[Greek] κλέπτης (kleptēs), [Latin] fur: thief, robber, one who plunders, one who steals, false teacher; Mt.24:43, Lk. 12:33, Jn. 10:10, 1 Cor.6:10, 1 Thess.5:2,4, 1 Pet.4:15, 2 Pet.3:10, Rev.3:3, Rev.16:15, Jn. 12:6, Mt. 27:64, Mt. 28:13, Mt. 6:19, Jn. 10:8
The klepsydra (water-stealer) was used to record time for speeches in the courts
Background Information:
Greek Hellenism: This term can mean thief, one who acts with subterfuge, one who conceals, one who hides, and one who bewitches. At certain times in history, stealing was sometimes justified or celebrated. The philosophy of Epicureanism, advocating hedonism, justifies stealing as a means to an end. Hermes was celebrated as an ingenious god, using its powers of misdirection, illusions, and mystery. Xenophon and Plato stated that a good general must have the traits of a thief, stealing the enemies’ plans and concealing his troops. Demosthenes makes mention of a klepysdra (water-stealer) in the courtroom. This water clock was used to time depositions.
Old Testament: This term refers to a thief, one who acts with subterfuge and secrecy, and one who steals. Stealing, considered as serious as murder, adultery, and false witness, can involve the following: gold, animals, men, things devoted to God, idols, and genuine words of God. God’s activity can never be compared with that of a thief. Thieving can be associated with use of the night, breaking in by force, unlawful means of entry (windows), self-seeking, secrecy, and violence.
New Testament: This term, meaning thief (one who steals), is primarily presented in a negatives sense (with a few exceptions). The thief is negatively presented as a betrayer, a criminal, one lacking in integrity, one accused, and one who is selfish. The thief is constructively presented as metaphor for watchfulness. Jesus warns the disciples to be watchful and ready for the coming of the Lord. Jesus presents the coming of the Lord as a thief preparing to break into a house. Paul also claims that the day of the Lord will come like a thief at night.
Scripture:
“Give orders, then, that the grave be secured until the third day, lest the disciples come and steal Him and say to the people, ‘He has been raised from the dead.’” Mt. 27:64
The Roman authorities, in their disbelief, thought that the disciples would “steal” Jesus’ body as the means to promote their theology.
“A thief comes only to steal and slaughter and destroy.” Jn. 10:10
A thief seeks to be selfish and to cause disruption.
“Be sure of this: if the master of the house had known the hour when the thief was coming, he would have not let his house be broken into.” Lk. 12:39
One must also be watchful for the coming of the Lord.
Conclusion:
Kleptomania, kleptocrat, furtive
I suppose that it was inevitable that in the Greco-Roman culture, the thief would be both criticized and admired to some extent. In this period, perhaps it is not so surprising that there would be a philosophy (philosophical school of thought) that would embrace such behavior. Used in a constructive context, these qualities can be utilized possibly for good (as in war). It is interesting to note that by the fourth century BC, the orator Demosthenes uses the water clock to record his time. I think we all could imagine the courtroom scene in Athens: when the taking of depositions interrupts his speech, Demosthenes says to the court official, “Stop the Water”!
In the Old Testament culture, being a thief was considered as a serious matter. Deceitful judges, who violates a defendant’s rights, steal the voices (of advocacy) for the defendant. The false prophet seeks to steal or misappropriate the words of the prophet or of God. The thief often sought to steal the shepherd’s sheep. The thief was viewed as selfish and destructive. The thief stands in stark contrast to Jesus’ message of serving and helping others. It is significant that one must be watchful for the Lord as if a thief will come into the night
In current times, the media often portrays the thief in a glamorous manner. “White hat” hackers are the good guys who work to protect systems and people. Sometimes, the government would often hire “gray hat” hackers to hack the real bad “black hat” hackers. Espionage is a topic of importance in current events. Governments are constantly seeking such experts in hacking, stealth, and programming to counter these threats.
A kleptocrat is a govt. leader who steals or squanders this resources from his country. This is a corrupt leader, tyrant, or dictator. Pick a corrupt country. Most likely, you will find a kleptocrat.