TRV
Translation
King James Version
¶ Thou shalt not remove thy neighbour's landmark, which they of old time have set in thine inheritance, which thou shalt inherit in the land that the LORD thy God giveth thee to possess it.
Complete Jewish Bible
"You are not to move your neighbor's boundary marker from the place where people put it long ago, in the inheritance soon to be yours in the land ADONAI your God is giving you to possess.
Berean Standard Bible
You must not move your neighbor’s boundary marker, which was set up by your ancestors to mark the inheritance you shall receive in the land that the LORD your God is giving you to possess.
American Standard Version
Thou shalt not remove thy neighbor’s landmark, which they of old time have set, in thine inheritance which thou shalt inherit, in the land that Jehovah thy God giveth thee to possess it.
World English Bible Messianic
You shall not remove your neighbor’s landmark, which they of old time have set, in your inheritance which you shall inherit, in the land that the LORD your God gives you to possess.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Thou shalt not remooue thy neighbours marke, which they of olde time haue set in thine inheritance, that thou shalt inherite in the lande, which ye Lord thy God giueth thee to possesse it.
Young's Literal Translation
`Thou dost not remove a border of thy neighbour, which they of former times have made, in thine inheritance, which thou dost inherit in the land which Jehovah thy God is giving to thee to possess it.
In the KJVVerse 5,421 of 31,102
Study This Verse
Commentary on Deuteronomy 19 verses 14–21
14 ¶ Thou shalt not remove thy neighbour's landmark, which they of old time have set in thine inheritance, which thou shalt inherit in the land that the LORD thy God giveth thee to possess it.
15 One witness shall not rise up against a man for any iniquity, or for any sin, in any sin that he sinneth: at the mouth of two witnesses, or at the mouth of three witnesses, shall the matter be established.
16 If a false witness rise up against any man to testify against him that which is wrong;
17 Then both the men, between whom the controversy is, shall stand before the LORD, before the priests and the judges, which shall be in those days;
18 And the judges shall make diligent inquisition: and, behold, if the witness be a false witness, and hath testified falsely against his brother;
19 Then shall ye do unto him, as he had thought to have done unto his brother: so shalt thou put the evil away from among you.
20 And those which remain shall hear, and fear, and shall henceforth commit no more any such evil among you.
21 And thine eye shall not pity; but life shall go for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot.
Here is a statute for the preventing of frauds and perjuries; for the divine law takes care of men's rights and properties, and has made a hedge about them. Such a friend is it to human society and men's civil interest.
I. A law against frauds, Deu 19:14. 1. Here is an implicit direction given to the first planters of Canaan to fix land-marks, according to the distribution of the land to the several tribes and families by lot. Note, It is the will of God that every one should know his own, and that all good means should be used to prevent encroachments and the doing and suffering of wrong. When right is settled, care must be taken that it be not afterwards unsettled, and that, if possible, no occasion of dispute may arise. 2. An express law to posterity not to remove those land-marks which were thus fixed at first, by which a man secretly got that to himself which was his neighbour's. This, without doubt, is a moral precept, and still binding, and to us it forbids, (1.) The invading of any man's right, and taking to ourselves that which is not our own, by any fraudulent arts or practices, as by forging, concealing, destroying, or altering deeds and writings (which are our land-marks, to which appeals are made), or by shifting hedges, meer-stones, and boundaries. Though the land-marks were set by the hand of man, yet he was a thief and a robber by the law of God that removed them. Let every man be content with his own lot, and just to his neighbours, and then we shall have no land-marks removed. (2.) It forbids the sowing of discord among neighbours, and doing any thing to occasion strife and law-suits, which is done (and it is very ill done) by confounding those things which should determine disputes and decide controversies. And, (3.) It forbids breaking in upon the settled order and constitution of civil government, and the altering of ancient usages without just cause. This law supports the honour of prescriptions. Consuetudo facit jus - Custom is to be held as law.
