30 Important bible verses about stealing (With Explanation)

Today we will talk about bible verses about stealing. Many Christians do not know what this means. Be on the mode of meditation as we read through God’s word. Stealing can be small or large, hidden in thoughts or shown in actions. We will look at scripture to learn what God says, why He cares, and how we can live honestly together. As we read, let us ask for God’s wisdom to change our hearts, make right what is wrong, and guide our hands to work faithfully. In this collection of bible verses about stealing, we will see commands, warnings, mercy, and hope. We will also find examples of restitution and the call to care for neighbors and the poor. Let us open our hearts, listen with humility, and let these verses teach and help us walk in truth and love.

Exodus 20:15

“Thou shalt not steal. – Exodus 20:15“

bible verses about stealing

Commandment Against Theft in bible verses about stealing

When we study bible verses about stealing, the simplest and clearest statement is the command: “Thou shalt not steal.” We read it, we say it, and we hold it as a boundary for right living. In this explanation, we will gently unpack what that command means for us today. We know it forbids taking what belongs to another, but it also points to a deeper heart change. We are learning together that obeying the command is more than avoiding a single act; it is about building a life of respect for people and their property. As a community, we can think about how the command shapes our choices at work, in business, in relationships, and online. When we follow the command, we protect trust. Trust holds families, workplaces, and churches together. Breaking that trust through theft damages more than material things—it wounds relationships and weakens communities.

We also notice how the command is repeated and echoed in the Gospels and the letters. Jesus and the apostles remind us that the Ten Commandments are not outdated rules but living guides for loving God and loving neighbor. In bible verses about stealing, the command calls us to honesty, to care for the poor, and to earn our bread by honest labor. As we grasp this command in our hearts, we will see that God offers forgiveness and strength to change. We learn to repair wrongs, to make restitution when we have harmed another, and to make honest choices even when it costs us. Let us walk together, practicing integrity, avoiding greed, and helping one another live out this simple but powerful command of God.

Matthew 19:18

“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, – Matthew 19:18“

Romans 13:9

“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. – Romans 13:9“

Honesty with Neighbors in bible verses about stealing

When we look at bible verses about stealing, we learn how honesty toward our neighbor matters. The Old Testament stresses fair dealing in daily life. We are told not to deceive or defraud people. In our community, honesty builds peace. When we practice honest measures, truthful speech, and fair repayment, we protect the vulnerable and honor God’s name. These laws and teachings help us shape habits: paying debts, treating workers fairly, and not cheating friends or strangers. Honesty is not only a rule to follow; it becomes a reflection of the character God is forming in us. We find that honest living grows trust and helps our neighbors flourish.

As we read these bible verses about stealing, let us ask how we apply them now. Are we careful with contracts, loans, and wages? Do we return what is borrowed? Do we take steps to correct mistakes? Together, we can encourage one another to practice transparency and to repair harm when it happens. The scriptures invite us to treat others as we would like to be treated. In doing this, we honor God and cultivate safe, hopeful communities where theft and deception lose their power.

Leviticus 19:11

“Ye shall not steal, neither deal falsely, neither lie one to another. – Leviticus 19:11“

Leviticus 19:13

“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. – Leviticus 19:13“

Deuteronomy 24:14

“Thou shalt not oppress a hired servant that is poor and needy, whether he be of thy brethren, or of thy strangers that are in thy land within thy gates: – Deuteronomy 24:14“

Consequences and Personal Responsibility in bible verses about stealing

As we read bible verses about stealing, we see the consequences that often follow theft. Scripture shows that stealing harms both the one robbed and the one who steals. There is social damage—relationships break, trust disappears—and spiritual damage, where the heart grows comfortable with taking what is not theirs. The Proverbs pictures how people who take what is not theirs can face shame, punishment, and disruption of life. But the Bible also gives a path forward: confession, restitution, and changed behavior. When someone steals and then repents, the community seeks restoration as well as justice. This balance shows God’s concern for fairness and mercy.

We, as a group seeking to live faithfully, must understand both sides: consequences and restoration. The verses teach us to discourage stealing in any form, but not to harden our hearts against those who repent. When we face the reality of theft in our circles, we can respond with wise accountability that includes repayment, correction, and support to prevent re-offending. In doing this, we protect the vulnerable and give a chance for renewal.

