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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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.
