Robber; Robbery
Culture & SocietyWhat is the meaning of Robber; Robbery in the Bible?
The Hebrew Bible utilizes terms such as gazal and ganav to describe theft and robbery, while the New Testament employs the Greek word lestes to refer to bandits or insurrectionists, reflecting a spectrum of violent criminality distinct from simple theft.
SIGNIFICANCE
Distinguishing between these specific terms clarifies the severity of the offenses described in biblical narratives and helps readers understand the social and political tensions surrounding law enforcement and justice in the ancient world.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Ancient Cultural Lens: Avoid applying 21st-century Western assumptions to Robber; Robbery. 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 Robber; Robbery in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Robber; Robbery clarify?
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
"Robber; Robbery." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/robber-robbery/