Was theft a capital crime in Biblical times? If not, why were the thieves crucified with Jesus?

Answer 1

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Matt 27:38

At that time two robbers were crucified with Him, one on the right and one on the left. (27:38)

The second group present at the crucifixion was simply composed of the two robbers, who might be described as the knowing wicked. Robbers translates

l¢st¢s

, which denotes a brigand who plunders as he steals. These men were not petty thieves or even common robbers, but cruel bandits who took pleasure in tormenting, abusing, and often killing their victims. It is possible they were associates of Barabbas, who had probably been destined for the middle cross between them before he was released and Jesus took his place. They were not patriots who plundered the Romans to help secure the freedom of their country but hardened criminals whose only loyalty was to themselves. They were as great a threat to their own countrymen as to the Romans.

(from The MacArthur New Testament Commentary, Copyright © Moody Press and John MacArthur, Jr., 1983-2004.)

Answer 2

The Romans only *ever* crucified political prisoners, so that story is simply another falsehood in the Bible.

Answer 3

it was the Roman authority in what is now Israel, they just looked for a reason to show them who`s in charge so yeah a lot of things were capital crimes in far roman provinces.

Answer 4

Id say it depends on who you stole from, like in ancient Babylon you'd lose your "thieving right hand" if you stole form a commoner, but from the king or a noble, you could get executed.

Answer 5

Rome was in charge of Israel at the time, and the Romans could kill you for whatever they felt like. Especially if you weren't a Roman citizen, which people in Israel largely were not.

Answer 6

Horse theft was a capital offense in the American west. It might depend on what you (they) stole.

Answer 7

If you read history you will find that torture and death were the punishment for just about every crime, every where.

Answer 8

They were punished by the ROMAN government by ROMAN laws

Answer 9

No, however, they were severely punished (limbs being cut off).

Source(s): Code of Hamurabi

Answer 10

still the same