Topical Encyclopedia A burglar, in the context of biblical teachings, is an individual who unlawfully enters a property with the intent to commit theft. The act of burglary is inherently tied to the Eighth Commandment, "You shall not steal" (Exodus 20:15), which underscores the moral and ethical prohibition against taking what does not belong to oneself.Old Testament Context The Old Testament provides various laws and principles that address theft and burglary. In Exodus 22:2-3 , the law distinguishes between a thief caught in the act during the night and one caught during the day: "If a thief is caught breaking in and is beaten to death, no one shall be guilty of bloodshed. But if it happens after sunrise, there is guilt for his bloodshed." This distinction suggests a nuanced understanding of self-defense and the value of human life, even in the case of a criminal act. The Mosaic Law also required restitution for theft, emphasizing justice and restoration. Exodus 22:1 states, "If a man steals an ox or a sheep and slaughters or sells it, he must repay five oxen for an ox and four sheep for a sheep." This principle of restitution served as a deterrent and a means to restore what was lost to the victim. New Testament Teachings In the New Testament, the teachings of Jesus and the apostles further illuminate the moral implications of theft and burglary. Jesus, in His Sermon on the Mount, elevates the understanding of the law by addressing the heart's intentions. While He does not specifically mention burglary, His teachings on love, honesty, and integrity implicitly condemn such acts. In Matthew 6:19-20 , Jesus advises, "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven." The apostle Paul also addresses the issue of theft in his epistles. In Ephesians 4:28 , he instructs, "He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing good with his own hands, that he may have something to share with the one in need." This exhortation not only condemns theft but also encourages productive and honest labor as a means of living a righteous life. Moral and Ethical Considerations From a biblical perspective, burglary is not merely a legal issue but a moral one that reflects the condition of the human heart. The act of stealing violates the trust and security that should exist within a community. It is an affront to God's commandments and the social order He intends for His people. The Bible consistently calls for repentance and transformation of the heart. The account of Zacchaeus, a tax collector who repented and made restitution, serves as a powerful example of redemption and change (Luke 19:1-10). Zacchaeus's willingness to repay those he had wronged demonstrates the biblical principle of restitution and the transformative power of encountering Christ. In summary, the biblical view of burglary is clear in its condemnation of the act as a violation of God's commandments. It calls for justice, restitution, and ultimately, a change of heart that aligns with the values of the Kingdom of God. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (n.) One guilty of the crime of burglary.Library Somebody's Knocking at the Door. Talmage -- a Bloody Monster To Anatolius the Patrician. March the Ninth Nearing Home! On Attractiveness. Awake! Awake! Our Guilt. Concerning Lowliness of Mind. A Stanza of Deliverance On the Educational Value of the Natural History Sciences. Thesaurus Burglar (1 Occurrence)...Burglar (1 Occurrence). Ezekiel 18:10 And -- he hath begotten a son, A burglar -- a shedder of blood, And he hath made a brother of one of these, (YLT). ... /b/burglar.htm - 6k Burdensome (9 Occurrences) Begets (4 Occurrences) Burglars (1 Occurrence) Sheds (4 Occurrences) Resources Burglar: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Burglar (1 Occurrence)Ezekiel 18:10 Subtopics Related Terms |
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