The Bible clearly forbids stealing. The eighth commandment says, “Thou shalt not steal” (Exodus 20:15, KJV). Scripture teaches that people should respect what belongs to others, work honestly, avoid dishonesty, and care for their neighbors.
The New Testament also encourages those who have stolen to stop taking what does not belong to them and instead work honestly so they can help people in need (Ephesians 4:28). The Bible further teaches that people who have stolen can repent, seek forgiveness, and make restitution where appropriate.
Stealing is an issue the Bible addresses clearly and repeatedly. From the Ten Commandments in the Old Testament to the teachings of Jesus and the apostles in the New Testament, Scripture teaches that taking what belongs to another person is wrong. God calls His people to live with honesty, integrity, respect, and love for their neighbors.
But what does the Bible say about stealing? Does it address more than taking money or physical possessions? What should someone do after stealing, and does God forgive a person who genuinely repents?
Whether you are looking for stealing in the Bible verses for personal study, a Bible lesson, or spiritual guidance, these Scriptures provide a foundation for understanding God’s teaching about theft and honesty.
20 Powerful Bible Verses About Stealing
Here are 20 important Bible verses that explain what Scripture teaches about stealing, dishonesty, responsibility, and living an honest life.
1. Exodus 20:15 – The Commandment Against Stealing
Thou shalt not steal.
This is the eighth commandment given by God to the Israelites. Its instruction is direct: stealing is forbidden.
God established this commandment as part of His covenant with Israel. It teaches people to respect the property and possessions of others rather than taking what does not belong to them.
Lesson: Honesty is not optional in a life that seeks to follow God. Respecting what belongs to others is an important part of loving our neighbors.
2. Leviticus 19:11 – Do Not Steal or Deal Falsely
Ye shall not steal, neither deal falsely, neither lie one to another.
This verse connects stealing with dishonesty and lying. These behaviors often work together: a person may steal through deception, conceal the truth, or lie to avoid responsibility.
God calls His people to be truthful in their relationships and dealings.
Lesson: Integrity means being honest not only in what we take but also in what we say and how we treat others.
3. Deuteronomy 5:19 – The Commandment Repeated
Neither shalt thou steal.
In Deuteronomy, Moses repeats the Ten Commandments as he prepares the Israelites to enter the Promised Land.
The repetition shows that God’s instruction against theft remained important as the people prepared for life in the land.
Lesson: God’s call to honesty is not limited to one generation or situation. It is a lasting principle for His people.
4. Ephesians 4:28 – Stop Stealing and Work Honestly
Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.
This is one of the clearest New Testament teachings about stealing.
Paul does not simply tell people to stop taking what belongs to others. He also describes the positive alternative: honest work and generosity.
The verse presents a meaningful change in behavior. Instead of taking from others, a person should work responsibly and become able to help those in need.
Lesson: True repentance involves a change of direction. We should move away from dishonest behavior and toward honest work and generosity.
5. Exodus 22:1 – Restitution for Theft
If a man shall steal an ox, or a sheep, and kill it, or sell it; he shall restore five oxen for an ox, and four sheep for a sheep.
This passage is part of the laws God gave Israel concerning property and theft.
It explains that stealing involved responsibility for the loss caused. The thief was required to make restitution according to the circumstances described in the law.
Lesson: Stealing can cause real harm. Acknowledging wrongdoing and making things right are important parts of taking responsibility.
6. Proverbs 10:2 – Dishonest Gain Does Not Profit
Treasures of wickedness profit nothing: but righteousness delivereth from death.
This proverb contrasts dishonest wealth with righteousness.
Money or possessions gained through wrongdoing may appear beneficial for a time, but they do not provide the lasting value of a righteous life.
Lesson: Gaining wealth dishonestly is not a substitute for living with integrity. God values righteousness more than possessions acquired through wrongdoing.
7. Proverbs 11:1 – God Hates Dishonest Business Practices
A false balance is abomination to the LORD: but a just weight is his delight.
In biblical times, merchants used balances and weights when buying and selling goods. A dishonest merchant could cheat customers by using inaccurate measurements.
This verse shows that God cares about fairness in everyday business transactions.
Lesson: Stealing is not limited to secretly taking someone’s possessions. Cheating people through dishonest measurements or transactions also violates the principle of honesty.
8. Proverbs 20:17 – Dishonest Gain Is Not Truly Satisfying
Bread of deceit is sweet to a man; but afterwards his mouth shall be filled with gravel.
