a primitive root; to thieve (literally or figuratively); by implication, to deceive; carry away, [idiom] indeed, secretly bring, steal (away), get by stealth.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **gânab**, represented by `{{H1589}}`, is a primitive root meaning **to thieve (literally or figuratively); by implication, to deceive; carry away, [idiom] indeed, secretly bring, steal (away), get by stealth**. It appears **39 times** across **36 unique verses** in the Bible, encompassing a range of actions from simple theft to covert deception.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical law and narrative, `{{H1589}}` is used in several distinct ways. It forms a core prohibition in the Ten Commandments, as stated in "Thou shalt not **steal**" [[Exodus 20:15]] and again in Deuteronomy [[Deuteronomy 5:19]]. The word's application extends beyond objects to people, with the act of **stealing** a man being a capital offense [[Exodus 21:16]]. It is also used figuratively, as when Absalom **stole** the hearts of the men of Israel, signifying a deceitful siphoning of loyalty [[2 Samuel 15:6]]. The connection to secrecy is prominent; Laban accuses Jacob of having **stolen away** secretly [[Genesis 31:27]], and Jacob acknowledges he **stole away** unawares [[Genesis 31:20]]. The term is often listed alongside other severe transgressions, such as murder and adultery, indicating its significance as a marker of moral decay ([[Jeremiah 7:9]], [[Hosea 4:2]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help to define the scope and context of stealing:
* `{{H1590}}` **gannâb** (a stealer; thief): This is the noun form derived directly from **gânab**. It is used to identify the perpetrator, as in the law stating what happens if the **thief** is found [[Exodus 22:7]] and the warning that a curse enters the house of the **thief** [[Zechariah 5:4]].
* `{{H3584}}` **kâchash** (to be untrue... deceive, deny, dissemble, fail, deal falsely): This word highlights the element of deception often associated with theft. It appears directly alongside **gânab** in the command, "Ye shall not **steal**, neither **deal falsely**" [[Leviticus 19:11]], and in the description of Achan's sin, where he had "also **stolen**, and **dissembled** also" [[Joshua 7:11]].
* `{{H1272}}` **bârach** (to bolt, i.e. figuratively, to flee suddenly): This term connects the act of stealing with escape. Laban confronts Jacob, asking, "Wherefore didst thou **flee away** secretly, and **steal away** from me" [[Genesis 31:27]], linking the physical act of fleeing with the covert taking.
* `{{H4376}}` **mâkar** (to sell): This word is often the consequence or purpose of stealing. The law against kidnapping specifies that if a man **stealeth** another and **selleth** him, he is to be put to death [[Exodus 21:16]], showing the progression from one illicit act to another.
### Theological Significance
The theological and moral weight of `{{H1589}}` is significant and multifaceted.
* **Violation of Divine Command:** The prohibition against **stealing** is a foundational element of God's covenant law [[Exodus 20:15]]. Violating this command is presented as a direct sin against God's order, bringing a curse upon the land [[Zechariah 5:3]].
* **Betrayal of Relationship and Trust:** The act of **stealing** is frequently portrayed as a breach of trust between individuals. Rachel **steals** her father's images [[Genesis 31:19]], Jacob **steals away** from his father-in-law Laban [[Genesis 31:20]], and prophets are accused of **stealing** God's words from their neighbors [[Jeremiah 23:30]].
* **Symptom of Covenant Failure:** In many prophetic writings, **stealing** is listed as part of a catalog of sins that define a broken relationship with God. When Israel has **stolen** and taken the accursed thing, they have "transgressed my covenant" [[Joshua 7:11]]. It is not merely a social crime but an indicator of spiritual apostasy.
* **Figurative Taking:** The word's usage is not confined to material goods. It describes the taking of intangibles, such as the "hearts of the men of Israel" [[2 Samuel 15:6]] or a thing "secretly brought" to Job's ear [[Job 4:12]], showing how stealth and illicit taking apply to influence and knowledge as well.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H1589}}` **gânab** carries a meaning far broader than the simple act of taking property. It is a cornerstone concept in biblical ethics, defining a fundamental violation of divine law and social trust. The word intricately weaves together the ideas of theft, secrecy, and deception, applying to the taking of objects, people, and even intangibles like loyalty and divine messages. Its presence in legal codes and prophetic warnings alike establishes it as a serious transgression against both God and neighbor.
TRV