Bible Dictionaries
Robbery

Holman Bible Dictionary

Taking another person's property without the person's consent. The basic biblical law concerning robbery is the prohibition of the Ten Commandments, “Thou shall not steal” (Exodus 20:15; Deuteronomy 5:19 ). Such an absolute statement makes it irrelevant whether the robber acquires property by force, duplicity or oppression (see Genesis 31:31; Leviticus 19:13; Deuteronomy 24:14-15; Malachi 3:5; John 10:1 ). Remarkably little concerning robbery is written in the law of Moses. Unlike Assyrian and Babylonian law, no specific penalty is prescribed. Instead, the emphasis is upon restoration of the stolen property to its lawful owner (Exodus 22:1 ,Exodus 22:1,22:4 ,Exodus 22:4,22:7 ,Exodus 22:7,22:9; Leviticus 6:1-7; Numbers 5:5-8 ). If a thief could not return or replace it, the thief could be sold into slavery until restitution was made (Exodus 22:3 ).

During the New Testament period, robbery was the jurisdiction of Roman law. Captured robbers, on occasion, were crucified (Matthew 27:38; Mark 15:27 ). Robbery could be political. Palestine contained various groups called Zealots, famous for zeal in Judaism and opposition to Rome. The more militant groups, such as the Sicarii, resorted to murder and robbery.

First-century robbers frequently operated —together in bands, attacking travelers (Luke 10:30 ). The surprise of such an attack is analogous to the suddeness of Christ's return (Revelation 3:3 ). Robbery threatens material possessions; therefore, Jesus commanded faith in spiritual things (Matthew 6:19-20 ).

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