A famous passage in Matthew 6 refers to Kleptai, meaning them
On the January 13, 2026 episode of Jeopardy, the Final Jeopardy category was New Testament Greek, and the clue challenged contestants to apply linguistic and biblical knowledge: “A famous passage in Matthew 6 refers to Kleptai, meaning them.” This clue pointed contestants toward an often-quoted part of the Sermon on the Mount, highlighting the use of the original Greek language and its implications in biblical translation. Understanding both the passage and the term “Kleptai” was key to arriving at the correct response.
Contents
Who are thieves?
Matthew 6 is part of the Sermon on the Mount, one of the most significant and quoted sections of the New Testament. In this chapter, Jesus offers guidance on righteous living, prayer, fasting, and where to place one’s spiritual focus. Verse 19 states, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.” It is this final part of the verse that contains the Greek word kleptai (κλέπται), translated in English as thieves.
The verse warns against placing value on material possessions, which are vulnerable to loss, decay, and theft. The mention of kleptai underscores the transient nature of earthly goods. The Greek term is the plural form of kleptes (κλέπτης), meaning thief, from which English words like kleptomaniac are derived. This linguistic connection reinforces how foundational Greek terminology is in the shaping of modern vocabulary and biblical understanding.
Greek Origins and Translation Accuracy
The word kleptai appears several times in the New Testament and always in reference to individuals who steal, whether in a literal or metaphorical sense. Translators of the Bible from Greek to English often use “thieves” or “robbers” to convey this concept, depending on the context. In Matthew 6:19, the emphasis is on external forces that can take away worldly possessions, again reinforcing the passage’s core message to store up “treasures in heaven” instead.
Understanding the original Greek term used in a passage allows for a more accurate interpretation of the text. In this case, identifying kleptai as “thieves” helps the reader grasp the intended warning. The verse is not only a caution about material wealth but also a prompt to shift focus toward spiritual richness and security in the divine.
Broader Implications of Kleptai in Scripture
The concept of kleptai extends beyond Matthew 6. In other parts of the New Testament, the term is used to describe those who oppose divine teaching or act with deceit. For example, in John 10:1, Jesus refers to those who do not enter the sheepfold by the gate but climb in another way as “thieves and robbers,” again using kleptai to characterize immoral behavior.
In each case, kleptai symbolize not just criminal activity but spiritual danger. The term has theological weight, warning readers against both literal theft and more abstract threats to faith and integrity. Its consistent use across different gospels strengthens its interpretive value in New Testament literature.
The Role of Language in Understanding Scripture
This Final Jeopardy clue required not only recognition of a biblical verse but also some knowledge of ancient Greek. Such questions illustrate the importance of language in scriptural study. Many words in biblical Greek carry deeper or more nuanced meanings than their English translations can fully convey.
By examining the Greek roots of a passage, readers and scholars can uncover additional layers of meaning. In this instance, understanding kleptai as “thieves” within Matthew 6 brings clarity to Jesus’ message and highlights the precision of the gospel authors in their word choices. It also showcases how Greek continues to influence theological discussion and scriptural education.
