The word occurs only once in the NT-in the First Epistle to Timothy (1 Timothy 1:10), where the writer includes the term in his list of those for whom the Law is intended. ‘A law is not intended for a righteous man but for the lawless and unruly … for men-stealers (ἀνδραποδισταῖς, plagiariis [Vulg. [Note: Vulgate.] ]).’ That kidnapping was regarded as a serious offence by the Hebrews is clear from the definite statements in Exodus 21:16 (‘and he that stealeth a man … he shall surely be put to death’) and in Deuteronomy 24:7 (‘if a man be found stealing any of his brethren of the children of Israel … then that thief shall die’). By the time of this Epistle, however, the term had less special colour and could describe that subtler form of man-stealing by which one man is made the victim of another’s will and the instrument of his selfishness.
R. Strong.