Theft is addressed many times in the Bible, with clear instructions on avoiding it, repenting of it, and understanding its spiritual consequences. God’s Word emphasizes honesty, integrity, and respect for others’ possessions, urging believers to align their actions with His principles. Here, we explore verses on theft, its effects, and the hope for forgiveness and transformation through Christ.
Also Read: Bible Verses About Stealing
The Commandment Against Stealing
The Bible explicitly commands against theft as part of God’s moral law. This prohibition underscores the value of honesty and respecting others’ property. As followers of Christ, we are called to live lives of integrity, demonstrating our faith through our actions.
Exodus 20:15
“You must not steal.”
Leviticus 19:11
“Do not steal. Do not deceive or cheat one another.”
Deuteronomy 5:19
“You must not steal.”
Proverbs 10:2
“Tainted wealth has no lasting value, but right living can save your life.”
Matthew 19:18
“You must not murder. You must not commit adultery. You must not steal. You must not testify falsely.”
The Heart Behind Theft
Stealing often stems from a deeper heart issue, such as greed, envy, or lack of trust in God. Scripture encourages us to examine our hearts and find contentment in God’s provision, trusting Him to meet our needs.
1 Timothy 6:6-7
“Yet true godliness with contentment is itself great wealth. After all, we brought nothing with us when we came into the world, and we can’t take anything with us when we leave it.”
Proverbs 15:27
“Greed brings grief to the whole family, but those who hate bribes will live.”
Philippians 4:19
“And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.”
Luke 12:15
“Then he said, ‘Beware! Guard against every kind of greed. Life is not measured by how much you own.'”
Psalm 37:16
“It is better to be godly and have little than to be evil and rich.”
The Consequences of Theft
The Bible warns of the spiritual, relational, and societal consequences of stealing. Dishonesty breaks trust and damages relationships, and it ultimately separates us from God’s will and blessings.
Proverbs 10:2
“Tainted wealth has no lasting value, but right living can save your life.”
Zechariah 5:3
“Then he said to me, ‘This scroll contains the curse that is going out over the entire land. One side says that those who steal will be banished from the land; the other side says that those who swear falsely will be banished.'”
Psalm 62:10
“Don’t make your living by extortion or put your hope in stealing. And if your wealth increases, don’t make it the center of your life.”
Jeremiah 7:9-10
“‘Do you really think you can steal, murder, commit adultery, lie, and burn incense to Baal and all those other new gods of yours, and then come here and stand before me in my Temple and chant, “We are safe!”—only to go right back to all those evils again?'”
Romans 6:23
“For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Also Read: Bible Verses About Thieves and Liars
Repentance and Forgiveness
God’s grace offers hope for those who have sinned through theft. Repentance and confession are key to restoring our relationship with God. His forgiveness and love bring healing and transformation.
1 John 1:9
“But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.”
Isaiah 1:18
“‘Come now, let’s settle this,’ says the Lord. ‘Though your sins are like scarlet, I will make them as white as snow. Though they are red like crimson, I will make them as white as wool.'”
Psalm 51:10
“Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a loyal spirit within me.”
Acts 3:19
“Now repent of your sins and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped away.”
Micah 7:18
“Where is another God like you, who pardons the guilt of the remnant, overlooking the sins of his special people? You will not stay angry with your people forever, because you delight in showing unfailing love.”
Transforming Lives Through Christ
Jesus changes lives, transforming hearts and leading people to leave behind dishonest practices. Through His power, we can live as new creations, dedicated to integrity and service.
2 Corinthians 5:17
“This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!”
Luke 19:8-9
“Meanwhile, Zacchaeus stood before the Lord and said, ‘I will give half my wealth to the poor, Lord, and if I have cheated people on their taxes, I will give them back four times as much!’ Jesus responded, ‘Salvation has come to this home today, for this man has shown himself to be a true son of Abraham.'”
Ephesians 4:28
“If you are a thief, quit stealing. Instead, use your hands for good hard work, and then give generously to others in need.”
Romans 12:2
“Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.”
Colossians 3:9-10
“Don’t lie to each other, for you have stripped off your old sinful nature and all its wicked deeds. Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like him.”
Restitution and Justice
The Bible encourages not only repentance but also restitution as a way to demonstrate genuine change. Restitution involves making amends for what was stolen and pursuing justice for those affected. God values fairness and accountability in our dealings.
Exodus 22:1
“If someone steals an ox or sheep and then kills or sells it, the thief must pay back five oxen for each ox stolen and four sheep for each sheep stolen.”
Leviticus 6:4-5
“If you have sinned by violating any of the Lord’s commands and you are found guilty, you must give back whatever you stole, or the money you took by extortion, or the security deposit, or the property you found, or anything obtained by swearing falsely. You must make restitution by paying the full price plus an additional 20 percent to the person you have harmed.”
Numbers 5:6-7
“Give the following instructions to the people of Israel: If any of the people—men or women—betray the Lord by doing wrong to another person, they are guilty. They must confess their sin and make full restitution for what they have done, adding an additional 20 percent and returning it to the person who was wronged.”
Luke 19:8
“Meanwhile, Zacchaeus stood before the Lord and said, ‘I will give half my wealth to the poor, Lord, and if I have cheated people on their taxes, I will give them back four times as much!'”
Proverbs 21:3
“The Lord is more pleased when we do what is right and just than when we offer him sacrifices.”
God’s Provision as an Alternative to Theft
Stealing often comes from a lack of faith in God’s provision. Scripture reassures us that God knows our needs and will provide for us as we trust Him. Living in dependence on God eliminates the perceived need to take what is not ours.
Matthew 6:31-33
“So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.”
Psalm 23:1
“The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need.”
Philippians 4:11-12
“Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little.”
2 Corinthians 9:8
“And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others.”
Hebrews 13:5
“Don’t love money; be satisfied with what you have. For God has said, ‘I will never fail you. I will never abandon you.'”