### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun κλοπή (klopḗ), transliterated as "klopḗ," carries the precise meaning of "theft" or "stealing." It denotes the act of illicitly taking what belongs to another, an appropriation of property without consent or legal right. Derived from the verb κλέπτω (kleptō), `{{G2813}}`, meaning "to steal," κλοπή refers specifically to the action itself, rather than the perpetrator or the object stolen. Its semantic range is quite narrow, focusing exclusively on the transgression of property rights through surreptitious or unlawful means. It encapsulates the essence of the violation inherent in the act of stealing.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term κλοπή (klopḗ) appears infrequently in the New Testament, occurring only twice, both times in the Synoptic Gospels within the context of Jesus' teaching on the origin of defilement.
1. **[[Matthew 15:19]]**: "For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies." Here, klopḗ is enumerated among a list of moral evils that Jesus identifies as originating from the human heart, rather than from external sources or ritual impurities. This context is crucial, as it places theft not merely as an outward act, but as a manifestation of an internal spiritual corruption. It is presented as a fundamental transgression against God's moral law and the well-being of one's neighbor.
2. **[[Mark 7:21]]**: "For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lewdness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness." Similar to Matthew's account, Mark includes klopḗ in an extensive catalog of sins that defile a person. The emphasis remains on the internal source of sin, highlighting that the act of theft springs from a corrupted inner disposition. The juxtaposition with "covetousness" (`{{G4124}}`, pleonexia) immediately following klopḗ suggests a causal link, where an unbridled desire for what belongs to another often precipitates the act of stealing.
In both occurrences, klopḗ is presented as a serious moral failing that emanates from the unregenerate human heart, underscoring Jesus' radical redefinition of purity and defilement.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of klopḗ naturally leads to several related terms and theological concepts:
* **κλέπτω (kleptō)** `{{G2813}}`: The verb from which klopḗ is derived, meaning "to steal." This is the action itself.
* **κλέπτης (kleptēs)** `{{G2812}}`: The noun denoting the "thief" or "one who steals." This refers to the agent of klopḗ.
* **The Eighth Commandment**: The prohibition "You shall not steal" ([[Exodus 20:15]], [[Deuteronomy 5:19]]) from the Decalogue forms the foundational Old Testament legal and ethical context for understanding klopḗ. This commandment establishes divine ownership and the sanctity of private property within a covenant community.
* **πλεονεξία (pleonexia)** `{{G4124}}`: "Covetousness" or "greed." Often a root cause or motivation for klopḗ, as the desire to possess what is not one's own can lead to unlawful acquisition. [[Mark 7:22]] places it directly after klopḗ in Jesus' list of defiling elements.
* **Justice and Righteousness**: Theft is a direct violation of justice and righteousness, as it infringes upon the rights of others and disrupts the equitable distribution of resources or possessions.
* **Love for Neighbor**: The act of klopḗ fundamentally contradicts the command to "love your neighbor as yourself" ([[Romans 13:9]]), as it inflicts harm, loss, and distress upon the victim.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of klopḗ is profound, extending beyond a mere legal transgression:
1. **Violation of Divine Law**: As a direct contravention of the Eighth Commandment, klopḗ is a sin against God's revealed will. It demonstrates a disregard for the divine order established for human society and the sanctity of property.
2. **Manifestation of Inner Corruption**: Jesus' teaching in [[Matthew 15:19]] and [[Mark 7:21]] elevates klopḗ from a simple external act to a symptom of a deeper spiritual malady. It reveals the fallen nature of the human heart, where selfish desires and disregard for others can fester and erupt into harmful actions. This highlights the need for internal transformation and a renewed heart.
3. **Breach of Love and Community**: Theft is an act of aggression against one's neighbor, causing material loss and emotional distress. It erodes trust, undermines communal harmony, and violates the principle of mutual respect and love that should characterize human relationships, especially within the covenant community.
4. **Exclusion from God's Kingdom**: The New Testament explicitly states that "thieves" (`{{G2812}}`, kleptēs) will not inherit the kingdom of God ([[1 Corinthians 6:10]]). This underscores the gravity of the sin of theft and the necessity of repentance and a transformed life for salvation.
5. **Call to Righteous Living**: In contrast to klopḗ, Christian ethics calls believers to honest labor and generosity. [[Ephesians 4:28]] exhorts, "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 demonstrates a radical shift from taking to giving, reflecting the work of the Holy Spirit in transforming the heart and promoting a life of sacrificial love.
### Summary
The Greek word κλοπή (klopḗ) precisely denotes the act of "theft" or "stealing." Though appearing only twice in the New Testament ([[Matthew 15:19]], [[Mark 7:21]]), its contextual placement within Jesus' teachings is highly significant. It is presented as a grave moral evil originating from the corrupt human heart, alongside other destructive sins. Theologically, klopḗ represents a direct violation of God's Eighth Commandment, a manifestation of inner spiritual defilement, and a profound breach of love and justice towards one's neighbor. Its practice is incompatible with entrance into God's Kingdom, emphasizing the biblical call for genuine repentance, inner transformation, and a life characterized by honest labor and generous giving, in stark contrast to the acquisitive nature of theft.
TRV