κλέπτης (kleptēs)
kleptēs
thief
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 16 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun kleptēs refers to a thief who steals by stealth, fraud, or cunning rather than open force. While the Greek language distinguishes this from laistēs, a violent brigand who plunders openly, kleptēs describes someone who operates in secret to take what belongs to another. This distinction appears clearly in John 10, where Jesus contrasts Himself with thieves and robbers, highlighting different methods of harm.
In Scripture, the term carries significant moral weight. It appears in lists of those excluded from God’s kingdom, such as in 1 Corinthians 6:10, and serves as a warning against greed, as seen when Judas Iscariot is identified with this role in John 12:6. The imagery extends to spiritual dangers, where false teachers are likened to thieves who seek to exploit the confidence of believers for their own gain.
The word also features in apocalyptic warnings about sudden judgment. Passages like Revelation 3:3 and 16:15 use the image of a thief coming unexpectedly to urge vigilance among believers. This metaphor emphasizes that divine intervention cannot be predicted or prepared for through human calculation, reinforcing the need for constant spiritual readiness.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word kleptēs describes someone who takes what belongs to another through stealth or cunning. In Scripture, this term carries significant moral weight, appearing in lists of those excluded from God’s kingdom and serving as a warning against greed. It reminds us that our actions have eternal consequences and that integrity matters deeply to God.
We see this word used metaphorically to urge spiritual vigilance. Jesus compares His return to a thief coming unexpectedly, not to frighten us, but to encourage constant readiness. This imagery helps us focus on what truly lasts—treasures in heaven rather than earthly possessions that can be lost or stolen.
Understanding kleptēs invites us to examine our own hearts and priorities. It challenges us to live with transparency and honesty, knowing that God sees everything. By keeping our eyes on eternal values, we find peace and purpose in our daily lives, trusting in God’s provision rather than worrying about temporary security.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 16 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- a thief6×
- thieves4×
- thief4×
- a thief.1×
- a thief,1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- κλέπτης10×
- κλέπται4×
- κλέπτης.1×
- κλέπτης,1×
Key Verses
-
John 10:10
The thief only comes to steal, kill, and destroy. I came that they may have life, and may have it abundantly.
Jesus contrasts His life-giving mission with the thief's destructive purpose of stealing, killing, and destroying.
-
Matthew 6:19
“Don’t lay up treasures for yourselves on the earth, where moth and rust consume, and where thieves break through and steal;
This verse uses thieves breaking in to illustrate the impermanence of earthly treasures compared to heavenly ones.
-
I Thessalonians 5:2
For you yourselves know well that the day of the Lord comes like a thief in the night.
Paul employs the thief metaphor to emphasize the sudden and unexpected nature of the day of the Lord.
-
I Corinthians 6:10
nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor slanderers, nor extortionists, will inherit God’s Kingdom.
The term appears in a list of behaviors that prevent inheritance of God’s Kingdom, highlighting its serious moral implications.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does kleptēs mean in the Bible?
How is kleptēs different from laistēs?
Why is kleptēs used as a metaphor for judgment?
Every Occurrence (16 verses across 8 books)
Matthew 3 verses
“Don’t lay up treasures for yourselves on the earth, where moth and rust consume, and where thieves break through and…
Matthew 6:20but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consume, and where thieves don’t break…
Matthew 24:43But know this, that if the master of the house had known in what watch of the night the thief was coming, he would have…