This proverb illustrates the temporary attraction of dishonest gain and the unpleasant consequences that follow.
A person may initially enjoy something obtained through deception, but the apparent benefit does not last.
Lesson: Do not be deceived by the short-term rewards of dishonesty. Choose what is right even when wrongdoing appears easier.
9. Proverbs 28:24 – Stealing From Parents Is Wrong
Whoso robbeth his father or his mother, and saith, It is no transgression; the same is the companion of a destroyer.
This verse specifically warns against taking possessions from one’s parents and pretending that it is not wrong.
It shows that family relationships do not give someone permission to take what belongs to another person.
Lesson: Honesty and respect should begin at home. We should not excuse wrongdoing simply because the person affected is a family member.
10. Jeremiah 7:9 – Stealing Is Among the Sins God Condemns
Will ye steal, murder, and commit adultery, and swear falsely, and burn incense unto Baal, and walk after other gods whom ye know not;
Jeremiah confronted the people of Judah because they continued in sinful behavior while believing that outward religious activity would protect them.
Stealing appears alongside other serious sins in this warning.
Lesson: Religious appearances cannot replace genuine obedience. God wants His people to live according to His commands in everyday life.
11. Zechariah 5:3 – A Warning Against Stealing
Then said he unto me, This is the curse that goeth forth over the face of the whole earth: for every one that stealeth shall be cut off as on this side according to it; and every one that sweareth shall be cut off as on that side according to it.
In Zechariah’s vision, a flying scroll represents judgment against wrongdoing, including stealing and false swearing.
The passage emphasizes that dishonesty is not hidden from God.
Lesson: God sees injustice and dishonesty. We should not assume that wrongdoing goes unnoticed simply because other people do not discover it.
12. Malachi 3:8 – Robbing God
Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings.
In this passage, God speaks through the prophet Malachi to confront Israel concerning tithes and offerings.
The people are accused of withholding what belonged to God under the covenant obligations being addressed.
This passage is specifically about Israel’s relationship with God and its covenant responsibilities. It should be understood in that context rather than treated as a direct statement about every modern financial disagreement.
Lesson: Our relationship with God should involve faithfulness, gratitude, and responsible obedience.
13. Matthew 19:18 – Jesus Reaffirms the Commandment
He saith unto him, Which? Jesus said, Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness,
Jesus mentions the commandment against stealing when speaking with a man who asks about eternal life.
His answer includes several commandments concerning how people should treat one another.
Lesson: Respecting other people’s possessions remains part of the moral responsibility Jesus teaches.
14. Mark 10:19 – Do Not Defraud
Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Defraud not, Honour thy father and mother.
Jesus includes both stealing and defrauding in His response to the rich man.
Defrauding involves obtaining something through deception or withholding what is rightfully owed.
Lesson: Honesty includes more than avoiding physical theft. We should also avoid cheating, deception, and unfair treatment.
15. Luke 19:8 – Zacchaeus Promises Restitution
And Zacchaeus stood, and said unto the Lord: Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold.
Zacchaeus was a chief publican, or tax collector, who had become wealthy. After encountering Jesus, he declared his intention to give to the poor and restore fourfold what he had taken through false accusation.
His response demonstrates a visible change in attitude and behavior.
Lesson: Genuine repentance should influence how we treat people we have wronged. Where possible and appropriate, we should seek to make things right.
16. John 10:10 – The Thief Comes to Steal
The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.
Jesus contrasts the destructive purpose of the thief with the life He gives.
In context, Jesus is speaking about the shepherd, the sheep, and those who come to harm or mislead the flock. The verse is often used to describe the destructive nature of evil, but its immediate context concerns Jesus as the good shepherd.
Lesson: Jesus offers life and care, in contrast to those who exploit and harm others.
17. Romans 13:9 – Love Does No Harm to a Neighbor
For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
Paul repeats several commandments and explains that they are fulfilled in the principle of loving one’s neighbor.
Stealing violates this principle because it takes from another person rather than respecting their well-being.
Lesson: Love should guide how we treat other people’s possessions, rights, and needs.
18. 1 Corinthians 6:10 – A Warning About Persistent Sin
Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.
Paul lists several forms of sinful behavior, including theft and extortion.
The passage warns against living in persistent wrongdoing as though it were compatible with the kingdom of God.