II. A law against perjuries, which enacts two things: - 1. That a single witness should never be admitted to give evidence in a criminal cause, so as that sentence should be passed upon his testimony, Deu 19:15. This law we had before, Num 35:30, and in this book, Deu 17:6. This was enacted in favour to the prisoner, whose life and honour should not lie at the mercy of a particular person that had a pique against him, and for caution to the accuser not to say that which he could not corroborate by the testimony of another. It is a just shame which this law puts upon mankind as false and not to be trusted; every man is by it suspected: and it is the honour of God's grace that the record he has given concerning his Son is confirmed both in heaven and in earth by three witnesses, Jo1 5:7. Let God be true and every man a liar, Rom 3:4. 2. That a false witness should incur the same punishment which was to have been inflicted upon the person he accused. If two, or three, or many witnesses, concurred in a false testimony, they were all liable to be prosecuted upon this law. (2.) The person wronged or brought into peril by the false testimony is supposed to be the appellant, Deu 19:17. And yet if the person were put to death upon the evidence, and afterwards it appeared to be false, any other person, or the judges themselves, ex officio - by virtue of their office, might call the false witness to account. (3.) Causes of this kind, having more than ordinary difficulty in them, were to be brought before the supreme court, The priests and judges, who are said to be before the Lord, because, as other judges sat in the gates of their cities, so these at the gate of the sanctuary, Deu 17:12. (4.) There must be great care in the trial, Deu 19:18. A diligent inquisition must be made into the characters of the persons, and all the circumstances of the case, which must be compared, that the truth might be found out, which, where it is thus faithfully and impartially enquired into, Providence, it may be hoped, will particularly advance the discovery of. (5.) If it appeared that a man had knowingly and maliciously borne false witness against his neighbour, though the mischief he designed him thereby was not effected, he must undergo the same penalty which his evidence would have brought his neighbour under, Deu 19:19. Nec lex est justior ulla - Nor could any law be more just. If the crime he accused his neighbour of was to be punished with death, the false witness must be put to death; if with stripes, he must be beaten; if with a pecuniary mulct, he was to be fined the sum. And because to those who considered not the heinousness of the crime, and the necessity of making this provision against it, it might seem hard to punish a man so severely for a few words' speaking, especially when no mischief did actually follow, it is added: Thy eye shall not pity, Deu 19:21. No man needs to be more merciful than God. The benefit that will accrue to the public from this severity will abundantly recompense it: Those that remain shall hear and fear, Deu 19:20. Such exemplary punishments will be warnings to others not to attempt any such mischief, when they see how he that made the pit and digged it has fallen into the ditch which he made.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 14–21. Public domain.
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Ambrose of MilanAD 397
On Jacob and the Blessed Life
But on the contrary, if your eye has looked upon a woman to covet her, you have opened a wound, you have driven a weapon into your body. Your very members become tools of sin. If you look upon the property of orphans and drive them from the dwellings of their fathers, you are changing the landmarks that your forefathers set. Your members are tools of iniquity. And so the passions are the author of guilt and not the flesh, for the flesh is the servant of the will.
Ambrose of MilanAD 397
Letters 1-10
Enjoin them too (as I have borrowed a figure from agriculture) to preserve inviolate the laws of common boundary, and to guard those paternal landmarks which the law protects. The affection of a neighbour often exceeds the love of a brother, for the one is often afar off, the other nigh at hand; the witness of your whole life, and judge of your conduct.
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 19:14 presents a vital prohibition against the illicit alteration of established property boundaries, a law fundamental to the maintenance of justice, social cohesion, and the sanctity of inherited land in ancient Israel. This command profoundly underscores the divine origin of the land as God's gracious gift, emphasizing the imperative of integrity, unwavering respect for communal boundaries, and the steadfast protection of each family's rightful inheritance against any form of fraudulent encroachment. It serves as a powerful testament to the broader theological principle that true societal well-being and flourishing are inextricably linked to righteous dealings and unwavering adherence to God-ordained order.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: Deuteronomy 19 is strategically positioned within the larger framework of the Deuteronomic Code (chapters 12-26), a comprehensive collection of covenant laws and stipulations delivered by Moses to the second generation of Israelites on the plains of Moab, just prior to their entry into the Promised Land. This particular chapter focuses on the administration of justice and the protection of life and property. It commences with the detailed regulations concerning the establishment and function of cities of refuge, designed to provide sanctuary for those who commit unintentional manslaughter. Immediately following this, the law regarding landmarks is introduced in Deuteronomy 19:14, which then transitions into laws addressing false witnesses and legal integrity in Deuteronomy 19:15-21. The deliberate placement of the landmark law within this judicial section highlights its critical role in ensuring fairness, preventing subtle forms of theft, and maintaining social stability. It is a tangible application of the overarching principles of justice, equity, and righteousness that are central to the Deuteronomic covenant and the very foundation of Israelite society.
