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Thursday, November 21st, 2024
the Week of Proper 28 / Ordinary 33
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Crime; Crimes
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
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krı̄m , krı̄mz : This. term is used in English as the equivalent of the Hebrew משׁפט , mishpāṭ , "judgment," "verdict" (Ezekiel 7:23 ); זמּה , zimmāh , "a heinous crime" (Job 31:11 ); אשׁם , 'āshām = "a fault," "sin" (Genesis 26:10 , English Versions of the Bible "guiltiness"); and Greek αἰτία , aitı́a , "case," "cause" (Acts 25:27 , the Revised Version (British and American) "charges"). In the King James Version John 18:38; John 19:4 , John 19:6 , the rendition is "fault."
ἔγκλημα , égklēma , "indictment," "charge" (Acts 25:16 the King James Version) is changed in the Revised Version (British and American) to "matter." A crime is a transgression against the public right; serious offense against the law; a base weakness or iniquity, all of which are regarded by the Bible as offenses against (1) God, or (2) man, or (3) both. An injury to the creature is regarded as obnoxious to the Creator. Specific forms of crime are the following:
Adultery
See separate article.
Assassination
This term does not occur in the English Versions of the Bible, but, of course, is included in the more general "to kill," or "to slay" (הרג , hāragh = "to smite with deadly intent" "destroy," "kill," "murder," "put to death"). The law distinguished between unpremeditated and premeditated slaying, pronouncing a curse upon the latter (Deuteronomy 27:25 ). David expresses the deepest abhorrence of such an act (2 Samuel 4:9-12 ). Instances are found recorded in Judges 3:15-22; 2 Samuel 3:27; 2 Samuel 4:5-7; 2 Samuel 13:28 , 2 Samuel 13:29; 2 Samuel 20:9 , 2 Samuel 20:10; 2 Kings 12:20; 2 Kings 19:37; Isaiah 37:38 . See also separate article.
Bestiality
According to Webster: "unnatural connection with a beast." This form of vice was treated by the Mosaic law as something exceedingly loathsome and abhorrent, calling for extreme language in its description and rigorous measures in its punishment. Both the beast and the guilty human were to be put to death (Exodus 22:19; Leviticus 18:23; Leviticus 20:15 , Leviticus 20:16; Deuteronomy 27:21 ), in order, as the Talmud says, to obliterate all memory of the crime.
Blasphemy
See separate article.
Breach of Covenant
Breach of Covenant (פרר את־הבּרית , pārar 'eth ha -berı̄th ). - A ccording to Poucher (HDB , article "Crimes"), this term included: (1) failure to observe the Day of Atonement (Leviticus 23:29 ); work on that day (Leviticus 23:28 ); (2) sacrifice of children to Moloch (Leviticus 20:3 ); (3) neglect of circumcision (Genesis 17:14; Exodus 4:26 ); (4) unauthorized manufacture of the holy oil (Exodus 30:33 ); (5) anointing an alien therewith (Exodus 30:33 ); (6) neglect of the Passover (Numbers 9:13 ). Note also the following: Genesis 17:14; Lev 26:15-44; Deuteronomy 29:25; Deuteronomy 31:16 , Deuteronomy 31:20 . Paul (Romans 1:31 ) speaks of ἀσύνθετοι , asúnthetoi = "Convenant - breakers."
Breach of Ritual
A term not found in the Scriptures, but designed to cover a number of acts prohibited by the ceremonial law. They have been exhaustively enumerated by Poucher (HDB , article "Crimes"): (1) eating blood, whether of fowl or beast (Leviticus 7:27; Leviticus 17:14 ); (2) eating fat of the beast of sacrifice (Leviticus 7:25 ); (3) eating leavened bread during the Passover (Exodus 12:15 , Exodus 12:19 ); (4) failure to bring an offering when an animal is slaughtered for food (Leviticus 17:4 ); (5) offering sacrifice while the worshipper is under the ban of uncleanness. (Leviticus 7:20 , Leviticus 7:21; Leviticus 22:3 , Leviticus 22:4 , Leviticus 22:9 ); (6) making holy ointment for private use (Exodus 30:32 , Exodus 30:33 ); (7) using the same for perfume (Exodus 30:38 ); (8) neglect of purification in general (Numbers 19:13 , Numbers 19:10 ); (9) slaughtering an animal for food away from the door of the tabernacle (Leviticus 17:4 , Leviticus 17:9 ); even the alien must comply, so that the introduction of worship at other places might be avoided; (10) touching holy things illegally (Numbers 4:16 , Numbers 4:20 the Revised Version (British and American) "the sanctuary"). The punishment for the non-observance of these prohibitions was the "cutting off" from the transgressor's people ( נכרת מקּרב , nikhrath miḳḳerebh = "cut off from among," i.e. excommunicated).
