Brief Overview of κλέπτω (Strong’s G2813: kleptō)

Unveiling the Word

Understanding Greek words is essential for gaining a deeper insight into Biblical studies, as it allows readers to comprehend the original meanings and nuances that might be lost in translation. The Greek word κλέπτω (kleptō) is particularly significant for understanding moral teachings in the New Testament. Appearing first in Matthew 6:19, κλέπτω means “to steal” and is often used metaphorically to represent deception or spiritual theft. In ancient Greek culture, theft was not only seen as a crime but also carried significant ethical implications, making this word important for understanding both historical and theological contexts.

Necessary Information

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Greek Word: κλέπτω, transliterated as kleptō [KLEP-toh].

Etymology: κλέπτω comes from a Proto-Indo-European root, klep- meaning “to steal” or “to take away secretly.” The term has evolved in Greek culture to represent the act of theft, encompassing both physical stealing and metaphorical deception.

Part of Speech: Verb. As a verb, κλέπτω is commonly used in its active voice form. It follows the typical Greek verb conjugation patterns and is often found in the present or aorist tenses when describing an action of stealing.

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Defining Meanings

1. To Steal (Primary Meaning): The primary meaning of κλέπτω is “to steal” or “to take something unlawfully.” This literal sense is prevalent in the New Testament when describing acts of theft.
2. To Take Secretly (Secondary Meaning): In some contexts, κλέπτω extends to mean “to take secretly” or “to appropriate by stealth,” indicating not just theft but the manner in which it is done—covertly and without detection.

Exploring Similar Words

1. Λῃστεύω (lēsteuō) [LAY-stev-oh]: While κλέπτω focuses on stealthy theft, λῃστεύω implies robbery with violence or force, often referring to a bandit or a plunderer.
2. Φεύγω (pheugō) [FEV-go]: Meaning “to flee” or “to escape,” this word is sometimes used to describe fleeing from consequences after a theft. It differs from κλέπτω as it does not imply the act of stealing itself.
3. Ἀπατάω (apataō) [ah-pah-TA-oh]: Translated as “to deceive,” this term focuses on deception and trickery without necessarily involving theft. It highlights misleading others rather than the physical act of stealing.

Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Tense, Voice, Mood:
κλέπτω is a verb that appears primarily in the present, aorist, and future tenses. It is used in the active voice to indicate the action performed by the subject. The moods it appears in are mainly indicative (stating facts) and imperative (giving commands).

Person and Number:
κλέπτω can be conjugated in various persons and numbers. Examples include:

• 1st Person Singular Present: κλέπτω – “I steal.”
• 2nd Person Singular Imperfect: ἔκλεπτες – “You were stealing.”
• 3rd Person Plural Aorist: ἔκλεψαν – “They stole.”

Aspect:
Greek verbs have different aspects: imperfective (ongoing action), perfective (completed action), and stative (a state of being). κλέπτω is often used in imperfective (ongoing or habitual action) and perfective (completed action).

For more detailed guidance on Greek verb conjugation, Click here for a beginners guide to reading Greek.

Studying Lexicon Insights

In various lexicons, κλέπτω is consistently used to denote stealing or taking something unlawfully. The word is often associated with moral and spiritual implications, especially in the New Testament, where it highlights the contrast between righteousness and sin. It has a metaphorical extension in theological discussions, symbolizing not only physical theft but also spiritual deception or taking away what belongs to God. Classical usage also reflects this moral dimension, often condemning theft as both a societal crime and a personal moral failing. This overview synthesizes insights from BDAG, Thayer’s, LSJ, Vine’s, Strong’s, LEH, and Moulton and Milligan.

Tracing Related Scriptures

1. Matthew 6:19: “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves [κλέπτουσιν] break in and steal.” This passage uses κλέπτουσιν to emphasize the futility of earthly wealth, which can be stolen or destroyed.
2. John 12:6: “He said this, not because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief [κλέπτης], and having charge of the moneybag he used to help himself to what was put into it.” The root verb κλέπτω underpins the characterization of Judas Iscariot as a thief.
3. Matthew 24:43: “But know this, that if the master of the house had known in what part of the night the thief [κλέπτης] was coming, he would have stayed awake.” The idea here extends κλέπτω to signify vigilance against both physical and spiritual threats.

Analyzing Classical Usage

Noteworthy Summary

κλέπτω is a significant verb in both biblical and classical Greek literature, embodying not only the physical act of stealing but also the moral and spiritual implications associated with theft. Understanding its usage across different contexts enriches one’s comprehension of biblical teachings on ethics and morality.

Did You Know?

1. The English word “kleptomania” derives from κλέπτω, meaning an uncontrollable urge to steal.
2. In classical Greek philosophy, κλέπτω is often discussed in the context of justice and ethical behavior.
3. The word κλέπτω appears more than ten times in the New Testament, often emphasizing the moral and spiritual implications of theft.