Proverbs 6:30

“Men do not despise a thief, if he steal to satisfy his soul when he is hungry. – Proverbs 6:30“

Proverbs 6:31

“But if he be found, he shall restore sevenfold; he shall give all the substance of his house. – Proverbs 6:31“

Psalm 37:21

“The wicked borroweth, and payeth not again: but the righteous sheweth mercy, and giveth. – Psalm 37:21“

Fair Trade and Honest Measures in bible verses about stealing

When the Bible speaks about stealing, it also warns against crooked scales, dishonest profit, and gain won by trickery. Our scriptures emphasize the importance of fair trade. Dishonest business practices are a form of theft: they take value from someone else through lies or cheating. In our day, this can look like unfair prices, false advertising, shortchanging workers, or taking unfair advantage in deals. The prophets and wisdom writers speak strongly against these practices because they harm the poor and corrupt society.

As we study these bible verses about stealing, let us commit to clear accounting, fair wages, and truthful dealings. This means we pay what is due, we do not hide fees or manipulate weights, and we treat customers and workers with dignity. Practically, we can check our own behavior and business practices. We can teach honesty to the next generation and repair damage caused by dishonest gains. By choosing fairness, we honor God and show love for our neighbor.

Proverbs 20:10

“Diverse weights, and diverse measures, both of them are alike abomination to the LORD. – Proverbs 20:10“

Proverbs 21:6

“The getting of treasures by a lying tongue is a vanity tossed to and fro of them that seek death. – Proverbs 21:6“

Proverbs 28:8

“He that by usury and unjust gain increaseth his substance, he shall gather it for him that will pity the poor. – Proverbs 28:8“

Protecting the Poor and Vulnerable in bible verses about stealing

The Bible is deeply concerned about how the poor are treated, and many bible verses about stealing warn against taking advantage of the weak. When people in power exploit the poor—by unpaid wages, corrupt rulings, or extortion—that is theft. The scriptures urge us to defend the rights of those who have little. We read that God hears the cries of the poor and will act on their behalf. That reminder should move us: we want to be a people who guard against any practice that steals dignity, resources, or hope from the vulnerable.

Together, we can examine the ways our communities may fail the poor and take steps to correct them. This may mean supporting fair labor laws, offering help locally, or insisting on ethical behavior in our workplaces. Bible verses about stealing push us to be advocates of justice and to rebuild what has been taken. Doing so reflects God’s heart for those who are easily overlooked.

Proverbs 22:22-23

“Rob not the poor, because he is poor: neither oppress the afflicted in the gate: For the LORD will plead their cause, and spoil the soul of those that spoiled them. – Proverbs 22:22-23“

Nehemiah 5:11

“Restore, I pray you, to them, even this day, their lands, their vineyards, their oliveyards, and their houses, also the hundredth part of the money, and of the corn, the wine, and the oil, that ye exact of them. – Nehemiah 5:11“

Amos 5:12

“For I know your manifold transgressions and your mighty sins: they afflict the just, they take gift, and they turn aside the poor in the gate from their right. – Amos 5:12“

Corrupt Leaders and Stolen Trust in bible verses about stealing

Some bible verses about stealing call out leaders who betray trust. When rulers and those in authority accept bribes or work with thieves, they steal justice and safety from the people. Scripture condemns such behavior because it damages the whole community. We are reminded that the moral example of leaders matters. When leaders act fairly, the people thrive; when they exploit, the vulnerable suffer. As followers of Christ, we want to encourage leaders to lead with integrity, repay wrongs, and protect the common good.

We can apply these verses by praying for honest leadership and by supporting accountability. We are called to stand against systems that allow the powerful to profit by stealing from others. In doing so, we help restore trust and make places where people can flourish without fear of being cheated or oppressed.

Isaiah 1:23

“Thy princes are rebellious, and companions of thieves: every one loveth gifts, and followeth after rewards: they judge not the fatherless, neither doth the cause of the widow come unto them. – Isaiah 1:23“

Ezekiel 22:12

“In thee have they taken gifts to shed blood; thou hast taken usury and increase, and thou hast greedily gained of thy neighbours by extortion, and hast forgotten me, saith the Lord GOD. – Ezekiel 22:12“

Jeremiah 7:9

“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 7:9“

Restitution and Making Things Right in bible verses about stealing

The Bible does not only condemn stealing; it gives practical steps for making things right. Restitution is an important theme: when someone steals, they are often told to restore more than they took, to show repentance and repair harm. This teaches us that justice can include restoring victims and helping the offender learn responsibility. The story of Zacchaeus is a moving example: he promises repayment and change, and Jesus responds with grace. Restitution shows that God cares about both justice and new life.

As a community, we want to support those who repent by helping them restore what they can and reintegrate into life. We also protect those harmed by ensuring restoration happens. In this way, bible verses about stealing become tools for healing: they help us correct wrongs and give people a chance to start over under God’s mercy.

