Proverbs 6:30 Meaning and Explanation
“Men do not despise a thief, if he steal to satisfy his soul when he is hungry;”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →A hungry thief is despised less than an adulterer because his crime stems from survival need.
The Context of Proverbs 6:30
A comparison is introduced between the theft of a hungry person and the crime of adultery.
What Does Proverbs 6:30 Mean?
If a man steals bread to satisfy his hunger, the theft is still condemned, but there is some comprehension of his motive. His need, though not a justification, provides some explanation. The community may show some leniency toward one who steals from desperation rather than greed.
The proverb is setting up a contrast: even a thief who steals from hunger is more understandable than an adulterer. The thief acts from a basic survival drive; the adulterer acts from lust and desire to violate covenant. This comparison is meant to show the particular heinousness of adultery.
Frequently Asked Questions About Proverbs 6:30
What does Proverbs 6:30 mean?
A hungry thief is despised less than an adulterer because his crime stems from survival need.
What is the context of Proverbs 6:30?
A comparison is introduced between the theft of a hungry person and the crime of adultery.