Breach of Trust
See TRUST , BREACH OF .
Bribery
See separate article.
Burglary
This term does not occur. The corresponding act is defined as "thievery accompanied by breaking," and it places the offender beyond protection from violence (Exodus 22:2 ). The crime might be committed in various degrees, and to burglarize the "devoted things" was punishable by death (Joshua 7:25 ), as was also man-stealing (Exodus 21:16; Deuteronomy 24:7 ).
Debt
See separate article.
Deception
See separate article.
Disobedience
See separate article.
Divination
See separate article.
Drunkenness
See separate article.
Evil Speaking (Slander)
See Speaking Evil .
Falsehood
Occurs as the rendition of מעל , ma‛al = "treachery," "sin," "trespass" (Job 21:34 ); and of שׁקר , sheḳer = "a sham," "deceit," "lying" (2 Samuel 18:13; Psalm 7:14; Psalm 119:118; Psalm 144:8 , Psalm 144:11; Isaiah 28:15; Isaiah 57:4; Isaiah 59:13; Jeremiah 10:14; Jeremiah 13:25; Hosea 7:1; Micah 2:11 ). In every case willful perversion of the truth or preference for the untruth is at least presupposed, hence, falsehood always marks an evil disposition, enmity against truth, and hence, against God; consequently is criminal in the fullest sense.
False Swearing
"Swearing to a lie or falsehood" (שׁקר , sheḳer ) is mentioned in Leviticus 6:3 , Leviticus 6:1; Leviticus 19:12; Jeremiah 5:2; Jeremiah 7:9; Hosea 10:4; Zechariah 5:4 . From these passages and their context, it appears that this crime was considered in the twofold sense of a wrong against (1) The neighbor, and (2) against God, for the oath was an appeal to God as a witness to the truthfulness of the statement; hence, to swear falsely was to represent God as supporting a false statement.
Fornication
Hebrew, זנה , zānāh = "to commit adultery," especially of the female, and less frequently of mere fornication, seldom of involuntary ravishment; also used figuratively in the sense of idolatry, the Jewish people being regarded as the spouse of Yahweh ( 2 Chronicles 21:11; Isaiah 23:17; Ezekiel 16:26 ). Once we find the derivative noun תּזנוּת , taznūth (Ezekiel 16:29 ). In the New Testament, with both the literal and the figurative application, we find πορνεία , porneı́a , and πορνεύω , porneúō (Matthew 5:32; Matthew 15:19; John 8:41; Acts 15:20; 1 Corinthians 5:1; 1 Corinthians 6:13 , 1 Corinthians 6:18; 1 Corinthians 7:2; 1 Corinthians 10:8; 2 Corinthians 12:21; Galatians 5:19; Ephesians 5:3; Colossians 3:5; 1 Thessalonians 4:3; Revelation 2:14 , Revelation 2:20 , Revelation 2:21; Revelation 9:21; Revelation 14:8; Revelation 17:2 , Revelation 17:4 ). The intensive ἐκπορνεύω , ekporneúō = "to be utterly unchaste" is found in Judges 1:7 . Every form of unchastity is included in the term "fornication."
Forswear
Found only in Matthew 5:33 in the sense of committing perjury ( ἐπιορκέω , epiorkéō ).
