Topical Encyclopedia Robbery, the act of taking property unlawfully from a person or place by force or threat of force, is explicitly forbidden in the Bible. This prohibition is rooted in the broader biblical principles of justice, respect for others' property, and love for one's neighbor.Old Testament Teachings The Old Testament law clearly condemns robbery as a violation of God's commandments. In Leviticus 19:13 , it is written, "You must not defraud your neighbor or rob him. The wages due a hired hand must not remain with you until morning." This verse underscores the importance of fairness and integrity in dealings with others, emphasizing that robbery is not merely a crime against individuals but an affront to God's order. The Eighth Commandment, "You shall not steal" (Exodus 20:15), serves as a foundational principle against robbery. This commandment is part of the Decalogue, which outlines the moral and ethical standards expected of God's people. Robbery, as a form of theft, directly contravenes this divine mandate. The prophet Isaiah also speaks against robbery, linking it to injustice and unrighteousness. Isaiah 61:8 declares, "For I, the LORD, love justice; I hate robbery and wrongdoing. In My faithfulness, I will give them their recompense and make an everlasting covenant with them." Here, robbery is associated with broader societal injustices, and God expresses His disdain for such acts. New Testament Teachings The New Testament continues to uphold the prohibition against robbery, emphasizing the transformation of character that comes with following Christ. In 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 , Paul lists robbers among those who will not inherit the kingdom of God: "Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who submit to or perform homosexual acts, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor verbal abusers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God." The apostle Paul further instructs believers in Ephesians 4:28 , "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 forbids robbery but also encourages a life of honest labor and generosity, reflecting the transformative power of the Gospel. Moral and Ethical Implications Robbery is fundamentally opposed to the biblical ethic of love and respect for others. Jesus summarized the law with the command to love one's neighbor as oneself (Matthew 22:39). Robbery, by its nature, violates this command by prioritizing one's desires over the well-being and rights of others. The Bible's consistent message against robbery highlights the importance of integrity, justice, and love in the life of a believer. By adhering to these principles, Christians are called to reflect God's character and contribute to a just and compassionate society. Nave's Topical Index Leviticus 19:13You shall not defraud your neighbor, neither rob him: the wages of him that is hired shall not abide with you all night until the morning. Nave's Topical Index Isaiah 61:8 Library What are the Sins Forbidden in the Eighth Commandment? Whether the Precepts of the Decalogue are Dispensable? Whether Men are Bound to Pay Tithes of all Things? Whether a Man May Make Oblations of Whatever He Lawfully Possesses ... Trajan Forbids the Christians to be Sought After. The Eighth Commandment From the Fourth to the Seventh Commandment The Danger of Riches The Fourth Book From the Seventh to the End of the Tenth Commandment Resources What does the Bible say about selflessness? | GotQuestions.orgHow can I avoid enabling someone else's sin? | GotQuestions.org Are children punished for the sins of their parents? | GotQuestions.org Robbery: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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