Property(dispute)
/PROP-er-tee/
Summary
Scripture establishes principles regarding property ownership, protection from theft, and fair dealing in disputes.
☩Divine Ownership
The earth is the Lord's; humans are stewards of what belongs to God. Israel's land was distributed by lot as an inheritance from God, with provisions against permanent alienation through the Jubilee. Coveting another's property is forbidden in the tenth commandment.
Key verses:Psalm 24:1Leviticus 25:23Exodus 20:17
☩Property Rights
The law protected property through prohibitions against theft, regulations for restitution, and procedures for settling disputes. Landmarks were not to be moved. Fair weights and measures were required. The prophets condemned those who joined house to house and field to field, dispossessing the poor.
Key verses:Exodus 20:15Exodus 22:1-15Deuteronomy 19:14Isaiah 5:8Micah 2:2
Related Verses35 mentions
See Also
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Property," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. VIII (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).