Harlotry
The avocational or at least habitual, notorious practice of unchastity. In most instances the ordinary term for unchaste living, זנה , zānāh , is employed (Genesis 34:31; Genesis 38:15 , Genesis 38:24; Leviticus 21:14; Joshua 2:1 (Rahab); Judges 11:1; Judges 16:1; 1 Kings 3:16; Proverbs 7:10; Proverbs 29:3; Jeremiah 5:7; Amos 7:17 ). For the publicly known woman of the street and the professional devotee in the pagan temple-worship, the term קדשׁה , kedhēshāh , was employed (Genesis 38:21 , Genesis 38:22 the King James Version; Hosea 4:14 ). The Greek πόρνη , pórnē , occurs in Matthew 21:31 f; Luke 15:30; 1 Corinthians 6:15 , 1 Corinthians 6:16; Hebrews 11:31; James 2:25 ). Figurative: Often used metaphorically of idolatry or any defection from the Divine covenant, and applied particularly to Jerusalem ( Isaiah 1:21 ); the Jewish nation (Jeremiah 2:20; Jeremiah 3:1 , Jeremiah 3:6; often in Ezek 16 and 23; Micah 1:7 ); Israel (Hosea 4:15 ); Nineveh (Nahum 3:4 ); Tyro, with reference to the various arts employed to renew her commerce (Isaiah 23:16 ) and to her restored traffic (Isaiah 23:17 ); and to antiChristian "Babylon" (Revelation 17:5 , Revelation 17:15; Revelation 19:2 ). See also Fornication .
Homicide
"Manslayer" (רצה , rācaḥ , "to dash in pieces," "to kill," "to murder"; Greek ἀνδροφόνος , androphónos , with the same meaning): Mentioned in Numbers 35:6 , Numbers 35:12; 1 Timothy 1:9 . The Hebrew law distinguished between the premeditated and the unpremeditated slaying. See separate article.
Idolatry
See separate article.
Ill-Treatment of Parents
(Exodus 21:15 , Exodus 21:17; Leviticus 20:9; Deuteronomy 21:18 ). See below.
Injuries to the Person
(Exodus 21:18; Leviticus 24:19 F; Deuteronomy 25:11 ).
Irreverence
Lack of respect for God or His natural representatives, the parents or governmental officers. See also Parents , Crimes against; Blasphemy .
Incest
Designated in Hebrew by זמּה , zimmāh , "vice," "wickedness," "refined immorality" (Leviticus 18:17; Leviticus 20:14 ); also "unnatural vice," תּבל , tebhel , the same word that is used to designate the unnatural commingling with beasts. Amnon's deed is designated as חסד , ḥeṣedh , indicating the degradation of the tenderness natural between brothers and sisters into a tenderness of an immoral character (2 Sam 13). The crime of sexual relation of persons within the degrees of relationship forbidden by the Levitical law, as for instance, that of Lot's daughters with their father (Genesis 19:33 ); the son with his father's concubines, as for instance, Reuben (Genesis 35:22 ), and Absalom (2 Samuel 16:22; compare 1 Corinthians 5:1 ); that of the father-in-law with his daughter-in-law (Genesis 38:15; compare Ezekiel 22:11 ); of the brother with the sister or half-sister, as for instance, Amnon (2 Samuel 13:14 ); of the brother-in-law with the sister-in-law (Matthew 14:3 ); with the wife's mother, or the wife's daughter while living in apparent marriage with the mother (Leviticus 20:14; Leviticus 18:17 ). Illicit relation with the brother's widow is designated (Leviticus 20:21 ) as a disgraceful deed, literally, "uncleanness" (excepting the levirate marriage). Such acts were forbidden on the ground that the Jews were to avoid the evil practices of the Canaanites and the Egyptians in regard to marriage within the specified limits, because this would naturally result in breaking down the sanctity of the bonds connecting near relatives, and in throwing open the flood gates of immorality among them. It is the Divine plan that the unions based on mutual choice and love, mingled with carnality, shall become clarified more and more into the purer love of close consanguineal relations; not vice versa. Then, too, such provisions would secure higher results in training and in the production of mentally and physically healthy children, the balancing and evening up of contrasts of Nature, and the production of new and improved types. The principle on which the prohibitions are imposed seems to be this: Marriage is forbidden between any person and a direct ancestor or a direct descendant or any close relative, such as brother or sister of either himself or any of his ancestors or any of his immediate descendants.
