To read this chapter, go here: https://scripturecentral.org/archive/books/book-chapter/thieves-androbbers

In ancient Near Eastern law, there was a big difference between a thief and a robber: thieves were locals dealt with by the courts, while robbers were dangerous outsiders handled militarily, often executed on the spot. This distinction is key in the Book of Mormon, explaining why Lehi's sons were called "robbers" by Laban and why the later Gadianton society was such a threat. Interestingly, Joseph Smith’s use of these terms aligns with ancient legal traditions, not the inconsistent usage in the King James Bible, showing a deeper understanding beyond his time.