Deuteronomy 19:14

KJV

¶ 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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Thou shalt not remove {H5253} thy neighbour's {H7453} landmark {H1366}, which they of old time {H7223} have set {H1379} in thine inheritance {H5159}, which thou shalt inherit {H5157} in the land {H776} that the LORD {H3068} thy God {H430} giveth {H5414} thee to possess {H3423} 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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 19:14 issues a profound prohibition against the removal of established property landmarks, a law foundational to justice, social order, and the sanctity of inherited land in ancient Israel. This command underscores the divine nature of the land as God's gift, emphasizing the importance of integrity, respect for communal boundaries, and the protection of each family's rightful inheritance against fraudulent encroachment. It reflects a broader theological principle that true societal well-being is rooted in righteous dealings and adherence to God-ordained order.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Deuteronomy 19 is situated within the "Deuteronomic Code," a collection of laws (chapters 12-26) delivered by Moses to the new generation of Israelites on the plains of Moab before entering the Promised Land. This chapter specifically addresses judicial matters and the administration of justice. It begins with the establishment of cities of refuge for unintentional manslaughter ([Deuteronomy 19:1-13](/deuteronomy/19-1 "Deuteronomy 19:1-13 - Cities of Refuge")), followed by the law regarding landmarks ([Deuteronomy 19:14](/deuteronomy/19-14 "Deuteronomy 19:14 - Do Not Remove Landmarks")), and then laws concerning false witnesses ([Deuteronomy 19:15-21](/deuteronomy/19-15 "Deuteronomy 19:15-21 - Law of Witnesses")). The placement of the landmark law immediately after provisions for justice highlights its integral role in ensuring fairness and preventing subtle forms of theft and social disruption within the community. It is a practical application of the broader principles of justice and righteousness that permeate the Deuteronomic covenant.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, land was not merely a commodity; it was a divine inheritance, meticulously apportioned by God to each tribe and family, as detailed in books like [Joshua](/joshua/13 "Joshua 13 - Division of Land East of Jordan"). This land provided not only livelihood and sustenance but also identity, social status, and a tangible connection to God's covenant promises. Property boundaries were marked by physical stones or piles of stones, known as "landmarks" (Hebrew: *gevul*). These markers were critically important because, in the absence of modern maps or formal surveys, they constituted the legal and practical definition of land ownership. To surreptitiously move a neighbor's landmark was a subtle, yet profound, act of theft and fraud. It directly encroached upon another's rightful possession, disrupting the established order, potentially impoverishing a family, and undermining the very fabric of the community. The phrase "which they of old time have set" emphasizes the traditional, ancestral, and divinely sanctioned nature of these boundaries, often passed down through generations since the initial division of the land under Joshua.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several major theological and narrative themes within Deuteronomy and the broader Old Testament. Firstly, it is a strong call for **Justice and Integrity**, condemning deceitful practices and advocating for honest dealings within the community, aligning with the spirit of the [Eighth Commandment, "Thou shalt not steal"](/exodus/20-15 "Exodus 20:15 - The Eighth Commandment"). Secondly, it unequivocally establishes and protects **Property Rights**, ensuring that each family could securely possess and benefit from their portion of the land, which was essential for their economic stability and social well-being. Thirdly, by forbidding the removal of "old time" landmarks, the command instills **Respect for Established Order and Tradition**, encouraging adherence to communal agreements and the divinely ordained structure of society. Finally, and perhaps most profoundly, the land is explicitly stated as that "which the LORD thy God giveth thee to possess it." This highlights **God's Provision and Sovereignty**, making a violation of a landmark not merely an offense against a neighbor, but an affront to God's generous provision and established order for His people, underscoring the sacred nature of the land and its boundaries.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Landmark (Hebrew, גְּבוּל, _gevul'_):** This word literally means "boundary," "border," or "territory." In this context, it refers to the physical markers, often stones or piles of stones, that delineated property lines. The emphasis is on the fixed, determined, and established nature of these markers, which defined the limits of one's inheritance and ensured the equitable distribution of land. Its removal was an act of destabilization, erasing a divinely sanctioned and communally recognized boundary.
* **Remove (Hebrew, הַסָּגָה, _hassagah'_):** The verb "remove" (from the root נסג, *nasag*) implies displacing, shifting, or pushing back. It suggests a deliberate, often clandestine, act of altering an established marker. This was not an accidental displacement but a fraudulent act intended to illegally expand one's own territory at the expense of a neighbor, highlighting the deceitful and predatory nature of the transgression.
* **Inheritance (Hebrew, נַחֲלָה, _nachalah'_):** This term is crucial, as it refers to the land received by lot and passed down through generations. It carries significant theological weight, signifying not just property but a divine gift and a covenant blessing. The land was not merely purchased but inherited as a permanent possession, linking each family to God's promises and the very identity of Israel. To remove a landmark was to attack the very foundation of this God-given inheritance.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thou shalt not remove thy neighbour's landmark":** This is a direct, emphatic prohibition, forming the core command of the verse. It immediately establishes the illegality and moral wrongness of altering established property boundaries. The focus is on the "neighbor," highlighting the communal and ethical dimension of the law—it's about protecting the rights and possessions of those within one's community.
* **"which they of old time have set":** This clause emphasizes the long-standing, traditional, and ancestral nature of these boundaries. These were not arbitrary lines but markers established by previous generations, often dating back to the initial division of the land under Joshua. Their ancient establishment imbued them with authority and sanctity, making their removal an act of disrespect for tradition and ancestral rights.
* **"in thine inheritance, which thou shalt inherit in the land that the LORD thy God giveth thee to possess it":** This final, expansive clause provides the profound theological and existential context for the prohibition. It reiterates that the land itself is an "inheritance" (repetition for emphasis) and, crucially, a direct gift from "the LORD thy God." This elevates the offense from a simple property dispute to a violation of God's sovereign provision and established order. To move a landmark was not just to steal from a neighbor but to defy the divine will and undermine the very basis of Israel's existence in the Promised Land.