Infanticide
This crime, in the form in which it has been and is prevalent among barbarous nations, seems to have been quite foreign to the minds of the Hebrews, for they had too lofty a conception of the value of human life, and children were considered a blessing; their absence in the home, a curse (compare Exodus 1:17 , Exodus 1:21; Psalm 127:1-5; Psalm 128:1-6 ). For this reason, there appeared to be no reason to prohibit it by law, except as the Israelites might be influenced to sacrifice their children to Molech when following the religious customs of the Canaanites. See MOLECH .
Kidnapping (Man-Stealing)
�ἀνδραποδιστής , andrapodistḗs = "man-stealer," "slave-dealer" (1 Timothy 1:10 ). This was a mortal offense; but it seems that it, like some other forms of iniquity, was unknown to the Hebrews, except as they came in contact with it through their intercourse with other nations, such as the Romans and the Greeks, whose mythology frequently alludes to such acts.
Lying, Malice, Manslaughter, Murder, Oath
See separate articles.
Parents, Crimes Against
The law enjoined upon the infant all the reverence toward his parents, especially the father, that he could bestow on a merely human being. The reason for this lay in the fact that the heads of families were expected to transmit the Divine law to their household, and Thus to stand in the place of God. That the mother was to share this reverence practically on equal terms with the father is shown by the fact that each is mentioned separately whenever obedience and reverence are enjoined upon the child (Deuteronomy 5:16 ). As the specific crime against Yahweh consisted in blasphemy and open rebellion against the law, so the crime against parents consisted in deliberate disobedience and stubbornness (Deuteronomy 21:18 ). And here again both the father and the mother are directed to lay hands upon him and bring him unto the elders for punishment. How greatly such conduct was held in horror is seen in many of the Proverbs, especially Proverbs 30:17 . It would be hard to specify all the acts which, in view of the above, would be considered crimes against the parents, but it is evident that everything which would lower their dignity and influence or violate their sense of just recognition must be carefully avoided, as witness the curse visited upon Ham (Genesis 9:20-27 ).
Perjury
See False Swearing; Forswear above; also article OATH .
Prophesying, False
By reason of his position as the recognized mouthpiece of Yahweh, the prophet's word was weighty in influence; hence, to prophesy falsely was equivalent to practicing fraud publicly. Jeremiah described the condition as "wonderful and horrible," which made such things possible (Jeremiah 5:30 , Jeremiah 5:31 ). See also Jer 23, 12; Jeremiah 29:8 , Jeremiah 29:9; Ezekiel 21:23; Zechariah 10:2; Matthew 7:15; Matthew 24:11 , Matthew 24:24; Mark 13:22; Luke 6:26; Acts 13:6 (Bar-Jesus); 2 Peter 2:1; 1 John 4:1; Revelation 16:13; Revelation 19:20; Revelation 20:10 . See also separate article.
Prostitution
Hebrew and Christian morality never condoned this practice, though the Bible recognizes its existence as a fact even among God's people. The Hebrew father was forbidden (Leviticus 19:29 ) to give his daughter over to a life of shame (חלל , ḥālal , "to profane a person, place or thing," "to pollute"). See also Fornication , Harlotry , and Whoredom below.
Rape
�חזק , ḥāzaḳ = "to seize," "bind," "restrain," "conquer," "force," "ravish." The punishment for this crime was greater when the act was committed against a betrothed woman (Deuteronomy 22:25-29 ). See also Seduction .
Removing Landmarks
(Deuteronomy 19:14 ). See LANDMARK .
Reviling
(Exodus 22:28 ). See Irreverence above and article REVILE .
Robbery
�גּזל , gāzal = "to pluck off," "strip," "rob," "take away by force or violence"; forbidden in the law and frequently referred to as despicable (Leviticus 19:13; Leviticus 26:22; 1 Samuel 23:1; Proverbs 22:22; Isaiah 10:2 , Isaiah 10:13; Isaiah 17:14; Ezekiel 33:15; Ezekiel 39:10; Malachi 3:8 , Malachi 3:9 ).
