גָּנַב (ga.nav)
ga.nav
to steal
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 31 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb ganav means to take something by stealth, whether it is an object or a person. In its most common usage, it describes the act of theft, appearing in foundational texts like the Decalogue where stealing is prohibited (Exodus 20:15) and in legal codes that address stolen livestock (Exodus 22:1). The word carries a sense of secret removal, highlighting the dishonesty inherent in taking what belongs to another without permission.
A striking feature of this word is its figurative use for deception. In Genesis 31:20, Jacob admits that he "stole away" Laban’s heart by leaving secretly. Here, ganav does not refer to physical theft but to a subtle manipulation of trust and understanding. This dual meaning connects the act of taking property with the act of misleading someone, suggesting that both involve a breach of integrity.
The sources note that this verb appears frequently in wisdom literature, particularly in Proverbs and Job, where it illustrates the fragility of human security. In Job 27:20, for instance, sudden disaster is described as stealing a person away like chaff in the wind. This usage expands the concept beyond criminal intent to include the unpredictable forces that can remove life or possessions without warning.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word ganav describes taking something by stealth, whether it is property or a person. In the Ten Commandments, this act is strictly forbidden, establishing a clear boundary for how we treat what belongs to others. This prohibition protects not just our possessions, but the trust that holds communities together. When we respect these boundaries, we create spaces where neighbors can feel safe and valued.
Interestingly, the text also uses ganav to describe subtle deceptions, such as Jacob stealing away his father-in-law’s heart or Absalom stealing the hearts of Israel. This reminds us that integrity involves more than just avoiding theft; it requires honesty in our relationships. We are called to live openly and truthfully, ensuring that our actions do not manipulate or deceive those we love.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 31 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ she stole3×
- you must steal2×
- and/ he stole2×
- ¿/ will you steal1×
- you will steal1×
- will we steal1×
- will they steal1×
- they have stolen1×
- they had stolen1×
- stolen1×
- stealing1×
- she had stolen/ them1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- תִּֿגְנֹֽ֔ב\׃\ \ס2×
- וַ/תִּגְנֹ֤ב2×
- וַ/תִּגְנֹ֖ב2×
- גְּנָבַ֥תּ/וּ2×
- תִּגְנֹ֑בוּ1×
- נִגְנֹב֙1×
- מְגַנְּבֵ֣י1×
- יִגְנְב֖וּ1×
- יִגְנ֑וֹב1×
- יְגֻנָּ֑ב1×
- וּ/גְנֻֽבְתִ֖י1×
- וַ/תִּגְנֹ֣ב1×
Key Verses
-
Exodus 20:15
“You shall not steal.
This verse establishes the foundational moral law prohibiting theft, setting a clear standard for justice and respect for others' property.
-
Genesis 31:20
Jacob deceived Laban the Syrian, in that he didn’t tell him that he was running away.
Here the word describes Jacob’s secret departure, illustrating how stealth can be used to deceive even family members and break trust.
-
II Samuel 15:6
Absalom did this sort of thing to all Israel who came to the king for judgment. So Absalom stole the hearts of the men of Israel.
Absalom uses this concept metaphorically to describe how he won over the people by secretly undermining the king’s authority.
-
Job 27:20
Terrors overtake him like waters. A storm steals him away in the night.
This verse expands the meaning to show how sudden disaster can steal a person away, highlighting human vulnerability to forces beyond control.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does ganav mean in the Bible?
Is stealing mentioned in the Ten Commandments?
How is ganav used metaphorically?
Every Occurrence (31 verses across 14 books)
Genesis 10 verses
So my righteousness will answer for me hereafter, when you come concerning my hire that is before you. Every one that…
Genesis 31:19Now Laban had gone to shear his sheep; and Rachel stole the teraphim that were her father’s.
Genesis 31:20Jacob deceived Laban the Syrian, in that he didn’t tell him that he was running away.
Genesis 31:26Laban said to Jacob, “What have you done, that you have deceived me, and carried away my daughters like captives of the…
Genesis 31:27Why did you flee secretly, and deceive me, and didn’t tell me, that I might have sent you away with mirth and with…
Genesis 31:30Now, you want to be gone, because you greatly longed for your father’s house, but why have you stolen my gods?”
Genesis 31:32Anyone you find your gods with shall not live. Before our relatives, discern what is yours with me, and take it.” For…
Genesis 31:39That which was torn of animals, I didn’t bring to you. I bore its loss. Of my hand you required it, whether stolen by…
Genesis 40:15For indeed, I was stolen away out of the land of the Hebrews, and here also I have done nothing that they should put me…
Genesis 44:8Behold, the money, which we found in our sacks’ mouths, we brought again to you out of the land of Canaan. How then…