Exodus 22:1

“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. – Exodus 22:1“

Deuteronomy 24:7

“If a man be found stealing any of his brethren of the children of Israel, and maketh merchandise of him, or selleth him; then that thief shall die; and thou shalt put evil away from among you. – Deuteronomy 24:7“

Luke 19:8

“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. – Luke 19:8“

Work, Wages, and Honest Labor in bible verses about stealing

Many bible verses about stealing encourage earning by honest labor and paying fair wages. The New Testament emphasizes that those who used to take should now labor, so they may give to the needy. Likewise, the prophets condemn those who withhold wages from laborers. Stealing can be done by employers who refuse to pay, by people who take another’s work, or by those who cheat in business. God values honest effort and fair compensation. When we value honest work, we protect families and help society function well.

Together, let us support policies and practices that honor workers, pay wages on time, and discourage any fraud or shortchanging. Our faith asks us to be fair employers, conscientious employees, and generous neighbors. In doing so, we fulfill the love command and reflect God’s care.

Ephesians 4:28

“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. – Ephesians 4:28“

James 5:4

“Behold, the hire of the labourers who have reaped down your fields, which is of you kept back by fraud, crieth: and the cries of them which have reaped are entered into the ears of the Lord of sabaoth. – James 5:4“

1 Thessalonians 4:6

“That no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter: because that the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you and testified. – 1 Thessalonians 4:6“

Greed, Covetousness, and the Roots of Theft in bible verses about stealing

Stealing often begins in the heart. Many bible verses about stealing point us to covetousness and greed as the seeds that lead to theft. Jesus warned us that life is more than possessions and asked us to guard our hearts against wanting what others have. Covetous thoughts can grow into actions if left unchecked. The prophets show how coveting fields and taking them by force leads to hurt and injustice. When we address the root—our desires—we prevent the fruit of theft.

Together, we can practice gratitude, contentment, and simplicity. We can teach children to value people over things and to work honestly. When we help one another with generous living and share resources, we reduce the pressure that sometimes leads people to steal. The scriptures invite us to be satisfied in God’s provision and to help create communities where greed is resisted and care is the norm.

Luke 12:15

“And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth. – Luke 12:15“

Micah 2:2

“They covet fields, and seize them; and houses, and take them away: so they oppress a man and his house, even a man and his inheritance. – Micah 2:2“

Proverbs 10:2

“Treasures of wickedness profit nothing: but righteousness delivereth from death. – Proverbs 10:2“

Warnings, Judgment, and Hope in bible verses about stealing

The Bible contains firm warnings: those who live by theft and godless gain face judgment. Some scriptures list thieves among those who will not inherit the kingdom, which is a strong wake-up call. Yet the Bible also offers hope for change. The message of the gospel is that we can be forgiven and transformed. Passing judgment is God’s role, but He also calls us to repent, make amends, and embrace a new way of life. The warnings should drive us to urgency in changing, not to despair. God’s discipline can lead to restoration when we turn back to Him.

As a community, we are called to both warn and welcome. We warn against theft and corruption, and we welcome those who come to make things right. Our job is to hold fast to truth and to hold out mercy. In this way, bible verses about stealing remind us of the seriousness of sin and the larger goodness of God’s grace.

1 Corinthians 6:10

“Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. – 1 Corinthians 6:10“

Psalm 15:5

“He that putteth not out his money to usury, nor taketh reward against the innocent. He that doeth these things shall never be moved. – Psalm 15:5“

Malachi 3:8

“Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings. – Malachi 3:8“

Final Thoughts

I have walked with you through a range of bible verses about stealing. We have seen the clear command not to steal, the heart issues that lead to theft, the social harm it causes, and the strong call to make things right. We learned about honest labor, fair measures, defending the poor, and the hope of repentance and restitution.

We can hold both truth and grace. We must speak against theft and corruption, and we must also welcome those who want to change. As a community, we can practice honesty, repair wrongs, and protect the vulnerable. I believe we can learn to live by these teachings and help each other grow in integrity.

Let us go forward with humility and courage. Let us pray for hearts that refuse to take what is not ours, work for justice, and show mercy. In that way, our lives will reflect the God who loves truth and restores those who return to Him.

Further Reading

30 Bible Verses About Getting Closer To God (With Commentary)

30 Bible Verses About Removing People From Your Life (With Commentary)

30 Bible Verses About Israel (With Explanation)

30 Bible Verses About Being Lukewarm (With Explanation)

4 Ways to Encounter Grace and Truth: A Study on John, Chapter 4