However, the next verse provides an important message of hope: people can be washed, sanctified, and justified through Jesus Christ.
Lesson: We should take sin seriously, but we should also recognize the transforming power of God’s grace.
19. Hebrews 13:5 – Be Content With What You Have
Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.
Covetousness is an excessive desire for what belongs to someone else. Although it is not identical to stealing, it can contribute to dishonest behavior.
This verse encourages believers to live with contentment and trust in God’s presence.
Lesson: Contentment helps us resist the temptation to take what belongs to others.
20. 1 Peter 4:15 – Do Not Suffer as a Thief
But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men’s matters.
Peter encourages Christians to suffer for doing what is right rather than for committing wrongdoing.
The verse distinguishes persecution for faithfulness from consequences that come from sinful actions.
Lesson: Believers should live responsibly and avoid behavior that brings harm to others.
What Does the Bible Consider Stealing?
Stealing is commonly understood as taking another person’s property without permission. The Bible also addresses related forms of dishonesty, cheating, and exploitation.
Here are some examples of behavior that conflicts with biblical principles of honesty.
1. Taking Money or Property Without Permission
Taking someone’s money, possessions, or belongings without consent is a direct violation of the commandment in Exodus 20:15.
2. Cheating People in Business
Using false measurements, dishonest prices, or deceptive transactions to gain an unfair advantage violates the principles of Leviticus 19:35–36 and Proverbs 11:1.
3. Refusing to Pay What Is Rightfully Owed
The Bible teaches fairness and responsibility in financial dealings. Withholding wages from workers is specifically condemned in Scripture.
Leviticus 19:13 (KJV):
Thou shalt not defraud thy neighbour, neither rob him: the wages of him that is hired shall not abide with thee all night until the morning.
This verse warns against exploiting workers by withholding their rightful payment.
4. Taking Credit for Someone Else’s Work
Claiming another person’s work, ideas, or achievements as your own involves dishonesty. Although the Bible does not specifically discuss modern plagiarism, its broader teachings about truthfulness and integrity apply.
5. Using Deception to Gain Something
Fraud and manipulation can involve taking money or benefits through dishonest means. Mark 10:19 reminds us that Jesus condemned defrauding as well as stealing.
What Are the Consequences of Stealing According to the Bible?
The Bible explains that theft has both practical and spiritual consequences.
1. It Harms Other People
Stealing can cause financial loss, emotional distress, and a breakdown of trust.
God’s commandment against theft protects the well-being of individuals and communities.
2. It Damages Relationships
Dishonesty can destroy trust between family members, friends, neighbors, and business partners.
Proverbs 16:28 warns that a person who spreads conflict can separate close friends. Dishonest behavior can similarly damage relationships.
3. It Can Bring Legal Consequences
Exodus 22 describes laws concerning theft and restitution in ancient Israel. Today, theft may also carry legal consequences under the laws of the country where it occurs.
The biblical principle of responsibility reminds us that wrongdoing should not be treated lightly.
4. It Conflicts With a Life of Christian Faith
First Corinthians 6:10 includes thieves among those whose sinful behavior is incompatible with inheriting God’s kingdom.
This is a serious warning against continuing in sin without repentance.
5. It Can Lead to Further Dishonesty
A person who steals may attempt to hide the action through lies, deception, or additional wrongdoing.
Leviticus 19:11 connects stealing with false dealing and lying, showing why honesty must be practiced consistently.
Does God Forgive Someone Who Has Stolen?
Yes. The Bible teaches that God is willing to forgive people who genuinely repent and turn away from sin.
The gospel offers hope to people who have committed wrongdoing, including theft.
1 John 1:9 (KJV):
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
This verse reminds believers that forgiveness is available through God’s faithfulness when we confess our sins.
However, repentance should involve more than simply saying that we are sorry. It includes turning away from wrongdoing and seeking to live differently.
Zacchaeus: An Example of Changed Behavior
Luke 19:1–10 tells the story of Zacchaeus, a chief tax collector who climbed a sycamore tree to see Jesus.
After Jesus visited his house, Zacchaeus declared that he would give half his possessions to the poor and restore fourfold what he had taken through false accusation.
His response demonstrates how an encounter with Jesus can change a person’s priorities and actions.
Zacchaeus did not merely express regret. He demonstrated a willingness to correct the harm he had caused.
What Should You Do If You Have Stolen Something?
