But if he be found, he shall restore sevenfold; he shall give all the substance of his house.

PROVERBS 6:31KJV
Know the Bible

Proverbs 6:31 (KJV)

What does Proverbs 6:31 mean?

Proverbs 6:31 says that if a thief is caught, he must pay back seven times what he stole, even if it costs him everything he owns. The verse emphasizes the seriousness of making restitution for wrongdoing, showing that the consequences can be very costly.

In the context of Proverbs, this verse is part of a warning against adultery, using the example of a thief to highlight how serious it is to take what does not belong to you. The writer, traditionally understood as Solomon, is speaking to his son or a young listener, explaining that even when someone steals out of need, they are still held fully responsible and must make things right, sometimes at great personal loss.

The Hebrew behind Proverbs 6:31

  • "found" (מָצָא, matsa): This word means to be discovered or caught. The verse assumes the thief does not get away with his crime, highlighting the likelihood of eventual exposure.
  • "restore" (שָׁלַם, shalam): This word means to repay or make whole. It is often used in legal or relational contexts for making restitution, stressing that the wrong must be fully corrected.
  • "sevenfold" (שִׁבְעָתַיִם, shiv'atayim): This means seven times over. In ancient Israel, this was not always a literal number but could mean full or complete repayment, showing the seriousness of the penalty.
  • "substance" (הוֹן, hon): This word refers to wealth or possessions. The verse points out that the thief might have to give up everything he owns to pay back what he took.

Why Proverbs 6:31 matters

  • Proverbs 6:31 clarifies that even desperate actions, like stealing out of hunger, do not remove the responsibility to make things right; the law still requires full restitution.
  • The verse uses the example of a thief to set up a comparison with adultery in the following verses, showing that some wrongs have even greater consequences.
  • Understanding the original words helps reveal that the "sevenfold" repayment is about complete restitution, not just a strict mathematical formula, emphasizing the seriousness of making amends.

Where else these words appear

“sevenfold” Hebrew H7659 · used in 7 verses

  • Genesis 4:15 And the LORD said unto him, Therefore whosoever slayeth Cain, vengeance shall be taken on him sevenfold. And the LORD set a mark upon Cain, lest any finding him should kill him.
  • 2 Samuel 21:9 And he delivered them into the hands of the Gibeonites, and they hanged them in the hill before the LORD: and they fell all seven together, and were put to death in the days of harvest, in the first days, in the beginning of barley harvest.
  • Psalms 79:12 And render unto our neighbours sevenfold into their bosom their reproach, wherewith they have reproached thee, O Lord.

“substance” Hebrew H1952 · used in 26 verses

  • Psalms 44:12 Thou sellest thy people for nought, and dost not increase thy wealth by their price.
  • Proverbs 12:27 The slothful man roasteth not that which he took in hunting: but the substance of a diligent man is precious.
  • Proverbs 28:22 He that hasteth to be rich hath an evil eye, and considereth not that poverty shall come upon him.

“restore” Hebrew H7999 · used in 107 verses

  • Genesis 44:4 And when they were gone out of the city, and not yet far off, Joseph said unto his steward, Up, follow after the men; and when thou dost overtake them, say unto them, Wherefore have ye rewarded evil for good?
  • 1 Kings 9:25 And three times in a year did Solomon offer burnt offerings and peace offerings upon the altar which he built unto the LORD, and he burnt incense upon the altar that was before the LORD. So he finished the house.
  • Proverbs 7:14 I have peace offerings with me; this day have I payed my vows.