Robbery is one of the forms of stealing prohibited by the eighth commandment. The commandment against stealing covers robbery among other acts of taking what belongs to another without consent. It applies universally, preventing robbery not only by individuals but also by families, communities, institutions, and governments. Human governments commit robbery through various taxes, levies, fees, and tributes that become confiscatory, as well as through eminent domain and sometimes taking private property entirely. The attitude fostering robbery comes from following compromised human nature and satan's influence rather than God's way of give. This leads to the need for extensive security measures in societies to protect possessions from being robbed. Warnings exist to hold fast to spiritual truths so that no one may take one's crown, as spiritual possessions safeguarded by God will never be stolen.

Robbery is one of the methods by which people steal. The FBI categorizes stealing into six broad areas that include robbery. The armed robber steals by violence. White-collar criminals do not make the maintenance of basic human communities difficult or impossible in the same way. The armed robber steals by violence while the banker steals by intrigue. One form is just as much a sin as the other.

Robbery violates the commandment that states everyone shall not steal. This affirms the right to private property as given by God who extends to all the lawful pursuit of ownership. Robbery includes deliberate and accidental damage done to another's property as well as fraudulent retention of it through carelessness or indifference. It covers the acquisition of wealth in business and whether people receive a fair share of the good things of life. Wealth may result not from merit but from rules tilted unlawfully so that the privileged continuously steal from the powerless. Secretive business thievery that takes advantage of the unwary falls under divine notice. False advertising along with unnecessary operations and frivolous litigation constitute robbery. Wealthy employers who take advantage of powerless employees through various forms of robbery face condemnation. The warning caveat emptor has become a common watchword amid cynicism and distrust. One who stole must steal no longer but labor with exertion to the point of exhaustion in order to have something to give to those in need. Stealing runs against the way of life that requires support for the weak and preference for one another in brotherly love. Get-rich-quick schemes along with cutting corners and taking unfair advantage of ignorance destroy the perpetrator and lead to death. Those who resort to violence in order to steal will be caught in the net of their own evil schemes. Work builds prosperity while thievery leads only to despair and death.