Historical & Cultural Context: In ancient Israel, land was far more than a mere economic asset; it was a sacred, divinely apportioned inheritance, meticulously distributed to each tribe and family following the conquest of Canaan, as meticulously recorded in the book of Joshua. This land provided not only the means of livelihood and sustenance but also served as the bedrock of identity, social status, and a tangible, enduring connection to God's covenant promises. Property boundaries were physically delineated by "landmarks" (Hebrew: gevul), typically large stones, stone piles, or natural features. These markers were of paramount importance because, in an era devoid of modern surveying techniques or formalized deeds, they constituted the sole legal and practical definition of land ownership. To surreptitiously move a neighbor's landmark was a covert yet profoundly destructive act of theft and fraud. It directly encroached upon another's rightful possession, disrupting the established social order, potentially leading to the impoverishment of a family, and ultimately undermining the very fabric of the community. The phrase "which they of old time have set" underscores the traditional, ancestral, and divinely sanctioned nature of these boundaries, often dating back to the initial, authoritative division of the land under Joshua's leadership.
Key Themes: This verse significantly contributes to and reinforces several major theological and narrative themes prevalent throughout Deuteronomy and the broader Old Testament. Firstly, it serves as a powerful injunction for Justice and Integrity, unequivocally condemning deceitful practices and advocating for honest, transparent dealings within the community, thereby aligning perfectly with the spirit and intent of the Eighth Commandment, "You shall not steal". Secondly, it emphatically establishes and rigorously protects Property Rights, ensuring that each family could securely possess, cultivate, and benefit from their divinely allotted portion of the land, which was absolutely essential for their economic stability, social well-being, and generational continuity. Thirdly, by explicitly forbidding the removal of "old time" landmarks, the command instills and reinforces Respect for Established Order and Tradition, fostering adherence to communal agreements, ancestral wisdom, and the divinely ordained structure of Israelite society. Finally, and perhaps most profoundly, the land is explicitly described as that "which the LORD thy God giveth thee to possess it." This highlights God's Provision and Sovereignty over the land, transforming a violation of a landmark from a mere offense against a neighbor into a direct affront to God's generous provision, His covenant faithfulness, and His established order for His people, thereby underscoring the sacred nature of the land and its inviolable boundaries.
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 19:14 primarily employs Prohibition as its central literary device, directly commanding against a specific action ("Thou shalt not remove"). This direct, legalistic address emphasizes the absolute nature of the law and its non-negotiable status within the covenant. The verse also utilizes powerful Repetition and Emphasis through its repeated use of the concept of "inheritance" (Hebrew: נַחֲלָה, nachălâh) in the latter part of the verse ("in thine inheritance, which thou shalt inherit"). This repetition underscores the profound significance of the land as a generational, God-given possession, highlighting its sacred and permanent nature. Furthermore, the phrase "which they of old time have set" functions as a compelling appeal to Tradition and Ancestral Authority, lending historical weight, legitimacy, and a sense of inviolability to the established boundaries. Finally, the concluding phrase, "the land that the LORD thy God giveth thee to possess it," serves as a powerful theological Justification and Motivation, grounding the legal command in the divine act of provision and sovereignty. This elevates the offense from a mere civil transgression to a direct affront against God's generosity, His established order, and His covenant purposes for His people.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The prohibition against moving landmarks in Deuteronomy 19:14 transcends the scope of a simple property law; it encapsulates fundamental biblical principles of justice, integrity, and profound respect for God's sovereign provision. It serves as a practical, agrarian-society specific outworking of the Eighth Commandment, "You shall not steal", applying it directly to the crucial resource of land. This law underscores that genuine communal flourishing and stability are utterly dependent upon honest dealings and the secure possession of one's rightful inheritance. To violate a landmark was to commit a subtle but devastating act of fraud, disrupting the divinely ordained social and economic order, and potentially leading to the impoverishment of a family. This principle resonates throughout the entirety of Scripture, consistently emphasizing the paramount importance of ethical conduct in all spheres of life, recognizing that all possessions are ultimately gifts from God, and therefore, their established boundaries and ownership should be scrupulously respected.