גָּנַב
to thieve (literally or figuratively); by implication, to deceive
Definition
The verb גָּנַב (gânab) fundamentally means 'to steal' or 'to take by stealth.' Its primary sense involves the literal theft of property, as seen when Rachel steals her father's household gods (Genesis 31:19). The word also extends to the figurative 'stealing' of a person, meaning to kidnap or abduct, as prohibited in the Decalogue (Exodus 20:15). By implication, the act of stealing is inherently deceptive, involving secrecy and cunning to deprive another wrongfully. This connection to deception is highlighted in contexts where the action is done covertly, 'stealing away' someone's heart or loyalty (2 Samuel 15:6).
Biblical Usage
גָּנַב is used 36 times in the Old Testament, primarily in narrative and legal texts. It appears frequently in the patriarchal stories, especially in the conflict between Jacob and Laban (Genesis 30:33; 31:19-20, 26-27, 30, 32, 39). The word is central to the law, forming the basis of the commandment against theft (Exodus 20:15; Deuteronomy 5:19). It describes stealing animals (Exodus 22:1), kidnapping (Exodus 21:16), and the deceptive 'stealing' of people's allegiance. Its usage underscores theft as a violation of trust and social order.
Etymology
גָּנַב is a primitive root. Cognates exist in other Semitic languages, like Akkadian (ganābu) and Arabic (ganaba), all carrying the core meaning 'to steal.' The Hebrew root conveys actions done secretly or by stealth. No direct derivation from a simpler root is evident; it stands as a basic verb for the concept of theft.
Semantic Range
This word is theologically significant as it defines a fundamental breach in covenant relationships—with God and neighbor. The commandment 'You shall not steal' (Exodus 20:15) protects the right to property and personal dignity, reflecting God's justice and the sanctity of ownership in a community under His law. Understanding גָּנַב enriches reading by revealing that biblical theft is not merely a property crime but a deceptive act that undermines trust, mirroring humanity's tendency to covertly seize what belongs to God or others, as seen in Achan's sin (Joshua 7:11).
In ancient Israelite culture, theft was a serious offense against the community and the covenant. Stealing could range from petty theft to kidnapping, a capital crime (Exodus 21:16). The restoration laws (e.g., Exodus 22:1-4) show that theft disrupted economic and social stability. The act was deeply shameful, associated with secrecy and cowardice, contrasting with the honor of honest labor. Rachel's theft of the teraphim (household gods) in Genesis 31:19 also reflects the cultural value placed on such idols for inheritance claims or protection.
גָּזַל (gâzal, H1497) — to seize by force or rob, implying violence or open plunder, unlike the stealth of גָּנַב. עָשַׁק (ʿâshaq, H6231) — to oppress or defraud, often in a context of economic exploitation or injustice. בָּצַע (bâtsaʿ, H1214) — to cut off, gain by violence, or be greedy, focusing on the unjust gain itself.
Word Details
How this works
Hebrew definitions are from Brown-Driver-Briggs (1906) and Strong's Exhaustive Concordance (1890), both public domain. BDB was groundbreaking for its era but reflects 19th-century assumptions about Semitic etymology. Modern scholarship (HALOT, DCH) has revised many entries. Use these definitions as a starting point for exploration, not as the final word on a term's meaning in context.
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