Types of stealing in the Bible

      Stealing is more than just taking someone else's possessions without permission. In the Bible, stealing is portrayed as a violation of God’s law and a sin against others and the Lord Himself. The commandment “You shall not steal” (Exodus 20:15) speaks to more than just robbery; it encompasses many dishonest acts that hurt individuals and disrupt society. Below are several types of stealing identified in Scripture, showing the seriousness and broad nature of this sin.

1. Stealing Physical Property

      The most straightforward form of theft is taking something tangible that belongs to someone else—money, goods, livestock, or other possessions.

Biblical Example: In Exodus 22:1, God gave specific laws about stealing livestock and how restitution should be made.

Scripture: “If a man steals an ox or a sheep and slaughters it or sells it, he must repay five cattle for the ox and four sheep for the sheep.” (Exodus 22:1)

2. Stealing by Fraud or Deception

      God condemns dishonest practices that trick people out of their money or property. This includes false advertising, cheating in business, or using deceptive measurements.

Scripture: “Do not have two differing weights in your bag—one heavy, one light.” (Deuteronomy 25:13)

Also: “A false balance is abomination to the Lord, but a just weight is his delight.” (Proverbs 11:1)

      Deception in business is theft because it cheats someone out of what is rightfully theirs.

3. Robbing God

      The Bible even speaks of stealing from God. This happens when we withhold tithes, offerings, or the glory that belongs to Him.

Scripture: “Will a man rob God? Yet you have robbed Me. But you say, ‘In what way have we robbed You?’ In tithes and offerings.” (Malachi 3:8)

      God views our giving as a spiritual responsibility. Refusing to give is not just neglect—it’s robbery.

4. Stealing Wages or Time

      Employers who do not pay fair wages and employees who waste time are both guilty of stealing.

Scripture for Employers: “Do not defraud or rob your neighbor. Do not hold back the wages of a hired worker overnight.” (Leviticus 19:13)

Scripture for Employees: “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.” (Colossians 3:23)

      God expects integrity in our work and fairness in how we treat others in business or employment.

5. Stealing Someone’s Reputation

      Gossip, slander, and false accusations steal a person’s good name. Though it’s not physical theft, it can do lasting damage.

Scripture: “You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.” (Exodus 20:16)

Also: “A good name is more desirable than great riches.” (Proverbs 22:1)

      When we destroy someone's reputation with lies, we rob them of something incredibly valuable.

6. Kidnapping (Stealing a Person)

      The Bible treats the act of kidnapping or human trafficking as one of the most serious forms of theft.

Scripture: “Anyone who kidnaps another and either sells him or still has him when he is caught must be put to death.” (Exodus 21:16)

      Taking a person against their will is not just theft—it’s a grievous sin that deserves severe punishment.

7. Stealing God’s Glory

      Sometimes people take credit for things that belong to God—like success, favor, or miracles. This is a form of spiritual theft.

Scripture: “Not to us, O Lord, not to us but to your name be the glory...” (Psalm 115:1)

      Everything good comes from God, and we must be careful not to boast as if we achieved anything apart from Him.

      Stealing is not limited to what we can touch or take. The Bible shows that it includes deception, injustice, pride, and spiritual neglect. Whether it’s through fraud, gossip, or withholding what belongs to God, every form of stealing is a violation of His holy standard. As followers of Christ, we are called to live honestly, generously, and in reverent obedience to the One who sees all things.