The Hidden Heart Behind the Eighth Commandment
Exodus 20:15- “You shall not steal.”
If stealing breaks trust, what happens when giving restores it?
In the next post, we’ll uncover what God really meant by “Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse.”
Spoiler: It’s not about the money — it’s about the mission.
Hebrew: לֹא תִּגְנֹב (Lo tignov)
At first glance, this commandment seems simple: don’t take what isn’t yours.
But when you look closer — especially through the Hebrew lens — this short sentence unfolds into a far deeper picture of integrity, trust, and faith in God’s provision.
What “Steal” Really Means in Hebrew
The word for steal is גָּנַב (ganav), which doesn’t just mean grabbing someone’s property.
It also means to deceive, to secretly take, to kidnap, or to rob someone of what’s rightfully theirs.
In Scripture, “stealing” can include:
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Kidnapping or human trafficking — “I was stolen out of the land of the Hebrews” (Genesis 40:15)
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Emotional or spiritual deception — “He stole the hearts of the men” (2 Samuel 19:3)
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Withholding from God — “Will a man rob God?” (Malachi 3:8)
In other words, theft isn’t only physical. It can be emotional, relational, or spiritual — anytime we take something that belongs to another person or to God.
A Personal Reflection
When I pause to examine my life, I realize stealing can look subtler than I thought.
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Do I take more time scrolling than serving?
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Do I take credit when I should give thanks?
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Do I steal moments that were meant for prayer?
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Do I take emotionally from people I’m not willing to pour back into?
This commandment isn’t about legalism — it’s about love and trust.
Love for others enough not to take what’s theirs.
Trust in God enough to believe that what’s mine will come in His way.
The Cultural Weight of This Commandment
In ancient Israel, this wasn’t merely about crime — it was about community trust.
Property, livestock, and even land were seen as gifts entrusted by God.
To steal was to break that divine trust and to disturb the harmony — shalom — of the community.
A stolen tool or cloak could mean a family’s survival was jeopardized.
Unlike many ancient legal systems that demanded death for theft, God’s law focused on restoration.
If someone stole, they had to repay two to seven times the value (Exodus 22:1–4).
The goal wasn’t punishment — it was reconciliation.
| The Spiritual Thread | Woven through Scripture |
|---|---|
| John 10:10 | "The thief comes only to steal, kill, and destroy: |
| Ephesians 4:28 | "Let the thief no longer steal, but rather work with his hands... that he may have something to share with those in need" REDEMPTION TURNS TAKERS INTO GIVERS |
| Malachi 3:8-10 | God calls withholding tithes "Robbing Him". Even withholding worship, gratitude or obedience is a form of theft. |
| Luke 19: 8-9 | Zacchaeus replays fourfold and salvation comes to his house. Restitution restores both relationship and identitiy. |
Twelve Ways We Steal
Breaks
Takes
Misplaces
Manipulates
Withholds
Deceives
Distorts
Controls
Exploits
Neglects
Dishonors
Consumes
The Hidden Heart of the Commandment
“You shall not steal” is really about respecting divine boundaries.
Stealing trust breaks relationships.
Stealing credit takes honor that belongs to others.
Stealing time from God reflects misplaced worship.
Stealing affection manipulates hearts that aren’t ours to claim.
Every form of theft says the same thing in the spiritual realm:
“God hasn’t given me enough, so I’ll take what I want.”
But faith says, “God provides all I need — in His time and His way.”
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