Definition and Context:
Burglary, in the modern sense, refers to the unlawful entry into a building with the intent to commit a crime, typically theft. In biblical times, while the term "burglary" as we understand it today is not explicitly mentioned, the act of stealing or breaking into a home is addressed within the broader context of theft and property rights.

Biblical References and Principles:
The Bible provides clear commandments against theft, which implicitly includes acts akin to burglary. The Eighth Commandment, "You shall not steal" (Exodus 20:15), serves as a foundational principle against taking what does not belong to oneself. This commandment underscores the sanctity of personal property and the moral obligation to respect the possessions of others.

Old Testament Insights:
In the Mosaic Law, specific regulations address the consequences of theft and the protection of property. Exodus 22:2-3 states, "If a thief is caught breaking in and is struck so that he dies, there shall be no bloodguilt for him. But if it happens after sunrise, there is bloodguilt for him. A thief must make full restitution; if he owns nothing, he must be sold to pay for his theft." This passage highlights the seriousness of burglary and the expectation of restitution, while also distinguishing between night and day, suggesting a greater threat perceived during a nocturnal intrusion.

New Testament Teachings:
The New Testament continues to uphold the prohibition against theft. In Ephesians 4:28 , Paul exhorts, "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 verse not only condemns theft but also encourages a transformative lifestyle where one contributes positively to the community.

Moral and Ethical Considerations:
From a biblical perspective, burglary is not merely a legal issue but a moral one. It reflects a violation of trust and community harmony. The act of breaking into a home disrupts the peace and security that God intends for individuals and families. Proverbs 3:29 advises, "Do not plot harm against your neighbor, who lives trustfully beside you," emphasizing the importance of maintaining trust and goodwill within the community.

Restitution and Repentance:
The biblical approach to dealing with theft, including burglary, involves restitution and repentance. The principle of restitution is seen in the requirement for a thief to repay what was stolen, often with additional compensation (Exodus 22:1-4). This not only serves justice but also provides an opportunity for the offender to make amends and restore relationships.

Conclusion:
While the Bible does not specifically use the term "burglary," its teachings on theft, property rights, and community ethics provide a comprehensive framework for understanding the moral implications of such acts. The biblical call to respect others' property, seek restitution, and live a life of integrity remains relevant in addressing the issue of burglary today.(n.) Breaking and entering the dwelling house of another, in the nighttime, with intent to commit a felony therein, whether the felonious purpose be accomplished or not.BURGLARY

bur'-gla-ri.

See CRIMES.

4290. machtereth -- a breaking in, burglary
... 4289, 4290. machtereth. 4291 . a breaking in, burglary. Transliteration:
machtereth Phonetic Spelling: (makh-teh'-reth) Short Definition: breaking. ...
/hebrew/4290.htm - 6k

2864. chathar -- to dig, row
... dig through, row. A primitive root; to force a passage, as by burglary; figuratively,
with oars -- dig (through), row. 2863, 2864. chathar. 2865 . ...
/hebrew/2864.htm - 5k

Burglary at Wesley's House
... Chapter 19. An Ideal Circuit; Wesley in his Eighties; Wesley Visits Holland;
Incidents in Scotland Burglary at Wesley's House. Saturday ...
/.../wesley/the journal of john wesley/burglary at wesleys house.htm

Christ --Our Substitute
... Some great vagabond who has committed burglary dozens of times"I suppose you would
let him sit in an easy chair in the evening before a nice fire, and mix ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 6 1860/christour substitute.htm

Christianity and Business
... the children of light.". I once heard of a father whose son was sentenced
to the Concord Reformatory for burglary. The father stood ...
/.../peabody/mornings in the college chapel/lvii christianity and business.htm

Whether Robbery May be Committed Without Sin?
... guarding of the common good, even if they use violence in so doing: but if they
extort something unduly by means of violence, it is robbery even as burglary is ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether robbery may be committed.htm

The Destruction of Babylon.
... Incest, if not detected, was to cost five groats; and six, if it was known. There
was a stated price for murder, infanticide, adultery, perjury, burglary, &c. ...
/.../bliss/a brief commentary on the apocalypse/the destruction of babylon.htm

Two Scenes.
... As he was relating an account of a desperate burglary, I asked him what
he would have done if the man of the house had awakened. ...
/.../byrum/the value of a praying mother/chapter i two scenes.htm

The Suicide of Thought
... heard of burglars. For there is a great and possible peril to the human mind:
a peril as practical as burglary. Against it religious ...
//christianbookshelf.org/chesterton/orthodoxy/iii the suicide of thought.htm

Luke of Prague and the High Church Reaction. 1473-1530.
... They took the Communion bread to their houses, and there hacked it in pieces. They
were thieves, and he himself had committed many a burglary for them. ...
/.../hutton/history of the moravian church/chapter vi luke of prague.htm

The Journal of John Wesley
... The Banks of the Spey. Twelve and a Half Miles in Heavy Rain. Incidents in Scotland.
Wesley at 81. Burglary at Wesley's House. Chapter 20. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/wesley/the journal of john wesley/

Baptismal Regeneration
... authorities. Do you believe that these men, many of whom have been living
by plunder, felony, burglary, or forgery, are regenerate? ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 10 1864/baptismal regeneration.htm

Burglary (1 Occurrence)
...BURGLARY. bur'-gla-ri. See CRIMES. ...Burglary (1 Occurrence). Nahum 3:1 Wo 'to' the
city of blood, She is all with lies -- burglary -- full, Prey doth not depart. ...
/b/burglary.htm - 7k

Code (6 Occurrences)
... CONTENTS OF THE CODE 1. The Principles of Legal Process 2. Theft, Burglary, Robbery
3. Laws concerning Vassalage 4. Immovables 5. Trader and Agent 6. Taverns 7 ...
/c/code.htm - 40k

Hammurabi
... CONTENTS OF THE CODE 1. The Principles of Legal Process 2. Theft, Burglary, Robbery
3. Laws concerning Vassalage 4. Immovables 5. Trader and Agent 6. Taverns 7 ...
/h/hammurabi.htm - 47k

Forcible (3 Occurrences)
... 1. (a.) Violent; characterized by force, efficiency, or energy; as, forcible entry
during a burglary; powerful; efficacious; impressive; influential. ...
/f/forcible.htm - 7k

Entry (36 Occurrences)
... 6. (n.) A putting upon record in proper form and order. 7. (n.) The act in addition
to breaking essential to constitute the offense or burglary. ...
/e/entry.htm - 18k

Departs (16 Occurrences)
... days. (See NAS RSV). Nahum 3:1 Wo 'to' the city of blood, She is all with
lies -- burglary -- full, Prey doth not depart. (See NAS). ...
/d/departs.htm - 10k

Burglars (1 Occurrence)

/b/burglars.htm - 6k

Burglar (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (n.) One guilty of the crime of burglary.
Multi-Version Concordance Burglar (1 Occurrence). Ezekiel 18:10 ...
/b/burglar.htm - 6k

Crimes (22 Occurrences)
... excommunicated). Breach of Trust. See TRUST, BREACH OF. Bribery. See separate
article. Burglary. This term does not occur. The corresponding ...
/c/crimes.htm - 44k

Crime (45 Occurrences)
... excommunicated). Breach of Trust. See TRUST, BREACH OF. Bribery. See separate
article. Burglary. This term does not occur. The corresponding ...
/c/crime.htm - 51k

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