Sabbath-Breaking
As the Hebrew Sabbath was regarded as a day of rest, all acts absolutely unnecessary were considered a violation, a "breaking" of the Sabbath, which appears sufficiently from the commandment (Exodus 20:8-11 ); and the head of the household was held responsible for the keeping of this commandment on the part of all sojourners under his roof.
No other law gave the sophistical legalists of later Judaism so much opportunity for hair-splitting distinctions as did this. In answer to the question what labors were forbidden, they mentioned 39 specific forms of work, and then proceeded to define what constituted each particular form. But as even these definitions would not cover all possible questions, special precepts were invented. In order that one might not be caught in the midst of unfinished labors, when the Sabbath began (at sunset), certain forms of work must not be undertaken on Friday. Thus it was forbidden to fry meat, onions or eggs, if there was not sufficient time for them to be fully cooked before evening. No bread, no cakes, must be put into the oven, if there was not sufficient time remaining for their surface to brown before night. See SABBATH .
Seduction
�תּעה , tā‛āh , "to dissemble," "seduce," and טעה , ṭā‛āh , with the same meaning; ἀποπλανάω , apoplanáō , "to lead astray"; πλανάω , planáō , "to go astray," "deceive," "err," "seduce"; and γόης , góēs , "a wizard," "an impostor," "seducer." In all the passages in which the idea of seduction is expressed in the English the term is used not in the modern sense of a trespass against a woman's person, but in the more general and figurative sense of leading into sin generally (2 Kings 21:9; Proverbs 12:26 the King James Version.; Isaiah 19:13 the King James Version; Ezekiel 13:10; Mark 13:22 the King James Version; 2 Timothy 3:13 the King James Version; 1 John 2:26 the King James Version; Revelation 2:20 ). However, the modern English idea of the word is expressed in the law found in Exodus 22:16 , Exodus 22:17 .
Slander
See separate article.
Sodomy
See Unnatural Vice .
Speaking Evil
"To bring an evil (רע , rā‛ ) name upon" (Deuteronomy 19:15; 1 Kings 22:23; Psalm 34:13; Psalm 41:5; Psalm 50:19; Psalm 109:20; Psalm 140:11; Proverbs 15:28; Proverbs 16:30 ). Evil speaking is considered a crime because it is simply the expression of the evil intents of the heart. This is brought out more clearly in the New Testament (Matthew 7:17 , Matthew 7:18; Matthew 12:34 , Matthew 12:35; Mark 9:39; Luke 6:45 ). As such, evil speaking (βλασφημία , blasphēmı́a ) is represented as entirely unworthy a Christian character (Ephesians 4:31; 1 Peter 4:4 , 1 Peter 4:14; 2 Peter 2:2 , 2 Peter 2:10 , 2 Peter 2:12; James 4:11; Judges 1:10 ); and καταλαλέω , katalaléō = "babble against," "gossip." It will be noticed from the above that evil speaking against those in authority is designated with the same word ("blasphemy") as raillery against God, they being considered God's representatives on earth. See also EVIL-SPEAKING; SLANDER .
Stealing
Hebrew גּנב , gānabh = "to thieve" (literal, or figurative); by implication, "to deceive," "carry away," "secretly bring," "steal away" (Genesis 44:8; Exodus 20:15; Exodus 21:16; Exodus 22:1; Proverbs 6:30; Zechariah 5:3; Genesis 31:20 , Genesis 31:26 f; 2 Samuel 15:6; 2 Samuel 19:3; Job 27:20; Proverbs 9:17 ("Stolen waters are sweet"; the forbidden is attractive; compare Romans 7:7 )). Greek κλέπτω , kléptō = "to filch," "steal" (Matthew 6:19 , Matthew 6:20; Matthew 19:18; John 10:10; Romans 2:21; Romans 13:9; Ephesians 4:28 ). See Theft .
Suicide
No special law is found against this crime, for it is included in the prohibition against killing. Contrary to the practice and the philosophy of paganism, the act was held in deep abhorrence by the Hebrews because of the high value placed on human life. It was held inexcusable that any but the most degraded and satanic should lay hands on their own lives. Only the remorse of the damned could drive one to it, as witness Saul (1 Samuel 31:4 ) and Judas (Matthew 27:5 ).
