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Unveiling the Word

Understanding Greek words in Biblical studies offers insight into the original meanings and cultural nuances that English translations may not fully capture. The Greek word κλέπτης (kleptēs), which appears for the first time in Matthew 6:19, is particularly significant in this regard. This word, meaning “thief,” is crucial for understanding the moral and ethical teachings of the New Testament, especially in passages that contrast honesty and integrity with deceit and wrongdoing. Additionally, kleptēs connects to ancient Greek cultural perspectives on theft, crime, and moral behavior, providing a deeper layer to the ethical teachings of Scripture.

Necessary Information

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Greek Word: κλέπτης, transliterated as kleptēs [KLEP-tays].

Etymology: The term κλέπτης comes from the Greek verb κλέπτω (kleptō), meaning “to steal” or “to take by stealth.” The root word κλέπτω itself has Indo-European origins, related to the idea of concealment or covering, which ties into the secretive nature of theft.

Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine. As a masculine noun, κλέπτης follows the standard Greek declension patterns for masculine nouns and is generally found in the nominative case when referring to a thief or robber in biblical texts.

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

Defining Meanings

1. Thief (Primary Meaning): κλέπτης primarily means “thief,” referring to someone who takes what does not belong to them, usually in a secretive or deceptive manner. This definition is used consistently throughout the New Testament to depict moral wrongdoing.
2. Deceiver (Secondary Meaning): In a broader sense, κλέπτης can also imply one who deceives or leads astray, not just through stealing material possessions but through falsehoods and treachery. This interpretation ties in with the spiritual and moral teachings of the New Testament.

Exploring Similar Words

1. Λῃστής (lēstēs) [LAY-stace]: This word also means “robber” or “bandit,” but it carries a more violent connotation compared to κλέπτης. While κλέπτης implies stealth and deceit, λῃστής often implies force or open violence.
2. Απατεών (apateōn) [ah-pah-TEH-on]: Meaning “deceiver,” this word is more focused on deception through false teachings or lies rather than physical theft.
3. Πλάνος (planos) [PLAH-nos]: This word means “impostor” or “one who leads astray.” While it shares a sense of deception with κλέπτης, it emphasizes the misleading or trickery aspect more than the act of stealing.

Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Case, Number, Gender:
κλέπτης is a masculine noun that appears in singular form when referring to a single thief. It follows the typical first declension pattern for masculine nouns in Greek.

Declension:
κλέπτης is declined as follows:

For further understanding of Greek declensions and grammar, Click here for a beginners guide to reading Greek.

Studying Lexicon Insights

In New Testament and classical Greek contexts, κλέπτης is used to denote a thief, one who steals in secret or by stealth. Theological implications often contrast kleptēs with righteousness and honesty, highlighting the spiritual dangers of deceit and theft. In biblical texts, it serves as a metaphor for false teachers and those who lead others astray, aligning with the broader biblical theme of moral integrity versus corruption. 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 [κλέπται] break in and steal.” Here, κλέπται (plural form) emphasizes the impermanence of earthly wealth and the vulnerability to theft.
2. John 10:1: “Truly, truly, I say to you, he who does not enter the sheepfold by the door but climbs in by another way, that man is a thief [κλέπτης] and a robber.” This verse uses κλέπτης metaphorically to describe deceitful religious leaders.
3. 1 Thessalonians 5:2: “For you yourselves are fully aware that the day of the Lord will come like a thief [κλέπτης] in the night.” This simile uses κλέπτης to illustrate the unexpected nature of the Lord’s return.

Analyzing Classical Usage

Noteworthy Summary

κλέπτης, meaning “thief,” is a Greek noun that appears multiple times in the New Testament, underscoring the biblical emphasis on moral integrity versus deceit. Understanding κλέπτης enriches biblical interpretation by highlighting the spiritual and ethical consequences of theft and deceit, both in a literal and metaphorical sense.

Did You Know?

1. The word κλέπτης has given rise to the modern English word “kleptomania,” describing a compulsion to steal.
2. In ancient Greek culture, being labeled a κλέπτης was a significant social stigma, reflecting both a legal and moral condemnation.
3. The New Testament’s use of κλέπτης often goes beyond physical theft, extending to false teachings and spiritual deception.