Defining Theft (14)

The Bible gives a number of examples that assist with the definition of theft.

1. Stealing another person's property.

If a man steals an ox or a sheep and slaughters it or sells it, he must pay back five head of cattle for the ox and four sheep for the sheep (Ex 22:1).

2. Disputes

When men have a dispute, they are to take it to court and the judges will decide the case, acquitting the innocent and condemning the guilty (Deut 25:1).

3. Assault is a form of theft.

If men quarrel and one hits the other with a stone or with his fist and he does not die but is confined to bed, the one who struck the blow will not be held responsible if the other gets up and walks around outside with his staff; however, he must pay the injured man for the loss of his time and see that he is completely healed (Ex 21:18,19)

The person committing the assault must be forced to compensate the victim everything that is lost. He must also pay for all medical expenses and pay compensation for any permanent injuries.

4. Breach of Contract

If a man gives his neighbor silver or goods for safekeeping and they are stolen from the neighbor's house, the thief, if he is caught, must pay back double. But if the thief is not found, the owner of the house must appear before the judges to determine whether he has laid his hands on the other man's property (Ex 22:7,8).

Failure to fulfil a contract that has been freely agreed is a form of theft and is dealt with in the same way as any other theft.

The Bible give clear guidelines on the nature of theft. Any new situations that emerge can be decided by applying these guidelines.

When politicians get hold of the concept of theft, we get very strange results. A large corporation can steal million of dollars and not be prosecuted due to a technicality and a young boy who steals a can of coke gets off free because the police are to busy to deal with him.

The eighth commandment provides a justification for private property. Something that lawfully belongs to one person cannot be taken by another without permission. This is a basic principle of justice.