Unveiling the Word

Understanding Greek words is essential for deepening our grasp of Biblical texts, as they often reveal nuanced meanings and contexts lost in translation. The word κλοπή (klopē) is particularly significant in Biblical studies because it directly relates to themes of sin, morality, and human behavior. Found first in Matthew 15:19, κλοπή is translated as “theft” or “stealing.” It provides insights into not only the moral teachings of the New Testament but also the socio-cultural context of ancient Greek and early Christian societies, where theft was considered a severe violation of both civil and divine law.

Necessary Information

Greek Word: κλοπή, transliterated as klopē [kloh-PAY].

Etymology: The word κλοπή comes from the root verb κλέπτω (kleptō), meaning “to steal.” This root word is also the origin of several related terms in both Greek and English, such as “kleptomania,” referring to an uncontrollable desire to steal.

Part of Speech: Noun, feminine. As a noun, κλοπή follows the first declension pattern in Greek, which affects how it is inflected based on case (nominative, genitive, dative, accusative), number (singular, plural), and gender (feminine).

The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Defining Meanings

1. Theft or Stealing: The primary meaning of κλοπή is “theft” or “stealing.” It is used to describe the act of taking something that does not belong to oneself without permission or legal right, typically in secret.
2. Figurative Sense of Deception: In a broader, more figurative sense, κλοπή can imply deception or trickery, suggesting a hidden or sneaky action that defrauds or deprives someone of what is rightfully theirs.

Exploring Similar Words

1. Λῃστεία (lēsteia) [lay-STAY-ah]: Refers to “robbery” or “plundering,” which involves theft with violence or force, distinguishing it from κλοπή, which implies a more secretive form of theft.
2. Αἰσχροκερδεία (aischrokerdeia) [ais-kroh-ker-DAY-ah]: Means “greed” or “shameful gain,” often linked to theft but specifically referring to illicit or morally reprehensible methods of obtaining wealth, differing from the straightforward act of κλοπή.
3. Δολιότης (doliotēs) [doh-lee-OH-tehs]: Refers to “deceit” or “craftiness.” While it shares the element of trickery with κλοπή, δολιότης is more focused on general deception rather than the specific act of theft.

Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Case, Number, Gender:
κλοπή is a feminine noun of the first declension. Below is the declension table for κλοπή:

Declension Class:
Following the first declension pattern, the noun κλοπή changes its ending based on its grammatical case, which determines its role in a sentence—such as the subject, direct object, or possession.

For more information on Greek grammar, Click here for a beginners guide to reading Greek.

Studying Lexicon Insights

The word κλοπή, as examined in various lexicons, underscores the severity of theft within both the New Testament and classical Greek contexts. In the New Testament, theft is often listed among other moral failings that corrupt a person, as seen in Matthew 15:19 and Mark 7:21. Theological implications suggest that theft, like other sins, originates from a corrupt heart rather than merely being an external action. In classical Greek literature, κλοπή could also imply dishonorable actions in various contexts, from everyday life to military tactics. The word’s use reflects its ethical and legal significance across different periods. This overview synthesizes insights from BDAG, Thayer’s, LSJ, Vine’s, Strong’s, LEH, and Moulton and Milligan.

Tracing Related Scriptures

1. Matthew 15:19: “For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts [κλοπαί], false witness, slanders.”
2. Mark 7:21: “For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, thefts [κλοπαί].”

Analyzing Classical Usage

Noteworthy Summary

The Greek word κλοπή, meaning “theft” or “stealing,” plays a vital role in understanding moral and ethical teachings in the New Testament. Its usage underscores the deeper spiritual significance of theft, beyond mere physical acts, emphasizing its origin in the human heart. Classical literature also reflects its moral implications, offering a broader cultural understanding of the concept of theft and deception.

Did You Know?

1. κλοπή is not limited to describing physical theft but can also metaphorically refer to spiritual or moral corruption.
2. The word κλοπή appears in various Greek writings, showing that theft was universally condemned in ancient cultures.
3. In ancient Greek law, theft was considered a severe crime, often punishable by heavy fines or even death, depending on the circumstances.