Topical Bible: Property in Real Estate

Bible > Topical > Property in Real Estate

◄ Property in Real Estate ►

Jump to: Nave's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

In the biblical context, property and real estate hold significant theological and practical importance. The concept of land ownership and stewardship is deeply rooted in the Scriptures, reflecting both divine provision and human responsibility.

Divine Ownership and Stewardship

The Bible begins with the assertion of God's ultimate ownership of the earth. Psalm 24:1 declares, "The earth is the LORD’s, and the fullness thereof, the world and all who dwell therein." This foundational truth establishes that all land and property ultimately belong to God, and humans are stewards of His creation. This stewardship is first seen in Genesis 1:28, where God commands Adam and Eve to "fill the earth and subdue it," indicating a responsibility to manage and care for the land.

Inheritance and Promised Land

The concept of land as an inheritance is central to the Old Testament narrative. God’s promise to Abraham includes the gift of land, as seen in Genesis 12:7 : "The LORD appeared to Abram and said, 'To your offspring I will give this land.'" This promise is reiterated throughout the patriarchal narratives and becomes a central theme in the history of Israel. The land of Canaan is described as a divine inheritance for the Israelites, a place where they are to live in accordance with God’s laws.

The distribution of land among the tribes of Israel, as detailed in the book of Joshua, underscores the importance of land as a tangible sign of God’s covenant. Each tribe received a specific portion, emphasizing both the communal and familial aspects of property ownership.

Jubilee and Land Restitution

The Year of Jubilee, described in Leviticus 25, presents a unique biblical perspective on property and real estate. Every fiftieth year, land was to be returned to its original owners, and debts were to be forgiven. Leviticus 25:23 states, "The land must not be sold permanently, because it is Mine, and you are but foreigners and sojourners with Me." This regulation served as a reminder of God’s ultimate ownership and ensured that economic disparities did not become permanent within the community.

Wisdom Literature and Property

The wisdom literature of the Bible also addresses the theme of property. Proverbs frequently speaks to the virtues and vices associated with land and wealth. Proverbs 13:22 notes, "A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children, but the sinner’s wealth is passed to the righteous." This highlights the importance of prudent management and the moral implications of property ownership.

New Testament Perspectives

In the New Testament, the focus shifts from physical land to spiritual inheritance. Jesus’ teachings often use land and property as metaphors for spiritual truths. In the parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14-30), Jesus emphasizes faithful stewardship, illustrating that how one manages earthly resources reflects their faithfulness to God.

The early church in Acts also provides insight into communal property practices. Acts 4:32 describes the believers as being "one in heart and soul. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they owned." This communal approach was voluntary and reflected the unity and generosity of the early Christian community.

Conclusion

Throughout the Bible, property and real estate are seen as gifts from God, entrusted to humanity for stewardship and care. The biblical narrative encourages responsible management, equitable distribution, and a recognition of God’s ultimate ownership, providing a framework for understanding property in a way that honors divine principles.

Nave's Topical Index

Genesis 23:17,18
And the field of Ephron which was in Machpelah, which was before Mamre, the field, and the cave which was therein, and all the trees that were in the field, that were in all the borders round about, were made sure
Nave's Topical Index

Genesis 26:20
And the herdsmen of Gerar did strive with Isaac's herdsmen, saying, The water is ours: and he called the name of the well Esek; because they strove with him.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Communion of Goods.
... carrying out of the idea that we are but stewards of the Lord Jesus Christ, who
is the only Proprietor of all men's personal property and real estate. ...
/.../kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/xxvi the communion of goods.htm

Thou Shalt not Covet Thy Neighbor's House. Thou Shalt not Covet ...
... examples), when people quarrel and wrangle about a large inheritance, real estate,
etc., they ... law must favor their side, and they keep the property with such ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/luther/the large catechism/thou shalt not covet thy.htm

The First victory for Dissent
... were instructed to demonstrate how well the colonial division of property had worked,
and that under the English division, where all real estate went to the ...
/.../chapter viii the first victory.htm

An Advance Step in the Royal Programme
... There is found an allusion to a simple primitive custom of the Hebrew people in
the exchange of real estate and in taking possession of property to which one ...
/.../quiet talks on the crowned christ of revelation/v an advance step in the.htm

The Neighbor Colonies to virginia-Maryland and the Carolinas.
... Indian chiefs, which they affected to hold as the property of their ... by cargoes of
emigrants shipped on speculation by the great real-estate "operators" who had ...
/.../bacon/a history of american christianity/chapter vi the neighbor colonies.htm

The Meeting Between Ambrose and Augustin
... for the revenue the sums granted for the exercise of religion; seized the property
of the temples; and forbade the priests to receive bequests of real estate. ...
/.../bertrand/saint augustin/iii the meeting between ambrose.htm

Private Property and the Common Good
... The tenant farmers of a great estate paid their rent in ... to cut loose and find the
real life, eternal ... Evidently the dangers connected with property were much in ...
/.../the social principles of jesus/chapter viii private property and.htm

An Account of the General Conference of 1796
... sell, convey, or otherwise dispose of any part or parcel of the estate, real or
personal ... and consent, and specifying the kind and amount of the property to be ...
/.../chapter 2 an account of.htm

Making Haste to be Rich.
... business with a capital of ten thousand dollars, the joint property of himself and ...
pretty freely on individual credit, and also freely on real estate and other ...
//christianbookshelf.org/arthur/words for the wise/making haste to be rich.htm

Disestablishment
... when their incomes were ceasing, and their homes and property were laid ... and their
allies demanded its extension from householders haying real estate rated at ...
/.../chapter xv disestablishment.htm