What does the Bible say about punishment for stealing?

Bible Topic · WEB

The Bible teaches that stealing is sin against God and neighbor, requiring justice, repentance, and, where possible, generous restitution. The eighth commandment plainly forbids theft in Exodus 20:15. Israel's civil laws required thieves to repay what they had taken, often multiplying the repayment according to the offense, as Exodus 22:1-4 and Leviticus 6:1-5 show. Exodus 21:16 treats kidnapping as an especially grievous form of theft. Proverbs 6:30-31 recognizes human need but does not excuse stealing, while Micah 2:1-5 and Zechariah 5:4 warn that God judges those who defraud others. In Christ, sinners are called not merely to avoid theft, but to turn from it and love their neighbors faithfully.