from גָּנַב; stealing, i.e. (concretely) something stolen; theft.
Transliteration:gᵉnêbâh
Pronunciation:ghen-ay-baw'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun גְּנֵבָה (gᵉnêbâh), Strong's number `{{H1591}}`, is derived from the verbal root גָּנַב (ganav, `{{H1589}}`), meaning "to steal." As a noun, גְּנֵבָה carries a dual semantic range: it can refer to the *act* of stealing itself, or more concretely, to the *thing* that has been stolen. In essence, it encapsulates both the illicit acquisition and the object of that acquisition. Its primary meaning is "theft" or "something stolen," always denoting an unlawful taking of property without the owner's consent. This word inherently carries a negative connotation, reflecting a violation of established property rights and societal norms.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The noun גְּנֵבָה (gᵉnêbâh) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in [[Exodus 22:3]]. This singular occurrence is highly significant, as it is found within the detailed legal stipulations of the Mosaic Covenant, specifically concerning restitution for theft:
* **[[Exodus 22:3]] (or [[Exodus 22:4]] in some translations):** "If the theft [הַגְּנֵבָה] is found in his possession, alive, whether it is an ox or a donkey or a sheep, he shall pay double." (ESV translation, with the Hebrew term inserted).
* In this context, הַגְּנֵבָה (ha-gᵉnêbâh), with the definite article, clearly refers to "the stolen thing" or "the stolen animal." The verse outlines a specific scenario where a stolen animal is discovered alive in the thief's possession. The prescribed penalty is double restitution, underscoring the seriousness with which the Law regarded theft and the importance of restoring what was taken. This legal provision distinguishes between different forms of theft and the state of the stolen goods, demonstrating a sophisticated legal framework designed to uphold justice and deter illicit gain. The focus is on the restoration of loss to the victim, reflecting a foundational principle of biblical justice.
### Related Words & Concepts
The word גְּנֵבָה (gᵉnêbâh) is intimately connected to several key terms and concepts in the Hebrew Bible:
* **גָּנַב (ganav, `{{H1589}}`):** This is the verbal root from which גְּנֵבָה is derived. It means "to steal," and is used broadly for literal theft of property, but can also extend to kidnapping (e.g., [[Genesis 40:15]]), deception (e.g., "stealing hearts," [[2 Samuel 15:6]]), or surreptitious actions.
* **גָּנָב (ganav, `{{H1588}}`):** This noun refers to the "thief," the agent who commits the act of stealing. The relationship between the thief (`{{H1588}}`), the act of stealing (`{{H1589}}`), and the stolen object/act of theft (`{{H1591}}`) forms a complete semantic field around illicit taking.
* **The Eighth Commandment:** "You shall not steal" ([[Exodus 20:15]]; [[Deuteronomy 5:19]]). While the specific noun גְּנֵבָה is not used in the Decalogue, this commandment directly prohibits the act of which גְּנֵבָה is the result or manifestation. It establishes the foundational moral and legal principle against theft.
* **גָּזַל (gazal, `{{H1497}}`):** This verb means "to rob" or "to seize by violence." It is distinct from גָּנַב (ganav) in that *gazal* implies open, forceful taking, often with violence, whereas *ganav* implies a secret or surreptitious taking. Both, however, represent illicit acquisition of another's property.
* **Covetousness:** The underlying desire that often leads to theft is covetousness, prohibited by the tenth commandment ([[Exodus 20:17]]). Theft is the outward manifestation of an inward desire for what belongs to another.
### Theological Significance
The concept of גְּנֵבָה (gᵉnêbâh) and the broader prohibition against stealing carry profound theological significance within the biblical framework:
* **Violation of Divine Law:** Theft is a direct transgression against the eighth commandment, which is part of God's revealed moral law. This signifies that stealing is not merely a social offense but an offense against God Himself, who establishes order and justice.
* **Disregard for Neighbor:** Stealing violates the principle of loving one's neighbor as oneself ([[Leviticus 19:18]]). It inflicts harm, causes loss, and disregards the well-being and property rights of others, undermining the fabric of community.
* **Undermining Trust:** Trust is foundational for human relationships and societal stability. Theft shatters trust, fostering suspicion and fear, and disrupting the harmonious functioning of a community.
* **God's Ownership:** Implicit in the prohibition of theft is the understanding that God is the ultimate owner of all things ([[Psalm 24:1]]). Human ownership is a form of stewardship, and taking what belongs to another without consent is an affront to God's established order and His ultimate sovereignty.
* **Justice and Restitution:** The detailed laws concerning theft, particularly the requirement for restitution as seen in [[Exodus 22:3]], highlight God's demand for justice. The focus is not merely on punishment but on the restoration of what was lost to the victim, reflecting God's character as just and restorative. This principle extends to spiritual dimensions, where repentance often involves making amends for wrongs committed.
* **Spiritual Application:** Beyond literal property, the concept of "stealing" can be applied spiritually, such as withholding from God what is due to Him (e.g., tithes and offerings, [[Malachi 3:8-9]]), or taking credit for what belongs to God's glory.
### Summary
The Hebrew word גְּנֵבָה (gᵉnêbâh, `{{H1591}}`) precisely defines "theft" or "something stolen," deriving from the verb "to steal" (גָּנַב, `{{H1589}}`). Its singular yet pivotal appearance in [[Exodus 22:3]] places it firmly within the legal framework of the Mosaic Law, emphasizing the requirement for double restitution when stolen property is found in the thief's possession. This specific instance underscores the Law's concern for justice and the restoration of loss to the victim. Theologically, גְּנֵבָה represents a grave violation of God's commandment against stealing, an act that disregards the rights of one's neighbor, undermines communal trust, and ultimately challenges God's established order and His ultimate ownership. The biblical emphasis on restitution for theft highlights the divine demand for both justice and reconciliation within the community.
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