a primitive root; to thieve (literally or figuratively); by implication, to deceive; carry away, [idiom] indeed, secretly bring, steal (away), get by stealth.
Transliteration:gânab
Pronunciation:gaw-nab'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew verb `{{H1589}}` (גָּנַב, *gânab*) is a primitive root whose core meaning is "to steal" or "to thieve." This action inherently implies an illicit and surreptitious taking of something that belongs to another. The semantic range extends beyond mere physical appropriation of property to encompass various forms of deception and clandestine removal. It can refer to:
1. **Literal Theft**: The unlawful taking of material possessions, as prohibited by the Eighth Commandment ([[Exodus 20:15]]).
2. **Kidnapping**: The illicit taking of a person, a grave offense carrying the death penalty in ancient Israel ([[Exodus 21:16]]).
3. **Figurative Deception**: To "steal away" or "deceive," implying a surreptitious removal of trust, loyalty, or even truth. This can manifest as a clandestine departure ([[Genesis 31:20]]), or more profoundly, as the appropriation of another's words or authority ([[Jeremiah 23:30]]).
4. **Covert Action**: The underlying nuance of *gânab* is often the element of stealth, secrecy, or cunning involved in the act, distinguishing it from open robbery (e.g., `{{H1627}}` *gâzal*, to rob by violence) or legitimate taking (`{{H3947}}` *lâqach*, to take).
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb `{{H1589}}` appears approximately 39 times in the Old Testament, illuminating its diverse applications:
* **The Decalogue**: Its most prominent appearance is in the Eighth Commandment, "You shall not steal" ([[Exodus 20:15]]; [[Deuteronomy 5:19]]). This foundational prohibition underscores the sanctity of private property and the societal order established by God.
* **Patriarchal Narratives**: In the story of Jacob and Laban, Rachel "stole" Laban's household gods (*teraphim*) ([[Genesis 31:19]]). This act is both a literal theft and an act of deception, highlighting the secretive nature of *gânab* and its potential connection to idolatry or a desire for illicit power/protection. Laban later accuses Jacob of having "stolen" away from him ([[Genesis 31:20]]), referring to his clandestine departure.
* **Legal Contexts**: The Mosaic Law prescribes strict penalties for theft, including restitution (e.g., double, fourfold, or fivefold, depending on the circumstances, [[Exodus 22:1-4]]). The stealing of a person (kidnapping) was a capital offense ([[Exodus 21:16]]), emphasizing the supreme value of human life and freedom. The narrative of Achan's theft of devoted things ([[Joshua 7:11]]) illustrates the corporate consequences of individual sin, bringing defilement and divine judgment upon the entire community.
* **Prophetic Warnings**: Prophets use *gânab* metaphorically to describe spiritual illicit acts. Jeremiah condemns false prophets who "steal My words from one another" ([[Jeremiah 23:30]]), implying a deceptive appropriation or misrepresentation of divine revelation, thereby undermining God's true message and authority. This highlights theft as a violation of truth and spiritual integrity.
* **Wisdom Literature**: Proverbs often addresses theft in the context of moral choices. While condemning it, it acknowledges the desperation that might drive someone to steal, yet still affirms the principle of restitution ([[Proverbs 6:30-31]]). It also warns against the folly and consequences of such actions ([[Proverbs 30:9]]).
* **Personal Accounts**: Joseph's lament, "For indeed I was stolen from the land of the Hebrews" ([[Genesis 40:15]]), uses *gânab* to describe his kidnapping and unjust removal, broadening the term's application beyond mere property to the wrongful seizure of a person's liberty and life.
### Related Words & Concepts
The concept of `{{H1589}}` (to steal) is intricately linked with several other biblical terms and theological concepts:
* **`{{H1627}}` (גָּזַל, *gâzal*)**: To rob, plunder, or seize by violence. While *gânab* emphasizes stealth and secrecy, *gâzal* implies open force or oppression. Both are illicit takings, but the modus operandi differs significantly.
* **`{{H2803}}` (חָשַׂךְ, *châshach*)**: To withhold or keep back. While not direct theft, withholding what is due can be a related form of injustice, particularly in economic contexts.
* **`{{H3947}}` (לָקַח, *lâqach*)**: A general verb meaning "to take" or "to receive." This is a neutral term, becoming illicit only when contextually specified as wrongful, whereas *gânab* is inherently illicit.
* **`{{H2530}}` (חָמַד, *châmad*)**: To covet, desire, or lust after. Covetousness often precedes and motivates the act of stealing, as reflected in the Tenth Commandment ([[Exodus 20:17]]).
* **Deception (`{{H7411}}` *râmâh*, `{{H6128}}` *âqav*)**: The act of stealing often involves an element of deceit, misleading the victim or hiding the perpetrator's actions. Rachel's theft of the teraphim is a prime example of *gânab* intertwined with deception.
* **Justice (`{{H6664}}` *tsedeq*) and Righteousness (`{{H6666}}` *tsedâqâh*)**: Theft is a direct violation of these divine attributes and the principles of a just society.
* **Trust and Betrayal**: Theft undermines trust within relationships and communities, leading to feelings of betrayal.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H1589}}` (gânab) is profound, touching upon God's character, human relationships, and the nature of sin:
* **Violation of Divine Law**: At its core, stealing is a direct transgression against God's explicit command in the Decalogue. This places it not merely as a social misdemeanor but as a spiritual offense against the Lawgiver Himself. It reflects a rejection of God's authority and His established order for human society.
* **Disregard for God's Sovereignty and Provision**: Theft implies a lack of trust in God's ability or willingness to provide for one's needs, or an unbridled desire for what God has not legitimately given. It is an act of self-sufficiency that bypasses divine provision and human labor.
* **Breach of Covenant and Community**: The prohibition against stealing is fundamental to maintaining a just and stable society. It protects the integrity of property rights, fosters trust, and prevents social chaos. When one steals, they not only wrong the individual victim but also rupture the fabric of communal harmony and violate the covenant principles that bind God's people.
* **Spiritual Idolatry and Deception**: As seen in Rachel's theft of the teraphim, stealing can be linked to idolatry—seeking security or power from illicit sources rather than from God. The prophetic use of *gânab* for "stealing God's words" highlights how spiritual deception and misrepresentation of divine truth are equally grievous forms of "theft," undermining God's revelation and leading people astray.
* **Justice and Restitution**: The Law's emphasis on restitution for theft underscores God's commitment to justice and the restoration of what is right. It points to the principle that sin requires not only forgiveness but also a making-right of wrongs where possible, reflecting God's desire for reconciliation and order.
* **Human Dignity**: The severe penalty for kidnapping (`{{H1589}}` of a person) emphasizes the immense value God places on human life and freedom, distinguishing it from mere property.
### Summary
The Hebrew verb {{H1589}}` (גָּנַב, *gânab*) fundamentally signifies "to steal" or "to thieve," encompassing any illicit and surreptitious taking. Its semantic range extends from the literal appropriation of property and the grave offense of kidnapping to figurative acts of deception, such as the clandestine departure or, most significantly, the misrepresentation and appropriation of divine truth by false prophets. Rooted in the Eighth Commandment, *gânab* is a direct violation of God's law, undermining the fabric of trust and justice essential for a righteous society. Theologically, it reflects a disregard for God's provision, a breach of covenant, and often an underlying covetousness or idolatry. The biblical emphasis on restitution and severe penalties for certain forms of theft underscores God's unwavering commitment to justice and the sanctity of both property and human life.
TRV