The Ten Commandments and the Teachings of Jesus: A Theological, Cultural, and Political Exposition
1. Introduction
The eighth commandment, “You shall not steal,” speaks to the ethical foundation of justice, property, and trust in community life. Theft is more than an economic violation; it is a breach of covenantal relationship and a denial of God’s provision. Jesus affirms this command while expanding its meaning to encompass economic integrity, generosity, and spiritual priorities. This entry examines the theological, social, and Christological significance of the commandment, showing how it directs believers to cultivate respect, contentment, and stewardship.
2. Text and Translation
“You shall not steal.”
— Exodus 20:15, cf. Deuteronomy 5:19
Hebrew: לֹא תִּגְנֹב (lō’ tignōb) – “You shall not take by stealth”
The verb ganab refers broadly to taking something without permission—whether property, persons (kidnapping), or even abstract forms like time or reputation.
3. Historical and Cultural Background
Ancient Israelite society was agrarian and clan-based. Property theft could devastate a family’s livelihood and destabilise community trust. The Torah’s laws surrounding theft were designed to:
- Protect the vulnerable (Exod. 22:1–4)
- Ensure restitution (not imprisonment) as a means of justice
- Guard against kidnapping (Exod. 21:16; Deut. 24:7)—considered a capital crime
Unlike modern legal systems, Israel’s laws were deeply restorative, seeking to rebuild relationships, not simply punish offenders.
4. Theological Significance
The commandment reflects several key theological truths:
- God is the ultimate Owner – All things belong to Him (Ps. 24:1)
- Stewardship is sacred – Humans are entrusted with resources for the glory of God (Gen. 2:15)
- Trust in God’s provision – Theft often stems from fear, greed, or discontentment (Prov. 30:8–9)
Stealing is therefore not merely horizontal (against others) but vertical (against God). It reflects a failure to honour God’s sovereignty and generosity.
5. Jesus’ Teaching: Beyond Theft to Generosity
Jesus does not only forbid theft; He calls His followers to radical generosity and trust.
a. Treasures in Heaven
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume… but store up treasures in heaven… For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
— Matthew 6:19–21
Here Jesus moves from mere non-stealing to positive reorientation of desire. Covetous accumulation is contrasted with eternal investment.
b. Serving God, Not Mammon
“You cannot serve God and wealth.”
— Matthew 6:24
Materialism itself can become a form of idolatry—an inner theft of loyalty from God.
c. Restitution and Transformation
In Luke 19:1–10, Zacchaeus embodies the eighth commandment’s fulfilment: he not only ceases his unjust extortion, but repays fourfold and gives half his wealth to the poor. Jesus affirms this as evidence of salvation.
6. Broader Forms of Theft
The commandment applies to many indirect forms:
- Exploitation of workers (Jas. 5:4)
- Fraud and corruption (Lev. 19:11)
- Withholding generosity (Prov. 3:27)
- Time theft in laziness or dishonesty
- Intellectual theft (plagiarism, misappropriation)
Stealing robs others of dignity, trust, and flourishing.
7. Political and Economic Implications
In ancient Israel, the eighth commandment upheld economic justice by protecting vulnerable households from exploitation. In Jesus’ day:
- Tax collectors often stole through overcharging (Luke 3:12–13)
- Roman occupation compounded systemic injustice
- Jesus warned against greed (Luke 12:15) and championed sharing with the poor (Matt. 19:21)
The Kingdom ethic moves beyond legal minimums to transform economic relationships through generosity and mutual care (Acts 2:44–45; 4:32–35).
8. Contemporary Application
The eighth commandment challenges believers to:
- Work honestly (Eph. 4:28)
- Repay debts faithfully (Rom. 13:7–8)
- Resist consumerist greed and live simply
- Confront systemic theft, including exploitation and corruption
- Give freely and sacrificially, seeing possessions as tools for God’s mission
Christian stewardship reflects the opposite spirit of theft—open-handed trust in God’s provision.
9. Conclusion
“You shall not steal” is not merely about refraining from unlawful taking; it calls for respect for others, trust in God’s provision, and generous stewardship. Jesus transforms this command into a positive ethic of Kingdom contentment, freeing disciples from the grip of greed. True obedience means not only abstaining from theft but actively contributing to the flourishing of others.