#### 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 address emphasizes the absolute nature of the law and its non-negotiable status. The verse also utilizes **Repetition** and **Emphasis** through its use of the word "inherit" (נַחֲלָה, *nachalah*) twice 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. Furthermore, the phrase "which they of old time have set" functions as an appeal to **Tradition and Ancestral Authority**, lending weight and legitimacy 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**, grounding the legal command in the divine act of provision and sovereignty, thereby elevating the offense from a mere civil transgression to a direct affront against God's generosity and order.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The prohibition against moving landmarks in Deuteronomy 19:14 extends far beyond a simple property law; it encapsulates fundamental biblical principles of justice, integrity, and respect for God's provision. It is a practical outworking of the Eighth Commandment, "Thou shalt not steal" ([Exodus 20:15](/exodus/20-15 "Exodus 20:15 - The Eighth Commandment")), applying it specifically to the crucial resource of land in an agrarian society. The law underscores that true communal flourishing depends on 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. This principle resonates throughout Scripture, emphasizing the importance of ethical conduct in all spheres of life, recognizing that all possessions are ultimately gifts from God, and therefore, their boundaries should be respected.

* [Proverbs 22:28](/proverbs/22-28 "Proverbs 22:28 - Do Not Remove Ancient Landmarks")
* [Proverbs 23:10](/proverbs/23-10 "Proverbs 23:10 - Do Not Remove Old Landmarks")
* [Deuteronomy 27:17](/deuteronomy/27-17 "Deuteronomy 27:17 - Curse for Moving Landmarks")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the physical act of moving a landmark may seem anachronistic in modern societies with sophisticated land surveys and legal deeds, the underlying principle of Deuteronomy 19:14 remains profoundly relevant and applicable to contemporary life. This verse calls believers to a deep commitment to integrity, honesty, and respect for the legitimate rights and possessions of others in all areas. It challenges us to consider how we might subtly or overtly encroach upon another's "boundaries"—whether these are physical, financial, intellectual, or relational. This includes acting with unwavering honesty in business dealings, avoiding fraud or deception, respecting intellectual property rights, and not taking unfair advantage of others, especially the vulnerable. It also extends to respecting personal space, professional boundaries, and the legitimate spheres of influence or responsibility of others. Ultimately, this command teaches that true prosperity, peace, and stability in any community, whether a family, a church, or a nation, are built upon upholding justice, valuing fair dealing, and honoring the established order that God Himself has ordained for human flourishing.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might we "remove a neighbor's landmark" in our modern context, beyond physical property lines?**
* **How does this command challenge us to practice integrity and honesty in our financial dealings and professional lives?**
* **What does it mean to respect the "boundaries" of others in our relationships, both personal and communal?**
* **How does recognizing God as the ultimate giver of all "inheritance" (material or otherwise) impact our view of stewardship and our treatment of others' possessions?**

