Burglary
Culture & SocietyWhat is the meaning of Burglary in the Bible?
In the context of biblical law, burglary or theft by breaking in was often treated as a severe crime, sometimes requiring multiple restitution payments (e.g., Exodus 22:1) or punishable by death if the perpetrator broke through a wall (Exodus 22:2).
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding the legal distinction between simple theft and burglary clarifies the severity of property crimes addressed in biblical law and ancient Near Eastern legal codes.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Ancient Cultural Lens: Avoid applying 21st-century Western assumptions to Burglary. Examine how first-century or Near Eastern listeners understood this practice within their daily social dynamics.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Burglary in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Burglary clarify?
Scripture Passages Mentioned:
Exodus 22:1Exodus 22:2
Related Topics
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Burglary." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/burglary/