or sell it; he shall restore five oxen for an ox, and four sheep for a sheep.

Exodus 22:4

If the theft be certainly found in his hand alive, whether it be ox, or ass, or sheep; he shall restore double.

2 Samuel 12:6

And he shall restore the lamb fourfold, because he did this thing, and because he had no pity.

Matthew 18:25

But forasmuch as he had not to pay, his lord commanded him to be sold, and his wife, and children, and all that he had, and payment to be made.