Topical Bible: Women: Property Rights of To Sell Real Estate

◄ Women: Property Rights of To Sell Real Estate ►

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

Topical Encyclopedia

In the biblical context, the property rights of women, particularly concerning the sale of real estate, are a subject of considerable interest and complexity. The Scriptures provide various instances and laws that shed light on the role and rights of women in property transactions.

Old Testament Context

In ancient Israel, property rights were generally patriarchal, with land inheritance typically passing through male descendants. However, the Bible records specific instances where women were granted rights to own and manage property, including the right to sell.

One notable example is the case of the daughters of Zelophehad, found in the Book of Numbers. Zelophehad, a member of the tribe of Manasseh, died without male heirs. His daughters—Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah—approached Moses and the leaders of Israel to claim their father's inheritance. The Lord instructed Moses to grant their request, establishing a precedent for female inheritance rights in the absence of male heirs. Numbers 27:7 states, "The daughters of Zelophehad speak correctly. You certainly must give them property as an inheritance among their father’s brothers and transfer their father’s inheritance to them."

This case set a legal precedent, as further detailed in Numbers 36, where the daughters were instructed to marry within their father's tribe to ensure that the inheritance remained within the tribe. This law balanced the rights of women to inherit property with the tribal integrity of land ownership.

New Testament Context

The New Testament does not explicitly address the issue of women selling real estate, but it does provide insights into the evolving role of women in society and the early church. Women like Lydia, a seller of purple goods in Philippi, are depicted as having significant economic agency. Acts 16:14 describes Lydia as "a dealer in purple cloth from the city of Thyatira, who was a worshiper of God." Her role as a businesswoman suggests a level of financial independence and authority.

Cultural and Legal Considerations

In biblical times, cultural norms and legal structures often limited women's direct involvement in property transactions. However, the biblical narrative includes instances where women exercised agency and were recognized as legitimate property holders. The laws established in the Old Testament provided a framework for women's rights in specific circumstances, reflecting a balance between cultural norms and divine justice.

Conclusion

The biblical record demonstrates that while the primary framework for property rights was patriarchal, there were provisions and instances where women were granted rights to inherit, own, and potentially sell property. These instances highlight the Bible's nuanced approach to women's rights, acknowledging their role and agency within the cultural and legal context of ancient Israel.

Nave's Topical Index

Ruth 4:3-9
And he said to the kinsman, Naomi, that is come again out of the country of Moab, sells a parcel of land, which was our brother Elimelech's:
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Private Property and the Common Good
... 2. What legalized property rights are antagonistic to Jesus' principles? ... the sting
of sin out of private property? ... money would they breed better men and women? ...
/.../the social principles of jesus/chapter viii private property and.htm

The Women of the Gospel Narrative the Study of the Early Christian ...
... Yet, from the earliest times, the property rights of Israelitish ... unto his brethren."
But tribal rights had to be ... ready faith of the Gospel women is illustrated ...
/.../brittain/women of early christianity/i the women of the.htm

The Christian Home
... the rights of parents as He had of the rights of children ... good things; that they
may teach the young women to be ... grow out of them in regard to property and the ...
/.../sell/studies in the life of the christian/study x the christian home.htm

Men Often Highly Esteem what God Abhors.
... case of one who unjustly used the property of others ... so restrains himself as not
to infringe on others' rights. ... Two women and five children are burnt to ashes ...
/.../finney/sermons on gospel themes/xxi men often highly esteem.htm

Appeal to the Christian Women of the South
... chattel personal," robs him of all his rights as a ... They were mobbed by "the gentlemen
of property and standing ... they would then understand that the women of the ...
/.../an appeal to the christian women of the south/appeal to the christian women.htm

Twenty-Seven Articles Respecting the Reformation of the Christian ...
... a very different rule and order for property; the whole ... bids them talk thus, and
so they sell us the ... humility, not insisting on our authority or our rights! ...
/.../iii twenty-seven articles respecting the.htm

Chaldaean Civilization
... of the native race, such as foundlings, women and children ... old native race; they
could leave legacies, inherit property, claim legal rights, and acquire ...
/.../chapter iiichaldaean civilization.htm

Leadership for Service
... Did he gauge the pull of the property instinct? ... What title, then, did they have to
the rights they claimed ... out of filthy factory towns, wore out women and took ...
/.../the social principles of jesus/chapter vii leadership for service.htm

Moody's Stories
... would be a good thing to ask men and women when they ... or woman giving up what you
call your rights for others ... Many here are ready to sell their present and their ...
//christianbookshelf.org/moody/moodys stories/moodys stories.htm

Conclusion --Repent Ye, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at Hand.
... sobs and cries of the crowd of women grew louder ... which the peasants had planted became
the property of a ... clear that all the other exclusive rights enjoyed by ...
/.../the kingdom of god is within you/chapter xii conclusionrepent ye for.htm