Last updated: 2026-05-01
Is Stealing and Theft a Sin in Judaism?
Quick Answer
Yes, stealing and theft is considered sin in Judaism.
Author: IsItASin Editorial Team · Last updated:
Yes, stealing and theft is considered sin in Judaism. Exodus 20:13 — 'You shall not steal.' (in some translations, 20:15) This is a sin matter in Judaism with clear guidance for believers.
What Judaism Teaches About Stealing and Theft
Judaism considers Stealing and Theft to be a sin — a subject of guidance in the torah / talmudic tradition.
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What Judaism Teaches About Stealing and Theft
Jewish law has one of the most comprehensive systems for protecting property rights. The Torah requires not only that stealing cease but that restitution be made — typically the stolen item plus an additional one-fifth of its value. The Talmud extends the concept of theft to include geneivat da'at (deception), withholding wages (oshek), and even subtle forms like staring at someone's merchandise when you have no intention to buy. Jewish law also distinguishes between a gazlan (an open robber) and a ganav (a stealthy thief) — interestingly, the Torah is harsher on the stealthy thief, who must pay double restitution, than the open robber who simply returns what was taken. The reasoning: the stealthy thief shows fear of humans but not fear of God.
Torah / Talmudic References
- Exodus 20:13 — 'You shall not steal.' (in some translations, 20:15)
- Leviticus 19:11 — 'You shall not steal; you shall not deal falsely; you shall not lie to one another.'
- Leviticus 5:21-24 — If you steal, you must make full restitution plus add a fifth of the value.
- Talmud Bava Metzia — Extensive laws on lost property, borrowing, and business ethics.
Key Teachings
| Teaching | Scripture Reference | Practical Application |
|---|---|---|
| You shall not steal.' (in some translations, 20:15) | Exodus 20:13 | Deal honestly in all business. |
| You shall not steal; you shall not deal falsely; you shall not lie to one another. | Leviticus 19:11 | Deal honestly in all business. |
| If you steal, you must make full restitution plus add a fifth of the value. | Leviticus 5:21-24 | Deal honestly in all business. |
| Extensive laws on lost property, borrowing, and business ethics. | Talmud Bava Metzia | Deal honestly in all business. |
What You Should Do
- Jewish: Perform complete teshuvah — return the stolen item, add the required one-fifth, and confess before God. If the victim cannot be found, give the value to charity.
- 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. Judaism allows a starving person to eat from a field (Deuteronomy 23:25). 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.