If you have taken something that does not belong to you, the Bible offers principles that can guide your response.
- Admit the wrongdoing. Do not justify theft or blame someone else for your actions.
- Confess your sin to God. Ask Him for forgiveness and help to change.
- Stop stealing. Ephesians 4:28 clearly instructs those who have stolen to steal no more.
- Make restitution where possible. Return what was taken or repay the person who suffered the loss, as appropriate.
- Choose honest work. Develop habits that support responsibility and integrity.
- Practice generosity. Use what you earn honestly to help others when you are able.
Repentance is not simply about avoiding punishment. It is about turning away from wrongdoing and learning to live in a way that honors God.
How Can Christians Avoid the Temptation to Steal?
The Bible provides practical wisdom that can help believers resist dishonesty.
Practice Contentment
Hebrews 13:5 encourages believers to avoid covetousness and be content with what they have.
Work Honestly
Ephesians 4:28 teaches that honest work is the alternative to stealing.
Be Truthful in Every Transaction
Proverbs 11:1 reminds us that God values fair business practices.
Love Your Neighbor
Romans 13:9 connects the commandment against stealing with the principle of loving others.
Ask God for Wisdom and Strength
When facing temptation, believers can pray for wisdom, self-control, and the courage to choose what is right.
Frequently Asked Questions About Stealing in the Bible
What is the most important Bible verse about stealing?
Exodus 20:15 is one of the clearest Bible verses about stealing. It states, “Thou shalt not steal.” This is the eighth commandment and directly prohibits theft.
What does the Bible say about stealing money?
The Bible forbids taking money that belongs to another person. Exodus 20:15 prohibits stealing, while Ephesians 4:28 encourages honest work instead of taking from others.
Is stealing a sin according to the Bible?
Yes. Stealing is explicitly forbidden in the Ten Commandments and condemned throughout Scripture. Leviticus 19:11, Romans 13:9, and 1 Corinthians 6:10 also address theft and dishonest behavior.
Does God forgive thieves?
Yes. The Bible teaches that God forgives those who genuinely repent and turn away from sin. First John 1:9 explains that God is faithful to forgive and cleanse those who confess their sins.
What does Ephesians 4:28 teach about stealing?
Ephesians 4:28 tells people who have stolen to stop stealing and instead work honestly. It also encourages generosity by teaching that people should work so they can help those in need.
What does the Bible say about stealing from family?
Proverbs 28:24 specifically warns against robbing one’s father or mother. The verse teaches that family relationships do not excuse taking what belongs to another person.
What does the Bible say about stealing from work?
The Bible condemns dishonesty and exploitation. Taking money or property from an employer, falsifying records, or cheating customers conflicts with the principles of Exodus 20:15, Leviticus 19:11, and Proverbs 11:1.
What does the Bible say about returning something you stole?
The biblical principle of restitution is illustrated in Exodus 22. Zacchaeus also demonstrated a willingness to repay what he had taken unfairly in Luke 19:8. Returning stolen property or making appropriate repayment is a meaningful way to take responsibility for wrongdoing.
Is keeping something you find considered stealing?
The Bible does not discuss every modern situation involving lost property, but it does teach honesty and respect for what belongs to others. Leviticus 6:1–5 addresses situations involving property entrusted to someone or something found and later denied. The passage emphasizes acknowledging wrongdoing and making restitution.
What is the opposite of stealing in the Bible?
Honest work, generosity, fairness, and respect for others are positive alternatives to stealing. Ephesians 4:28 particularly emphasizes working honestly and sharing with people in need.
Final Thoughts
The Bible’s teaching about stealing is clear: God calls His people to live honestly, respect what belongs to others, and avoid every form of theft and deception.
From the eighth commandment in Exodus 20:15 to Paul’s instruction in Ephesians 4:28, Scripture consistently emphasizes integrity and responsibility. It also shows that genuine repentance involves changing our behavior, making things right where possible, and choosing a better path.
The story of Zacchaeus reminds us that a person who has done wrong can respond to Jesus with a changed heart and a willingness to make restitution.
If you have struggled with dishonesty, remember that God’s forgiveness is available through genuine repentance. Choose honesty, practice contentment, work faithfully, and treat others with the same respect you desire for yourself.
The message of Scripture is simple: Do not take what belongs to others. Live with integrity, pursue righteousness, and let your actions reflect your faith in God.