Theft
Hebrew גּנבה , genēbhāh "stealing" (concrete), "something stolen," "theft" (Exodus 22:3 , Exodus 22:1 ); mentioned in connection with other wickedness (κλοπη , klopḗ ) in Matthew 15:19; Mark 7:21; and (κλέμμα , klémma ) in Revelation 9:21 . All three words are used abstractly for the act and concretely for the thing stolen. See THIEF .
Unchastity
No other form of sin is mentioned with disapproval and threats more frequently than the various forms of carnal vice, for no other sin is more natural or widespread. See CHASTITY; LEWDNESS; MARRIAGE .
Unnatural Vice (Sodomy)
Alluded to with delicacy, but positively condemned as an abomination (Genesis 13:13; Genesis 19:5 , Genesis 19:7; Leviticus 18:22; Leviticus 20:13 ). It was the specific form of wickedness through which Sodom became notorious, so that "sodomite" is the regular translation of קדשׁ , ḳādhesh , "a (quasi) sacred person," i.e. (technically) "a (male or female) devotee to licentious idolatry" (Deuteronomy 23:17; 1 Kings 14:24; 1 Kings 15:12; 1 Kings 22:46; 2 Kings 23:7; Job 36:14 margin). Though permitted and even encouraged in heathen cult, it was never to be tolerated in the worship of Yahweh.
Usury
See separate article.
Witnessing, False
The Hebrew idiom is עד שׁקר , ‛ēdh sheḳer , "witness of a falsehood," "lie" (Exodus 20:16; Deuteronomy 19:16 , Deuteronomy 19:18; Proverbs 6:19; Proverbs 14:5 , Proverbs 14:25; Proverbs 19:5 , Proverbs 19:9 ); Greek ψευδομαρτυρέω , pseudomarturéō , "to bring false testimony"; μαρτυρία , -marturı́a , "bearing of false testimony" (Mark 10:19; Mark 14:56 , Mark 14:57 ). It goes without saying that the law was emphatic in its denunciation of this practice, and in order that the innocent might be protected against the lying accuser, a criminal was to be convicted only on the testimony of at least two or three witnesses, testifying to the same facts (Numbers 35:30 ). If one be found testifying falsely, he was to be punished by suffering the penalty which would have been inflicted on him against whom he testified, had he been convicted (Deuteronomy 19:16-19 ).
Whoredom
Hebrew זנה , zānāh = "to commit adultery," "fornication or illicit incontinence of any kind"; and its derivative תּזנוּת , taznūth = "fornication," "harlotry," "whoredom"; Greek πὁρνεύω , porneúō (verb), and πορνεία , porneı́a (noun), of the same meaning. The following passages will reveal the estimate in which such uncleanness was held, and the fact that men and women given to it were held in equal abhorrence and designated by the same terms: Genesis 38:24; Leviticus 19:29; Numbers 14:33; Numbers 25:1; Ezek 16; Ezekiel 23:3 , Ezekiel 23:7 , Ezekiel 23:8 , Ezekiel 23:11 , Ezekiel 23:27 , Ezekiel 23:29 , Ezekiel 23:43; Ezekiel 43:7 , Ezekiel 43:9; Hosea 1:2; Hosea 2:4; Hosea 4:11 , Hosea 4:12; Hosea 6:10; Nahum 3:4; Matthew 5:32; Romans 1:26 f; 1 Corinthians 5:1; 1 Corinthians 7:2; 1 Corinthians 10:8; Judges 1:7; Revelation 2:14 , Revelation 2:20 f; Revelation 18:9; Revelation 19:2 .
Figurative: Because of the infidelity to the lifemate and to right living involved in such acts, the practice became symbolical of infidelity to God and His law, and Thus served as a frequent figure of speech for Israel's error and apostasy. See HARLOT .
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Bibliography Information
Orr, James, M.A., D.D. General Editor. Entry for 'Crime; Crimes'. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia. https://www.studylight.org/encyclopedias/eng/isb/c/crime-crimes.html. 1915.
