Last updated: 2026-05-01
Is Stealing and Theft a Sin?
Quick Answer
Yes, stealing and theft is considered sin in Christianity.
Author: IsItASin Editorial Team · Last updated:
Yes, stealing and theft is considered sin in Christianity. Exodus 20:15 — 'You shall not steal.' This is a sin matter in Christianity with clear guidance for believers.
What Christianity Teaches About Stealing and Theft
Christianity considers Stealing and Theft to be a sin — a subject of guidance in the biblical tradition.
Wondering what other faiths teach?
Christian Denominations: How They Differ on Stealing and Theft
Catholic Church
The Seventh Commandment forbids theft. The Catechism (2401-2449) teaches that stealing is gravely wrong, especially when it deprives others of necessities. Small thefts may be venial.
Catechism of the Catholic Church
Protestant Churches
The Eighth Commandment is direct. All Protestant traditions condemn theft. Martin Luther's Large Catechism explains that theft includes not just robbery but any form of taking what belongs to others.
Holy Bible (Protestant canon)
Eastern Orthodox
The Eighth Commandment is foundational. Orthodox social teaching emphasizes care for the poor and just economic relations. St. Basil the Great taught that excess wealth is theft from the poor.
Orthodox Church Tradition
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What Christianity Teaches About Stealing and Theft
The prohibition against stealing is one of the Ten Commandments and foundational to Christian ethics. The Bible treats theft seriously because it violates the principle of loving your neighbor and violates trust within community. The New Testament goes beyond the physical act of stealing to address the heart attitude behind it — covetousness, greed, and dissatisfaction with what God has provided. Paul specifically instructs former thieves to stop stealing and instead work honestly (Ephesians 4:28). This includes not just overt theft but also cheating on taxes, withholding wages, and any form of dishonest gain.
Biblical References
- Exodus 20:15 — 'You shall not steal.'
- Ephesians 4:28 — 'Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands.'
- Matthew 6:19-20 — 'Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth... but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven.'
- 1 Corinthians 6:10 — 'Nor thieves... will inherit the kingdom of God.'
Key Teachings
| Teaching | Scripture Reference | Practical Application |
|---|---|---|
| You shall not steal. | Exodus 20:15 | Work honestly and give to those in need. |
| Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands. | Ephesians 4:28 | Work honestly and give to those in need. |
| Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth... but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven. | Matthew 6:19-20 | Work honestly and give to those in need. |
| Nor thieves... will inherit the kingdom of God. | 1 Corinthians 6:10 | Work honestly and give to those in need. |
What You Should Do
- Christian: Confess the sin to God and, for Catholics, through the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Ephesians 4:28 calls you to work honestly instead.
- If you struggle with kleptomania or compulsive stealing, seek professional help — this is a recognized condition that requires treatment alongside spiritual repentance.
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All 3 major faith traditions examined here — Christianity, Islam, Judaism — consider Stealing and Theft sinful, each arriving at this position through independent scriptural and theological analysis. This kind of cross-traditional consensus on a moral question is notable and suggests that Stealing and Theft touches on a principle shared across the Abrahamic tradition.
From the Christianity perspective, this question is primarily addressed through 3 key biblical passages: Exodus 20:15, Ephesians 4:28, and Matthew 6:19-20. These texts have been studied and debated by scholars across centuries, with interpretations shaped by denominational traditions, historical context, and the evolution of moral philosophy within each faith community.
In the broader historical context, debates around Stealing and Theft have evolved as societies have modernized. What was once addressed primarily through local religious authority has become a question examined in light of globalized communication, shifting cultural norms, and the individual's relationship to institutional religion. In Christianity, Stealing and Theft is classified as sin, which carries specific implications for how believers are counselled and how the topic is treated in religious education and community life. Contemporary scholars in Christianity continue to engage with this question, balancing fidelity to biblical sources with the lived realities of modern believers.
People Also Ask
Is stealing food to survive a sin?
Most religious scholars recognize a distinction between stealing out of necessity and stealing for gain.
Most religious scholars recognize a distinction between stealing out of necessity and stealing for gain. However, the ideal is to seek help rather than steal.
What about downloading pirated content?
All three traditions consider this a form of theft.
All three traditions consider this a form of theft. You are taking something of value without the owner's permission. The digital nature of the content does not change the ethical principle.
Is stealing from an employer (taking supplies, time) a sin?
Yes.
Yes. All three faiths treat this as theft. Wasting company time, taking office supplies, or padding expense reports are all forms of stealing that carry moral weight.
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IsItASin.org provides informational summaries of religious teachings from multiple faith traditions. This is not religious counsel, spiritual direction, or a substitute for guidance from a qualified religious leader in your community. Scriptural interpretations vary by denomination and individual congregation. If you are experiencing moral distress or spiritual crisis, we encourage you to speak with a trusted faith leader, counselor, or chaplain.