Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, robbers are individuals who engage in theft, often with violence or threat, taking property unlawfully from others. The Bible addresses the issue of robbery in various passages, highlighting both the moral and legal implications of such actions.Old Testament References The Old Testament law explicitly condemns robbery, aligning it with other forms of theft and injustice. In Leviticus 19:13, the Israelites are commanded, "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 an individual but a violation of divine law. The prophets frequently denounce robbery as a symptom of societal corruption and moral decay. In Isaiah 61:8, the Lord 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 contrasted with the justice that God loves, indicating that those who engage in such acts are opposed to God's righteous standards. New Testament References In the New Testament, robbers are often mentioned in the context of parables and teachings of Jesus. The parable of the Good Samaritan in Luke 10:30-37 begins with a man who "fell into the hands of robbers. They stripped him, beat him, and went away, leaving him half dead" (Luke 10:30). This account illustrates the brutality and callousness often associated with robbery, while also highlighting the call to love and care for one's neighbor. Robbers are also mentioned in the accounts of Jesus' crucifixion. In Matthew 27:38, it is recorded, "Two robbers were crucified with Him, one on His right hand and the other on His left." The presence of robbers at the crucifixion site serves to fulfill the prophecy that the Messiah would be "numbered with the transgressors" (Isaiah 53:12). Moral and Spiritual Implications Robbery, as depicted in the Bible, is not only a violation of human law but also an affront to God's commandments. It reflects a heart that is turned away from God and His principles of love, justice, and respect for others. The Bible consistently calls for repentance and transformation, urging individuals to turn from such sinful behaviors and seek reconciliation with God. The teachings of Jesus further expand on the spiritual dimensions of theft and robbery. In John 10:10, Jesus contrasts His mission with that of a thief: "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I have come that they may have life, and have it in all its fullness." This verse highlights the destructive nature of robbery and theft, while also pointing to the abundant life that Jesus offers to those who follow Him. Conclusion Throughout Scripture, robbers are depicted as individuals who act in opposition to God's laws and principles. The Bible's consistent message is one of justice, integrity, and love for one's neighbor, calling believers to live in a manner that reflects God's righteousness and compassion. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia ROBBERS OF TEMPLES(hierosuloi, "guilty of sacrilege"): A term used by the town clerk of Ephesus (Acts 19:37, the King James Version "robbers of churches"). As the temple of Diana (Artemas) had a great treasure-chamber, the offense might not be unknown among them; compare Romans 2:22. TEMPLES, ROBBERS OF (hierosuloi; the King James Version "robbers of churches," Acts 19:37): To explain this as "sacrilegious persons" is irreconcilable with the contrast in Romans 2:22. In Deuteronomy 7:25, the Jews were commanded entirely to destroy the gold and silver idols, ornaments of the heathen temples. The sin reproved is that of making that a matter of gain which, without regard to its value, they should have destroyed. "Dost thou, who regardest the mere touch of an idol as a horrible defilement, presume to rob their temples?" There is abundant evidence to show that this crime was not unusual. When the town-clerk of Ephesus declares the companions of Paul innocent of such charge, his words imply that the fact that they were Jews rendered them liable to such suspicion. So Josephus goes out of his way (Ant., IV, viii, 10) to deny that Jews ever committed the crime. CHURCHES, ROBBERS OF church'-iz. Greek 3027. lestes -- a robber ... violence. Word Origin from leis (booty) Definition a robber NASB Word Usage robber (5), robbers (6), robbers' (4). robber, thief. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3027.htm - 7k 2417. hierosulos -- robbing temples Strong's Hebrew 1416. gedud -- a band, troop... army, band of men, company, troop of robbers. From gadad; a crowd (especially of soldiers) -- army, band (of men), company, troop (of robbers). see HEBREW gadad ... /hebrew/1416.htm - 6k 6530. parits -- violent one 7703. shadad -- to deal violently with, despoil, devastate, ruin Library How St Francis Converted Certain Robbers and Assassins, who Became ... However, These Robbers and Other Authors of this Tumult... Of the Derision Ascribed to the Robbers, and of the Question ... Herod Takes Sepphoris and Subdues the Robbers that were in the ... After what Manner Upon the Death of Claudius, Nero Succeeded in ... Of the Harmony Preserved among all the Evangelists on the Subject ... On the Saying of the Saviour, "All that came Before Me were ... Concerning the Revolt of the Trachonites; How Sylleus Accused ... Celsus in the Next Place Says, with Indescribable Silliness... The Abbots Euroul and Loumon. Thesaurus Robbers (21 Occurrences)...ROBBERS OF TEMPLES. (hierosuloi, "guilty of sacrilege"): A term used by the town clerk of Ephesus (Acts 19:37, the King James Version "robbers of churches"). ... /r/robbers.htm - 14k Temple-robbers (1 Occurrence) Temples (17 Occurrences) Den (19 Occurrences) Crucified (42 Occurrences) Thieves (25 Occurrences) Cave (40 Occurrences) Robbery (18 Occurrences) Churches (39 Occurrences) Written (323 Occurrences) Resources What did Jesus mean when He said, “I am the good Shepherd?” | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean that the house of prayer had been turned into a den of thieves? | GotQuestions.org What does it mean that the thief comes only to steal, kill, and destroy in John 10:10? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Robbers (21 Occurrences)Matthew 21:13 Matthew 27:38 Matthew 27:44 Mark 11:17 Mark 15:27 Luke 10:30 Luke 10:36 Luke 18:11 Luke 19:46 John 10:8 Acts 19:37 1 Corinthians 5:10 1 Corinthians 6:10 2 Corinthians 11:26 Job 12:6 Isaiah 42:24 Jeremiah 7:11 Ezekiel 7:22 Daniel 11:14 Hosea 6:9 Obadiah 1:5 Subtopics Robbers: General Scriptures Concerning Related Terms Grapegatherers (2 Occurrences) Grape-gatherers (2 Occurrences) |
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