Exodus 20:15
Thou shalt not steal.
Exodus 20:15
This is a direct, stark prohibition against stealing. In the agricultural and barter-based economy of ancient Israel, theft would undermine communal trust and threaten vulnerable people. The command seeks to secure property rights while reinforcing the dignity of every person as a bearer of God’s image. It also carries communal enforcement dimensions—restorative justice and restitution for the wronged party. The social fabric of Israel relies on integrity in transactions, honest weights and measures, and fair dealing in daily life. The wider context of the Decalogue shows God’s concern for justice and mercy in ordinary routines—work, property, and interpersonal relations are not neutral but morally charged.
Stealing violates the trust that undergirds covenant life. It reflects distrust of God’s provision and undermines neighbor love. The command implicates social ethics: how we acquire wealth matters, and economic life must align with God’s justice. The law points forward to Jesus’ teaching about generosity and contentment, and to the early Christian injunction to work honestly and to share with those in need.
Practically, this means practicing honesty in all transactions: no shoplifting, fraud, or underhanded schemes. It also includes restitution for theft, fair wages for labor, and ethical business practices. Teach children at home and in church about the value of hard work and respect for others’ property. Community leadership can promote transparent governance, anti-corruption measures, and systems to prevent fraud. The core message: honor God by treating others’ property with integrity and generosity.
Cross-References: Leviticus 6:1-5; Romans 13:9; Ephesians 4:28; Luke 3:12-14; Proverbs 20:10