1. ληστής “robber, bandit.” Used by the Lord in reference to those who bought and sold in the temple (Matt. 21:13; Mark 11:17; Luke 19:46). In the parable of the Good Samaritan the traveler fell among robbers (Luke 10:30, 36). When the Lord was arrested He asked if they had come out as against a robber (Matt. 26:55; Mark 14:48; Luke 22:52). The two malefactors crucified with the Lord were also men of this character (Matt. 27:38,44; Mark 15:27). The same Greek word is translated “robber” in the AV in John 10:1, 8; John 18:40; and 2 Cor. 11:26.
2. κλέπτης, “thief.” Those who break through and steal secretly (Matt. 6:19-20). This is the word employed in the expression “as a thief in the night,” to which the unexpected coming of the Lord to the world is compared (1 Thess. 5:2,4; 2 Pet. 3:10; Rev. 3:3). It is applied to Judas (John 12:6). The word “thief” in the AV is always this word except in the passages quoted under No. 1.