### 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 several interconnected reasons, encompassing economic, social, and theological dimensions. Economically, land was the primary means of sustenance and wealth; altering a boundary directly stole from a family, potentially leading to their impoverishment and loss of livelihood. Socially, it undermined the stability and trust within the community, as property lines were the basis of social order and peace. Without reliable boundaries, disputes would proliferate, and the communal fabric would unravel. The phrase "which they of old time have set" ([Deuteronomy 19:14](/deuteronomy/19-14 "Deuteronomy 19:14 - Do Not Remove Landmarks")) highlights that these were not arbitrary lines but established, often ancestral, divisions that ensured equitable distribution and generational inheritance. Theologically, the land itself was viewed as a sacred gift from God, an "inheritance" ([Deuteronomy 19:14](/deuteronomy/19-14 "Deuteronomy 19:14 - Do Not Remove Landmarks")) given to His people as part of the covenant. Therefore, to tamper with a landmark was not merely an act of theft against a neighbor but an affront to God's sovereign provision and His established order for His chosen people. The severity of the offense is underscored by the curse pronounced upon those who commit it in [Deuteronomy 27:17](/deuteronomy/27-17 "Deuteronomy 27:17 - Curse for Moving Landmarks"), indicating divine disapproval and judgment.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Deuteronomy 19:14 directly addresses a specific land law, its underlying principles find profound Christ-centered fulfillment and expansion in the New Testament. Jesus did not abolish the Law but came to fulfill it ([Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law")), revealing its deeper spiritual intent. The prohibition against moving landmarks, which is about respecting property, preventing fraud, and upholding justice, is echoed in Christ's teachings on integrity and love for one's neighbor. Jesus condemned all forms of covetousness and dishonest gain ([Luke 12:15](/luke/12-15 "Luke 12:15 - Beware of Covetousness")), emphasizing that true righteousness extends beyond outward actions to the intentions of the heart ([Matthew 5:21-22](/matthew/5-21 "Matthew 5:21-22 - Anger and Murder")). The Apostle Paul further exhorted believers to "let no one defraud his brother in any matter" ([1 Thessalonians 4:6](/1_thessalonians/4-6 "1 Thessalonians 4:6 - Do Not Defraud Your Brother")), reiterating the importance of ethical dealings. Ultimately, the "inheritance" spoken of in Deuteronomy 19:14, which was earthly land, points forward to the spiritual inheritance believers receive in Christ—not a physical territory, but eternal life, spiritual blessings, and co-heirship with Christ in God's heavenly kingdom ([Ephesians 1:11](/ephesians/1-11 "Ephesians 1:11 - Our Inheritance in Christ"); [Romans 8:17](/romans/8-17 "Romans 8:17 - Heirs with Christ")). In Christ, the boundaries are not merely physical but ethical and spiritual, calling us to live lives of impeccable integrity, respecting the dignity and rights of all people, and seeking justice as a reflection of God's own character, thereby establishing the true "landmarks" of His Kingdom.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Deuteronomy 27:17

Cursed [be] he that removeth his neighbour's landmark. And all the people shall say, Amen.

Proverbs 22:28

¶ Remove not the ancient landmark, which thy fathers have set.

Job 24:2

[Some] remove the landmarks; they violently take away flocks, and feed [thereof].

Proverbs 23:10

¶ Remove not the old landmark; and enter not into the fields of the fatherless:

Hosea 5:10

The princes of Judah were like them that remove the bound: [therefore] I will pour out my wrath upon them like water.