### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word gannâb (`{{H1590}}`) is a masculine noun derived from the verbal root gānab (`{{H1589}}`), which means "to steal," "to take away secretly," or "to deceive." As a noun, gannâb denotes the agent of this action: "a stealer" or "a thief." Its core meaning centers on the illicit and often clandestine appropriation of another's property or possessions. The term inherently carries a negative moral connotation, signifying a violation of established rights and social order. While it primarily refers to the literal act of taking goods, the underlying concept of unauthorized taking or deception can subtly extend to broader contexts, though its primary biblical usage remains focused on material theft.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term gannâb (`{{H1590}}`) appears 15 times in the Old Testament, consistently referring to an individual who commits theft. Its usage spans legal texts, wisdom literature, and prophetic denunciations, underscoring its significance within Israelite society and divine law.
* **Legal Framework:** The concept of the "thief" is foundational to the eighth commandment, "You shall not steal" (Exodus 20:15; Deuteronomy 5:19), although the verb gānab (`{{H1589}}`) is used there. Legal statutes in Exodus 22:2-4 detail the consequences for a gannâb (`{{H1590}}`), distinguishing between a thief caught breaking in at night (who could be killed without bloodguilt) and one caught in daylight (who must make full restitution). These laws highlight the protection of private property and the severity with which theft was viewed.
* **Wisdom Literature:** Proverbs offers nuanced perspectives on the gannâb (`{{H1590}}`). Proverbs 6:30-31 distinguishes between a thief who steals out of hunger (who, though still culpable, might be viewed with some pity but must make sevenfold restitution) and other transgressors. This passage does not condone theft but emphasizes the greater culpability of those who steal without such dire need. Proverbs 30:9 warns against stealing, linking it to the potential for dishonoring God's name.
* **Prophetic Condemnation:** Prophets frequently denounce theft as a sign of national moral decay. Jeremiah 2:26 uses the image of a gannâb (`{{H1590}}`) caught in shame to illustrate Israel's disgrace before God. Jeremiah 7:9 lists "stealing, murdering, committing adultery, swearing falsely" as sins committed by those who trust in the temple without true repentance. Hosea 7:1 describes internal corruption where "thieves break in" to houses. Zechariah 5:3-4 pronounces a curse upon "everyone who steals" and "everyone who swears falsely," indicating divine judgment against such transgressions.
* **Other Contexts:** Job 24:14 portrays the gannâb (`{{H1590}}`) as one who rises early to kill and steal, associating theft with violence and darkness.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **Root Verb:** The most direct relation is to the verb gānab (`{{H1589}}`), "to steal," which describes the act performed by the gannâb (`{{H1590}}`).
* **Synonyms/Related Terms:** While gannâb specifically implies secret or illicit taking, other terms denote similar or related actions:
* gāzāl (`{{H1497}}`): "to rob," "to plunder," often implying open violence or oppression, distinct from the clandestine nature of gannâb.
* pāshaṭ (`{{H6584}}`): "to strip," "to plunder," often in the context of military despoiling.
* bāqa' (`{{H1234}}`): "to break in," often used when describing a thief breaking into a house.
* **Antithetical Concepts:** Justice, righteousness, honesty, integrity, respect for property rights, and the principle of legitimate ownership stand in direct opposition to the actions of a gannâb (`{{H1590}}`).
* **New Testament Parallel:** The Greek equivalent is kleptēs (`{{G2812}}`), which also means "thief." This term is used in the New Testament to describe literal thieves (e.g., Matthew 6:19-20; John 12:6) and metaphorically for those who come to destroy or deceive (e.g., John 10:10, where Jesus contrasts Himself with the thief who comes only to steal, kill, and destroy).
### Theological Significance
The biblical understanding of gannâb (`{{H1590}}`) carries profound theological implications:
* **Violation of Divine Law:** The prohibition against stealing is a fundamental component of the Decalogue, placing it squarely within God's revealed moral law. Theft is not merely a social misdemeanor but a sin against God, a direct transgression of His covenantal demands.
* **Disregard for God's Sovereignty and Human Stewardship:** God is the ultimate owner of all creation (Psalm 24:1). Humanity is entrusted with stewardship over resources and property. Theft undermines this divine order, demonstrating a lack of trust in God's provision and a disregard for the legitimate possessions of others, which are ultimately held under God's sovereignty.
* **Breach of Community and Trust:** Theft erodes the fabric of community by destroying trust and fostering suspicion. It signifies a failure of love for one's neighbor, as it deprives them of their hard-earned possessions and security. The repeated prophetic condemnations of theft alongside other moral failures highlight its role in the breakdown of the covenant community.
* **Consequences and Judgment:** The Law's provisions for restitution and punishment for the gannâb (`{{H1590}}`) underscore that such actions have serious consequences, both human and divine. The prophetic warnings of judgment against a nation riddled with theft (Zechariah 5:3-4) emphasize that God holds individuals and communities accountable for their adherence to His righteous standards.
* **Spiritual Implications:** While gannâb primarily refers to literal theft, the concept can extend to any illicit taking or appropriation. This resonates with broader biblical themes of integrity, honesty, and the proper use of resources, including spiritual ones.
### Summary
The Hebrew word gannâb (`{{H1590}}`) precisely identifies "a thief," an individual who secretly and illicitly takes what belongs to another. Derived from the verb gānab (`{{H1589}}`), its usage across the Old Testament consistently underscores the clandestine and unauthorized nature of this act. From its foundational prohibition in the Decalogue to its detailed legal consequences, its nuanced portrayal in wisdom literature, and its strong condemnation by the prophets, gannâb reveals a serious violation of both human and divine order. Theologically, the presence of the gannâb signifies a breach of God's law, a disrespect for human dignity and property rights, and a symptom of communal moral decay that invites divine judgment. The concept of the thief stands as a stark antithesis to the biblical principles of justice, honesty, and righteous living, which are foundational to a society in covenant with God.
TRV