### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb κλέπτω (kléptō, `{{G2813}}`) carries the primary meaning "to steal," "to pilfer," or "to filch." It denotes the act of taking something that rightfully belongs to another, typically without their knowledge or consent, and often with an element of stealth or deceit. Unlike ληστής (lēstēs, `{{G3027}}`), which refers to a robber who might use violence, κλέπτω emphasizes the illicit acquisition of property, focusing on the surreptitious nature of the act. The semantic range of κλέπτω is relatively narrow, centering directly on the violation of property rights through covert means. It inherently implies an act of dishonesty and a disregard for established ownership.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
κλέπτω appears eleven times in the New Testament, primarily in contexts that prohibit or condemn the act of theft. Its most prominent occurrences are within discussions of the Mosaic Law, specifically the Eighth Commandment, "You shall not steal."
* In the Synoptic Gospels, Jesus reiterates this commandment when listing the requirements for eternal life: "You shall not murder, You shall not commit adultery, You shall not steal, You shall not bear false witness..." ([[Matthew 19:18]], also [[Mark 10:19]], [[Luke 18:20]]). Here, κλέπτω is presented as a fundamental ethical boundary, a direct violation of God's revealed will.
* Paul likewise cites this commandment in [[Romans 13:9]] as part of the summary of the law, affirming that "You shall not steal" is encapsulated within the command to "love your neighbor as yourself." This highlights that theft is not merely a legal infraction but a transgression against one's fellow human being, rooted in a lack of love.
* The noun form, κλέπτης (kleptēs, `{{G2812}}`, "thief"), is used in [[John 10:10]] to contrast the destructive intent of the "thief" with the life-giving purpose of the "Good Shepherd." "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." This passage elevates the concept of theft to a spiritual plane, associating it with forces of destruction and opposition to divine life.
* In [[Ephesians 4:28]], Paul issues a direct command for transformation: "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 not only prohibits the act but prescribes the positive alternative: honest labor and generosity, demonstrating the practical outworking of repentance and new life in Christ.
* [[1 Corinthians 6:10]] lists "thieves" among those who "will not inherit the kingdom of God," underscoring the serious spiritual consequences of unrepentant theft.
* The word is also used in a more literal sense, as in [[Matthew 6:19-20]], where Jesus warns against storing treasures on earth "where thieves break in and steal," contrasting it with heavenly treasures. And infamously, in [[John 12:6]], Judas Iscariot is described as a "thief" who would pilfer from the common purse.
### Related Words & Concepts
κλέπτω is closely related to its noun form, κλέπτης (kleptēs, `{{G2812}}`), meaning "thief." While κλέπτω describes the action, κλέπτης identifies the perpetrator.
In the Old Testament, the Hebrew equivalent for "to steal" is גָּנַב (ganav, `{{H1589}}`), found in the Decalogue (Exodus 20:15, Deuteronomy 5:19). The consistent prohibition across both testaments underscores the timeless nature of this ethical standard.
Other related Greek terms include:
* ἁρπάζω (harpazō, `{{G726}}`): "to snatch away," "to seize," often implying force or violence, which can be a component of robbery but distinct from the covert nature of κλέπτω.
* ληστής (lēstēs, `{{G3027}}`): "robber," "brigand," often implying open violence or banditry, contrasting with the stealth of a κλέπτης.
The concept of κλέπτω stands in opposition to principles such as honesty, integrity, diligence in labor, respect for property rights, and contentment. It is intrinsically linked to the sin of covetousness (ἐπιθυμία, epithymia, `{{G1939}}`), as the desire for what belongs to another often precedes the act of theft.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of κλέπτω is profound, touching upon foundational aspects of divine law, human relationships, and spiritual transformation.
1. **Violation of Divine Law:** Theft is a direct transgression of the Eighth Commandment, revealing a disregard for God's revealed will and His established order for human society. It signifies a failure to trust in God's provision and a reliance on illicit means for gain.
2. **Failure of Love for Neighbor:** As Paul explains in [[Romans 13:9]], the prohibition against stealing is subsumed under the command to "love your neighbor as yourself." To steal is to actively harm one's neighbor by depriving them of their rightful possessions, demonstrating a lack of empathy and charity.
3. **Manifestation of Sinful Nature:** The act of stealing stems from a heart that is not content with what it has, that covets what belongs to another, and that is willing to violate ethical boundaries for personal gain. It is a symptom of a fallen human nature that seeks to take rather than to give or to labor honestly.
4. **Contrast with Christ's Mission:** In [[John 10:10]], Jesus sharply contrasts His mission of abundant life with the destructive agenda of the "thief." This highlights that theft, in its spiritual dimension, is a force that diminishes, destroys, and takes away, standing in direct opposition to the redemptive and life-giving work of Christ.
5. **Call to Repentance and Transformation:** The New Testament does not merely condemn theft but calls for a radical change in behavior. [[Ephesians 4:28]] illustrates this by commanding the former thief to engage in honest, productive labor, not only to meet his own needs but to be able to share with others. This demonstrates that true repentance involves not just ceasing from sin but actively pursuing righteousness and generosity, reflecting the transformative power of the Gospel.
6. **Exclusion from God's Kingdom:** The listing of "thieves" among those who will not inherit the kingdom of God in [[1 Corinthians 6:10]] underscores the gravity of this sin. It serves as a stark warning that persistent, unrepentant theft is incompatible with a saving relationship with God and participation in His eternal reign.
### Summary
The Greek verb κλέπτω (kléptō, `{{G2813}}`) signifies the act of stealing or pilfering, an illicit taking of another's property, often characterized by stealth. Throughout the New Testament, κλέπτω is consistently condemned as a direct violation of God's Law, specifically the Eighth Commandment ([[Matthew 19:18]], [[Romans 13:9]]). Its theological significance extends beyond mere legal infraction, revealing a fundamental failure to love one's neighbor and a manifestation of a sinful, covetous heart. The Bible contrasts the destructive nature of the "thief" with the life-giving mission of Christ ([[John 10:10]]) and calls for radical transformation, urging those who stole to embrace honest labor and generosity ([[Ephesians 4:28]]). Ultimately, unrepentant theft is presented as a serious sin that precludes inheritance of God's kingdom ([[1 Corinthians 6:10]]), underscoring the imperative for believers to live with integrity, honesty, and respect for the possessions of others.
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