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the physical act of moving a landmark may appear anachronistic in contemporary societies, which benefit from sophisticated land surveys, legal deeds, and digital mapping, the foundational principle embedded within Deuteronomy 19:14 remains profoundly relevant and universally applicable to modern life. This verse issues a timeless call to believers for an unwavering commitment to integrity, honesty, and a deep respect for the legitimate rights and possessions of others in all areas of existence. It challenges us to critically examine how we might subtly or overtly encroach upon another's "boundaries"—whether these are physical, financial, intellectual, emotional, or relational. This includes acting with impeccable honesty in all business dealings, scrupulously avoiding fraud or deception, respecting intellectual property rights, and refraining from taking unfair advantage of others, particularly those who are vulnerable or disadvantaged. Furthermore, its application extends to respecting personal space, professional boundaries, and the legitimate spheres of influence or responsibility of others. Ultimately, this divine command teaches us that true prosperity, profound peace, and enduring stability within any community—be it a family, a church, a business, or a nation—are meticulously built upon upholding justice, valuing fair dealing, and honoring the established order that God Himself has ordained for the flourishing of humanity.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why was moving a landmark considered such a serious offense in ancient Israel?
Answer: Moving a landmark was considered a grave offense in ancient Israel for a confluence of interconnected reasons, encompassing profound economic, social, and theological dimensions. Economically, land was the fundamental source of sustenance, wealth, and generational security in an agrarian society; altering a boundary directly constituted theft from a family, potentially leading to their impoverishment, loss of livelihood, and even destitution. Socially, it catastrophically undermined the stability, trust, and peace within the community, as precisely defined property lines formed the very basis of social order and prevented endless disputes. Without reliable and respected boundaries, conflict would proliferate, and the communal fabric would inevitably unravel. The phrase "which they of old time have set" (Deuteronomy 19:14) highlights that these were not arbitrary lines but established, often ancestral, divisions that ensured equitable distribution and protected generational inheritance. Theologically, the land itself was viewed as a sacred, covenantal gift from God, an "inheritance" (Deuteronomy 19:14) graciously given to His people as an integral part of His covenant promises. Therefore, to tamper with a landmark was not merely an act of theft against a neighbor but a direct affront to God's sovereign provision, His established order, and His faithfulness to His chosen people. The extreme severity of the offense is powerfully underscored by the solemn curse pronounced upon those who commit it in Deuteronomy 27:17, indicating divine disapproval, judgment, and the profound disruption it caused to God's intended order.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Deuteronomy 19:14 directly addresses a specific land law pertinent to ancient Israel, its underlying principles find profound Christ-centered fulfillment and expansive application within the New Testament. Jesus Christ did not come to abolish the Law but to fulfill it (Matthew 5:17), revealing its deeper spiritual intent and moral essence. The prohibition against moving landmarks, which fundamentally concerns respecting property, preventing fraud, and upholding justice, is powerfully echoed and elevated in Christ's teachings on integrity, love for one's neighbor, and the purity of the heart. Jesus consistently condemned all forms of covetousness, dishonest gain, and exploitation (Luke 12:15), emphasizing that true righteousness extends far beyond mere outward actions to encompass the very intentions and desires of the heart (Matthew 5:21-22). The Apostle Paul further exhorted believers to "let no one defraud his brother in any matter" (1 Thessalonians 4:6), unequivocally reiterating the paramount importance of ethical dealings and mutual respect within the community of faith. Ultimately, the "inheritance" spoken of in Deuteronomy 19:14, which was a tangible, earthly land, points forward to the infinitely greater spiritual inheritance believers receive in Christ—not a physical territory, but eternal life, boundless spiritual blessings, and co-heirship with Christ in God's heavenly kingdom (Ephesians 1:11; Romans 8:17). In Christ, the boundaries are not merely physical but ethical, relational, and spiritual, calling us to live lives of impeccable integrity, to respect the inherent dignity and legitimate rights of all people, and to passionately seek justice as a profound reflection of God's own righteous character, thereby establishing the true, eternal "landmarks" of His Kingdom.