גְּנֵבָה
stealing, i.e. (concretely) something stolen
Definition
The Hebrew noun גְּנֵבָה (gᵉnêbâh) refers specifically to the act of stealing or, more concretely, the stolen property itself. It denotes the unlawful taking of another's possessions, a concept central to biblical law. In Exodus 22:3, it refers to the stolen item ('if the theft be certainly found in his hand'), while in Exodus 22:4, it describes the act of theft itself ('if the theft be certainly found alive in his hand'). The word consistently carries a legal and moral weight, identifying a clear violation of property rights and community trust.
Biblical Usage
This word is used exclusively in the legal context of the Mosaic Law, appearing only twice in the Old Testament, both in Exodus 22 (verses 3 and 4). It is used within the 'Book of the Covenant' (Exodus 20:22–23:33) to specify restitution laws. The usage is precise, distinguishing between the discovery of the stolen property (Exodus 22:3) and the theft of a living animal (Exodus 22:4), outlining different penalties for each scenario.
Etymology
Derived from the root verb גָּנַב (gānav, H1589), meaning 'to steal' or 'to act stealthily.' The noun form גְּנֵבָה specifically denotes the abstract concept or concrete result of that action. Cognate words exist in other Semitic languages, like Akkadian (ganābu), reinforcing its ancient connection to the concept of illicit taking.
Semantic Range
This word is theologically significant as it underpins the Eighth Commandment, 'You shall not steal' (Exodus 20:15). It defines a fundamental breach of covenant community life, violating God's design for justice, property, and neighborly love. Understanding this Hebrew term enriches reading by highlighting that biblical law treats theft not merely as a crime against property, but as a sin against God and a rupture in the social fabric that requires specific restitution.
In ancient Israelite culture, theft was not just a personal crime but a communal offense. The laws in Exodus 22 treat stolen property, especially livestock (a primary form of wealth), with great seriousness. The prescribed restitution (often paying double) was meant to restore what was lost to the victim and deter the act, reflecting a society where economic stability and trust were vital for survival. This contrasts with some modern legal systems that may focus more on punishment than restoration.
גָּזֵל (gāzēl, H1497) — robbery or plunder, often implying violent seizure or open force, whereas גְּנֵבָה implies stealth. עָשַׁק (ʿāšaq, H6231) — to oppress or defraud, a broader term for economic injustice that can include theft through deceit or exploitation of power.
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.
Full methodology & sources →