גַּנָּב (gan.nav)
gan.nav
thief
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 14 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Definition
Definition
Brown-Driver-Briggs
Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word for thief appears in Scripture as a stark image of violation and shame. It is not merely about property loss; it describes a breach of trust that damages community bonds. When the Bible mentions this figure, it often highlights how sin infiltrates the heart and the home, turning neighbors against one another.
For your faith life, this word serves as a sobering reminder of integrity. It invites you to examine where hidden compromises might be eroding your witness. The text suggests that even small acts of dishonesty or silence in the face of wrong can align us with those who steal from others. We are called to protect what is vulnerable, rather than taking advantage of it.
Ultimately, this term points to our need for a righteousness that goes beyond outward appearance. It challenges us to live in the light, where no hidden deed remains concealed. May your life reflect a honesty that honors God and protects your neighbors from harm.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 14 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- thieves3×
- like <the>/ thief3×
- a thief3×
- the/ thief2×
- and/ a thief1×
- among/ thieves1×
- <to> the/ thief1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- כַּ/גַּנָּֽב\׃2×
- לַ֭/גַּנָּב1×
- כַ/גַּנָּֽב\׃1×
- וְ/גַנָּ֣ב1×
- הַ/גַּנָּ֣ב1×
- הַ/גַּנָּ֔ב1×
- גַּנָּבִ֥ים1×
- גַּנָּבִ֤ים1×
- גַּנָּבִ֔ים1×
- גַּנָּב֙1×
- גַּ֭נָּב1×
- גַ֭נָּב1×
Key Verses
-
Proverbs 29:24
Whoever is an accomplice of a thief is an enemy of his own soul. He takes an oath, but dares not testify.
This verse uniquely links the thief to the danger of silence, showing how complicity through fear harms the soul.
-
Jeremiah 2:26
As the thief is ashamed when he is found, so the house of Israel is ashamed— they, their kings, their princes, their priests, and their prophets,
Here the word illustrates deep spiritual shame, comparing Israel’s idolatry to a criminal caught in the act.
-
Zechariah 5:4
I will cause it to go out,” says Yahweh of Armies, “and it will enter into the house of the thief, and into the house of him who swears falsely by my name; and it will remain in the middle of his house, and will destroy it with its timber and its stones.”
The thief represents a specific target of divine judgment, showing how oaths taken falsely alongside theft destroy one's home.