A.T. Robertson Commentary


A.T. Robertson Commentary
"Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labor, working with his hands the thing that is good, that he may have whereof to give to him that hath need." — Ephesians 4:28 (ASV)
Steal no more (μηκετ κλεπτετω). Clearly here, cease stealing (present active imperative with μηκετ).
The thing that is good (το αγαθον). "The good thing" opposed to his stealing and "with his hands" (ταις χερσιν, instrumental case) that did the stealing. See 2 Thessalonians 3:10. Even unemployment is no excuse for stealing.
To give (μεταδιδονα). Present active infinitive of μεταδιδωμ, to share with one.