Stealing is a significant concern addressed multiple times throughout the Bible. God makes it clear that stealing is a sin and goes against His commandments. Here is an overview of some of the key Bible verses about stealing:
Exodus 20:15 – “You shall not steal.”
This is one of the Ten Commandments given by God to Moses on Mount Sinai. It establishes the clear commandment not to steal from others.
Leviticus 19:11 – “You shall not steal; you shall not deal falsely; you shall not lie to one another.”
In Leviticus, God reiterates to the Israelites the commandment not to steal. This verse also connects stealing to other sins like lying and dealing falsely.
Proverbs 28:24 – “Whoever robs his father or his mother and says, “That is no transgression,” is a companion to a man who destroys.”
Proverbs explains that stealing from your own parents is extremely wrong. It equates this act to destroying another person.
Ephesians 4:28 – “Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labor, doing honest work with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with anyone in need.”
In his letter to the Ephesians, Paul instructs any thieves to cease stealing. Rather they should work honestly so that they can share with those in need.
Titus 2:9-10 – “Bondservants are to be submissive to their own masters in everything; they are to be well-pleasing, not argumentative, not pilfering, but showing all good faith, so that in everything they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior.”
Paul writes to Titus that servants should not pilfer or steal from their masters. As Christians, they should have utmost integrity.
1 Peter 4:15 – “But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler.”
Peter warns believers that suffering may come as a result of stealing. He classifies thieves among evil company.
Zechariah 5:3 – “Then he said to me, “This is the curse that goes out over the face of the whole land. For everyone who steals shall be cleaned out according to what is on one side, and everyone who swears falsely shall be cleaned out according to what is on the other side.”
The prophet Zechariah reveals that stealing results in a curse throughout the land. There are consequences to this sin.
Matthew 6:19-21 – “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
Jesus teaches that we should store up treasure in heaven rather than earthly things which can be stolen. Our heart should be oriented toward the eternal, not temporary possessions.
Matthew 19:18 – “He said to him, “Which ones?” And Jesus said, “You shall not murder, You shall not commit adultery, You shall not steal, You shall not bear false witness.”
When asked about specific commandments to follow, Jesus listed “you shall not steal” as one of them. He affirmed the commandment given in Exodus 20.
Luke 3:14 – “Soldiers also asked him, “And we, what shall we do?” And he said to them, “Do not extort money from anyone by threats or by false accusation, and be content with your wages.””
John the Baptist instructed soldiers not to steal or falsely accuse others. Workers should be content with their pay rather than stealing to gain more.
John 10:10 – “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.”
Jesus contrasts His life-giving purpose with the destructive intentions of thieves. Stealing goes against His mission of abundance.
The Bible speaks extensively against stealing in both Old and New Testaments. Followers of Christ must resist the temptation to take anything that does not belong to them. Instead, they should work honestly, share with the needy, and trust God to provide their needs.
Additional Bible verses about stealing include:
Exodus 22:1-15 – Details restitution required when property is stolen
Psalms 50:16-18 – God rebukes the wicked who steal and share in adultery
Ezekiel 22:29 – Officials steal possessions and mistreat the poor
Hosea 4:1-2 – Swearing, lying, killing, stealing, and adultery abound in the land
Matthew 15:19 – Out of the heart come evil thoughts including theft
Romans 2:21 – Preach against stealing yet steal yourself?
Romans 13:9 – “You shall not steal” sums up the law
1 Corinthians 6:10 – Thieves will not inherit the kingdom of God
Colossians 3:9 – Put off the old self, including lying and stealing
James 5:4 – Wages withheld from workers cry out against dishonest employers
God desires His people to live with integrity and honesty. The Bible contains many warnings against stealing, coveting possessions, and taking from others illegitimately. Wise and faithful followers of Christ will heed these warnings and pursue righteousness in how they handle money, property, and human relationships.
Rather than stealing, believers are called to work diligently, share freely, trust God faithfully, and find their ultimate reward in the eternal kingdom. The Bible makes it abundantly clear that theft has no place in the life of a Christian.