Jewish Laws of Theft: From Small Items to Large Temptations

Torah law treats theft and craving other people’s property with the utmost seriousness—even in everyday, seemingly minor cases. This guide explains clear halachic rules about respecting others’ property, returning stolen items, and staying far away from dishonesty in both thought and deed.

The Absolute Prohibition on Theft and Robbery

Torah law forbids stealing anything at all, no matter how small. This applies whether the victim is a fellow Jew or a non-Jew. Taking from a non-Jew is equally theft under halachah (Jewish law).

What If People Don’t Mind?

There is a limited allowance for taking something truly insignificant that no one cares about—such as grabbing a disposable coffee stirrer from an open container at a café, clearly meant for customer use.

But even here, it is considered midat chassidut (a pious practice) to avoid taking anything at all without explicit permission.

Just a Prank?

It is forbidden to steal even if you plan to return the item right away—such as hiding a coworker’s pen to tease them. Intending to cause someone even mild annoyance, or doing it for a laugh, does not make it permissible.

Coveting and Craving Someone’s Property

Torah law addresses not only our deeds but also what transpires in our hearts.

Anyone who intensely desires a friend’s house, car, or possessions—items the friend doesn’t wish to sell—and pressures them by repeatedly asking or sending others to persuade them to sell, is violating the commandment lo tachmod (“You shall not covet”), the last of the Ten Commandments.

Mentally plotting how to acquire someone else’s property violates the Torah prohibition of lo titaveh (“You shall not desire”) since desire begins in the heart.

Obligation to Return Stolen Items

A thief has a positive mitzvah (commandment) to return the stolen object itself if it still exists in its original form.

As it says: Veheishiv et hagezeilah asher gazal—“He shall return the stolen item which he stole.” This requirement applies equally to someone who committed burglary.

Stealing from the Public

Someone who steals from the public — like a store owner using a short measure or scale, or a public official who gives illegal tax breaks for friends while raising taxes for others, or someone who charged ribbit (forbidden interest) from people — faces a particularly difficult path to repentance as they cannot make reparations; they simply don’t know whom they stole from.

Such a person should therefore donate to communal funds that benefit everyone, including those they wronged.

However, if they do know the identities of some of the individuals they stole from, they remain obligated to repay them even after donating to communal charities. Doing public good does not absolve them of these specific debts.

Buying from Thieves: Forbidden

One may not buy an item you know was stolen or taken by force, regardless of whether the seller is Jewish or non-Jewish.

Non-Jews are also prohibited from stealing, even from other non-Jews; this is one of the seven Noahide laws that apply to the entire world.

Purchasing stolen goods is a serious sin because it encourages wrongdoing; supporting thieves causes them to continue stealing, since without buyers, they would stop.

It is also forbidden to benefit in any way from stolen items while they remain in the thief’s or robber’s possession.

Accidental Exchanges Must Be Returned

If someone mistakenly receives another person’s item—such as if coats get swapped at a party or event—they may not use it.

When the rightful owner appears, the item must be returned immediately, even if your own item was lost.

Similarly, a laundress who washes for many customers and mistakenly gives a garment to the wrong person must see that it is returned. The customer who received the wrong garment may not wear it and must return it, even if their own clothing was lost.

Closing Reflection

These halachot show that Torah demands total respect for others’ property—down to the smallest detail and even within our private thoughts. Living with such integrity is an essential component of a life of Torah and derech eretz (proper behavior).