κλέπτω (kleptō)
kleptō
to steal
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 11 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb kleptō means to steal or commit theft, describing the act of taking something by stealth. It appears eleven times in the New Testament, including in Jesus’ teaching on storing up treasures (Matthew 6:19-20) and His listing of the commandments (Matthew 19:18). In Romans 13:9, Paul includes it among the prohibitions that sum up love for one’s neighbor.
Its root sense is straightforward: taking another’s property without permission. Unlike some related terms that might imply deception or fraud, kleptō focuses on the secretive or unlawful removal of goods. In Ephesians 4:28, Paul contrasts stealing with honest labor, urging believers to work so they can share with those in need.
The word carries a clear moral weight in Scripture, aligning with the Old Testament prohibition against theft. Translators consistently render it as "steal," preserving its directness. Its usage highlights the biblical view that property rights are respected under God’s order, and violating them disrupts community trust.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word kleptō refers to the act of stealing, taking what belongs to another without permission. In Scripture, this is not merely a legal violation but a breach of trust within the community God has called us to build. When Jesus lists the commandments in Matthew 19:18, He includes 'You shall not steal' alongside prohibitions against murder and adultery, showing that respecting others' property is foundational to loving our neighbor.
This teaching invites us to examine how we view what belongs to others. It challenges us to reject secrecy and greed, replacing them with honesty and generosity. Paul expands on this in Ephesians 4:28, urging those who have stolen to stop and instead work hard to share with those in need. This shift from taking to giving transforms our relationships and reflects the heart of Christ.
By honoring the boundaries of others' possessions, we create space for peace and mutual care. It is a practical way to live out love in daily life, ensuring that our actions build up rather than tear down. May we find joy in being people who protect what is not ours and freely give from what God has entrusted to us.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 11 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- steal;2×
- shall you steal,2×
- you will steal1×
- will you steal,1×
- to steal1×
- they stole1×
- may steal away1×
- is stealing1×
- he should steal,1×
- he shall steal1×
- do you steal?1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- κλέψῃς,2×
- κλέπτουσιν·2×
- ἔκλεψαν1×
- κλέψῃ1×
- κλέψωσιν1×
- κλέψεις,1×
- κλέψεις1×
- κλέπτων1×
- κλέπτεις;1×
- κλέπτειν1×
- κλεπτέτω,1×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 19:18
He said to him, “Which ones?” Jesus said, “‘You shall not murder.’ ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ ‘You shall not steal.’ ‘You shall not offer false testimony.’
Jesus places 'You shall not steal' directly among the core commandments, linking respect for property with love for neighbor.
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Ephesians 4:28
Let him who stole steal no more; but rather let him labor, producing with his hands something that is good, that he may have something to give to him who has need.
Paul provides a positive alternative to stealing, urging believers to work honestly so they can give to those in need.
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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 the thief's destructive purpose with His own gift of abundant life, highlighting the spiritual danger of theft.
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Romans 13:9
For the commandments, “You shall not commit adultery,” “You shall not murder,” “You shall not steal,” “You shall not covet,” and whatever other commandments there are, are all summed up in this saying, namely, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”
Paul summarizes the commandments by including 'You shall not steal' under the umbrella of loving one's neighbor as oneself.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Greek word kleptō mean?
How is stealing addressed in the New Testament?
What is the difference between kleptō and other words for taking?
Why does Paul connect stealing with working and giving?
Every Occurrence (11 verses across 6 books)
Matthew 5 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 19:18He said to him, “Which ones?” Jesus said, “‘You shall not murder.’ ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ ‘You shall not…
Matthew 27:64Command therefore that the tomb be made secure until the third day, lest perhaps his disciples come at night and steal…
Matthew 28:13saying, “Say that his disciples came by night and stole him away while we slept.