λῃστής (lēstēs)
lēstēs
robber/rebel
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 15 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The Greek word lēstēs refers to a robber or brigand who uses violence and force to plunder. Its root verb means "to seize booty," which distinguishes it from the quieter thief, kleptēs. While a thief might steal in secret, a lēstēs operates openly with weapons, often as part of a band. This distinction is crucial in the Gospels, where Jesus uses the term to describe the nature of spiritual conflict and political rebellion.
Jesus identifies himself as the good shepherd who protects his flock from such violent men (John 10:1, 8), contrasting his peaceful leadership with their predatory methods. In the Garden of Gethsemane, he notes that the authorities came for him armed like they were arresting a lēstēs, despite his daily teaching in the temple courts (Luke 22:52). The term also appears in the crucifixion narratives, where two men labeled as lēstai are executed alongside him (Matthew 27:38), highlighting the political charge of insurrection often attached to this word.
Translators typically render lēstēs as "robber" or "bandit," capturing its aggressive and public nature. The lexicon notes that in the Septuagint, it translates Hebrew terms for raiding parties, reinforcing the idea of organized violence rather than simple theft. This usage underscores the severity of the threat such figures posed to social order and religious purity.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word lēstēs describes a violent bandit or rebel who operates openly with weapons, rather than a quiet thief stealing in secret. In the Gospels, this term carries heavy political and spiritual weight. Jesus uses it to describe the false leaders who exploit God’s house for gain, calling them a "den of robbers" (Matthew 21:13). He also points out the irony that the religious authorities treated Him like a dangerous insurgent when they arrested Him in the garden (Luke 22:52).
For your faith, this distinction matters. It reminds us that true spiritual authority does not come through force or intimidation. While lēstēs figures seize by power, Jesus leads as the Good Shepherd who gives His life for the sheep (John 10). The presence of robbers crucified alongside Him highlights the chaos of the world, yet He remains the center of peace and order.
You can find comfort in knowing that Christ is not a predator. He does not use fear to control people. Instead, He invites trust through love and sacrifice. When you face those who seek to dominate or harm others, remember that Jesus stands against such violence. His kingdom is built on truth, not coercion.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 15 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- of robbers.’3×
- a robber3×
- robbers,2×
- robbers2×
- robbers?1×
- robbers;1×
- of robbers,1×
- an insurrectionist.1×
- a robber;1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- λῃστὴν3×
- λῃστῶν.2×
- λῃστῶν.¶1×
- λῃστῶν,1×
- λῃστής·1×
- λῃστής.¶1×
- λῃστάς;1×
- λῃστάς,1×
- λῃσταῖς1×
- λῃσταί·1×
- λῃσταί,1×
- λῃσταὶ1×
Key Verses
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Matthew 21:13
He said to them, “It is written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer,’ but you have made it a den of robbers!”
Jesus quotes Scripture to condemn the religious leaders for turning a place of worship into a center of violent exploitation.
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Luke 22:52
Jesus said to the chief priests, captains of the temple, and elders, who had come against him, “Have you come out as against a robber, with swords and clubs?
This verse highlights the injustice of Jesus' arrest, contrasting His peaceful teaching with the authorities' aggressive, militaristic approach.
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John 10:1
“Most certainly, I tell you, one who doesn’t enter by the door into the sheep fold, but climbs up some other way, is a thief and a robber.
Jesus distinguishes Himself from lēstēs by showing that true leaders enter through the proper door, while robbers climb in illegally to harm the flock.
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Matthew 27:38
Then there were two robbers crucified with him, one on his right hand and one on the left.
The crucifixion of two robbers alongside Jesus underscores the political charge of insurrection often attached to this word in the first century.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a lēstēs and a thief?
Why did Jesus call the temple authorities 'robbers'?
What does 'den of robbers' mean in Matthew 21:13?
Why were robbers crucified with Jesus?
Every Occurrence (15 verses across 5 books)
Matthew 4 verses
He said to them, “It is written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer,’ but you have made it a den of robbers!”
Matthew 26:55In that hour Jesus said to the multitudes, “Have you come out as against a robber with swords and clubs to seize me? I…
Matthew 27:38Then there were two robbers crucified with him, one on his right hand and one on the left.
Matthew 27:44The robbers also who were crucified with him cast on him the same reproach.